How good are these reels? I've had one for years but i've really only casted it in the yard. It's been on the water once, but since i do a lot of hiking to my fishing spots i mainly just pack a spinning reel with a 2 piece rod. Is this a decent baitcaster? It hasn't been serviced, but i figured since it hasn't been on the water theres no need to lube or clean it. It's been used a total of maybe 3 or 4 hours over the years total, maybe up to 6 total hours used. It's not that i can't use it or that i don't like it, i just can't fit it into my fishing. If i had a 2 piece casting rod it would get used a ton, but i don't have the money for that. Here are a few pics so you know which one i'm talking about. It's an AC501PT. Should i get it serviced or service it myself, or only after i use it good for a few months? Any other hints or advice would be great.

In my opinion the Quantum PT series baitcasters are the best baitcasters you can get for under $100 (followed close by Revos/BPS Qualifier).  I have twelve of them, most several years old, and they all work perfectly. 

If you need any advice on cleaning/servicing them, send me a PM. The bayonnet release on the right side cover may be a tricky if it hasn't been opened in awhile.

I have one of the 2010 Accurist PT's and it's been a great reel for flippin' and pitchin'.  Its accurate, casts a mile effortlessly, and is smaller than my Curado D by a fair margin.  In terms of performance, HONESTLY, it's on par with my Curado 201DHSV.  Both cast far, are trouble-free, powerful gearing, and seem to be built solidly.

The only thing I dislike about the Accurist is that the flippin' switch is a bit hard to push with my larger fingers - wish they made it more than just a little nub and more of a rocker switch or something.  Other than that, though, it's been awesome.

I still have several of these older model Accurist's that I still use. I have an AC500PT (which is just the right handed model of yours). I service all my Accurist's too and have stripped them completely down to the bare frame (even have the schematics for them too). You can PM me as well if you have any questions about them too.

I have a AC501PT as well and have had it a couple years. When I have taken it out its performed well with not a problem at all. Got it off ebay for $40 I think and one of a couple of Quantum BC reels I have.

Glad to see it gets good reviews. Is one model (older vs newer) better build quality or anything?

Glad to see it gets good reviews. Is one model (older vs newer) better build quality or anything?

Check Tackletour regarding the reviews on the reel. They did a review of the Older Accurist models a while back and rated them pretty good. I think the review was on the none PT models with the PT models being a step better.

Have you had any problems with them at all?

Have you had any problems with them at all?

No in my 2 years of owning one I haven't had any problems with it at all

Have you had any problems with them at all?

My oldest Accurist is the first generation AC400 model and I still use that reel today. A little TLC will go a long way with these reels, IMO. I did have one issue with my AC500PT, the anti-reverse stopped working on mine but that was my fault. Had the drag set WAY too tight which caused my failure.  :-[ Have not had an issue with any of my other Accurists.