I have a bunch of PT's, both spinning and casting models. I have a bunch of Daiwa reels, both spinning and casting. I also have some Shimano reels, both spinning and casting. The only thing I'll say is they all can, and do  make a clunker from time to time. And, they all make very good reels. If you buy on the low end of the price scale, you're gonna get what you pay for.

Out of all the reels I have, the ones I use the most are the Energy PT and Daiwa Millionaire casting reels and the Daiwa Capricorn spinning reels. If my wife had not decided that the PT spinning reels were "hers", I'd probably be using them instead of the Daiwa's.

The Quantum PT reels, both spinning and casting models, are very good values.

Cheers,

GK

Quantums are heavy pieces of junk...  Shimano reels on kistler rods all the way.

Blade,

Saying they are heavy pieces of junk really doesn't explain why Quantums aren't as popular as people giving past bad experiences.

As far as them being heavy check the specs. Except for the 100 series the Curados which are popular here are actually.2oz heaver than the Energy series. Actually if you want to look at the Citica again the Quantum is lighter.

I'm not defending Quantum because I like the Shimanos I have and have had but I'm just looking to see why they aren't as popular.

bassdocktor

I own 8 Quantum Accursits, various models, always have been reliable for me.

I'd speculate that Quantum's bad rap stems form their efforts to cover the entire market spectrum. They produce reels at all price points. The low end reels are made for the occasional fisherman, who doesn't see the need for expensive gear when he only fishes once or twice a year. They're also for kid's toys. I suspect that the people who claim Quantum makes junk had one of these low end reels once upon a time, treated it like it deserved, and got what they paid for. Some may also have had one those dreadful Hypercast spinning reels. Who knows. I'd hazard a guess that the folks who do most of the bad-mouthing haven't actually used one of the PT series reels. The Energy PT baitcaster compares quite favorably with the Daiwa Zillion and the Chronarch. If they were all the same price, I'd probably go for the Daiwa. But they're not. The PT is quite a bit less.

This is such a subjective topic, I'm about to agree with ReelMech, and stop responding to these things.

Cheers,

GK

I think they've made some marketing snafu's. The "hot sauce" thing makes me think they are more interested in making money off of oil than a good fishing reel.

The alignment of Zebco is a major mistake in my opinion. Fisherman ( bass ones in particular ) are a very proud bunch of their equipment. Thinking they "might" be fishing with a Zebco is a big no no even if the product was a good one.

All that said my first and only baitcaster is a Quantum Mantra,  has held up very well and has been great for me to learn on. I paid $80 for it several years ago and almost wish some would come up cheap on e-bay to sneak a good buy.

I am like one of the other posters though and like to try other brands in my price-range to compare ( within reason ).

About 14 years ago I bought two cheap 40 dollar spinning reels. One was a quantum and one was a shimano. The quantum barely lasted two years and the shimano still works to this day. Which reel would you buy?. I figure if shimanos cheap reels are built better why wouldn't thier more expensive reels be better.

I have nothing against people who like quantum, but honestly which reel would you buy.

- this is additional information for my previous post, I am not trying to pile on the bashing of quantum.

I see that many of the people who have qualms with quantum reels have tried them about 14-15 years ago.  At least that is what I have read here.  Honestly for me, 15 years is a long time and from that time a lot of changes can happen.  But I can also understand how people wouldnt want to be burned 2x by the same company.  But a lot of changes can be made in a decade and a half I would think.

Vic

I have always used Shimano, until about 5 years ago I bought an Okuma. I have picked up an accurist and some other Quantums and they just feel cheaper. The colors look awesome but I think that quality wise Shimano is better. As far as Okuma, I now own three of their reels and honestly, they give Shimano a run for their money. Shimano #1 Okuma #2

The Chrysler 300 looks real nice, but I would buy an Altima for whats under the hood.

I'd hazard a guess that the folks who do most of the bad-mouthing haven't actually used one of the PT series reels. The Energy PT baitcaster compares quite favorably with the Daiwa Zillion and the Chronarch. If they were all the same price, I'd probably go for the Daiwa. But they're not. The PT is quite a bit less.

This is such a subjective topic, I'm about to agree with ReelMech, and stop responding to these things.

Cheers,

GK

I owned last year's Energy PT's.  I now own all Shimano's.  I have to disagree with you.  They are in a different class.  I will keep my Shimano's.

Just one man's humble opinion though... I've said it before... one man's junk is another man's treasure.   Only one person has to decide.

B

I also think Quantums relationship to Zebco is a big hinderance. I had a Zebco 33 many moons ago and it was ok for a kid to get started on but wouldn't buy one now. I will say though, I just got back from Dicks Sporting goods and looked at both the Quantum Inferno and the Shimano Sahara and couldn't decide on which to get so I came back home and got on here. The Quantum is smooth.  As far as getting into which product is better I think debate is not only informative but also healthy. So if you want to debate go to my post about Quantum vs Shimano and let's get it on. We can throw a few more brands in there if you like. I'd like to see what everyone thinks. BTW, I'm using the new Mitchell 300 X's right now.

I have the inferno spinning reel and it is real smooth i like it a lot and for 40 bucks you cant beat it IMO but whatever i dont have 10 combos to compare it to. Harley Davidson almost went out of business for putting out shotty bikes and found that they just needed to stick with what got em there so....

Well guys I think I got my answer as far as why people stay away from Quantum. It seems to come down to past experiences, stigmas (Zebco), and some brand loyalty. It will be interesting to see if anymore opinions or ideas get added.

Thanks guys,

bassdocktor

hey all,

my post might be somewhat biased, but here goes nothing. the energy pt was the first "quality" baitcaster that i bought in my life (last summer). I purchased it after reading a few reviews and with the guidance of my local bait shop. The 6.3:1 pt is an amazing reel, i love it. It has earned my confidence. The reel, although somewhat heavy, feels strong and just like quality in my hand. Since then, i've purchased the "burner" gear ratio of the energy pt and my second energy is as amazing for me as the first. Like i said, the quantum baitcasters are really the only quality reel i have experience with, but i have no problem giving the quantum brand my full reccommendation for baitcasters.

I'm not quite sure of their spinning reels thus far. I purchased the energy pti this winter and bought my first g-loomis rod for it (the mossyback). I've heard that they redesigned the bail system for the 2007 reels. About one quarter of the time the line does not fall onto the bail roller after casting. several times early in the reels career, i've had a fish take my lure, i set the hook, and the bail flies open because the line was on the bail wire. i'm trying to fix the problem on my reel, i've filed down the roller and put some new line on and it has seemed to help. if anyone has had this problem or knows of a solution, i would love to know. the pti is a high quality reel, but i can't give it my full endorsement until i resolve this problem completely.

take it easy fellas.