Event Article:
2008 ICAST Show - Las Vegas, NV |
New and improved baitcast and spinning reels by Quantum
(continued)


Cabo PTs Star Drag Conventional:
The Cabo PTs Star Drag conventional reels have been around for quite some time
now and it was time to give it a spin, and it was a good one. The guys at
Quantum did their homework and took much advice from saltwater experts to
develop this fine reel.

Here is the
new redesigned Cabo PTs Star Drag conventional reel
The Quantum Cabo PT Star Drag
reel is much more aggressive than before and the components look extremely
durable. The detailing that went onto the reel is a nice added touch. The Cabo
PT conventional uses a star drag system, a Continuous Anti-Reverse with backup
pawl and ratchet system, 8 shielded PT bearings, oversized brass gear and brass
pinion, 6-layer corrosion protection, and a carbon fiber multi-stack drag
system.

Notice the
concave cross members
Quantum
Cabo PT Conventional |
Model |
Bearings |
Weight |
Line
Cap (lbs/yds) |
Gear |
CNW16LPTs |
9 |
24.0 oz |
20/350 |
6.2:1 |
CNW20LPTs |
9 |
24.5 oz |
30/380 |
6.2:1 |
CNW30LPTs |
9 |
25.2 oz |
40/365 |
6.2:1 |

The new reel is very attractive
and the handle can be placed in two different positions for different
speed/torque
Though the Cabo utilizes a
cast aluminum frame and side covers, Bob Bagby, VP of Marketing at
Zebco/Quantum, pointed out to us that the frame as an additional feature that
many of would miss. Because the reel is a non-levelwind anglers, especially
those who are new to these type of reels, will get line bulked up in one place,
and normally that's in the center. The cross members on the frame is actually
made concave if you were to look from the spool. It's not a huge amount where it
can affect the structural integrity but it's enough to help an angler who has a
little trouble managing line especially when fighting a big fish.
The Quantum Cabo PTs Star Drag
conventional reels will be available in around November and will retail from
$229 to 249.

Like the
freshwater series the Energy PTs baitcast is also redesigned
Energy PTs:
You've seen the redesigned Energy PT freshwater baitcast reel. The saltwater
version is pretty much the same profile and specifications except this reel gets
some upgraded to be able to survive in the corrosive saltwater environment.

Micro ACS is
used on the reel. A 6-layer Saltguard Corrosion Protection System protects the
frame and side covers
Quantum
Energy PT |
Model |
Bearings |
Weight |
Line
Cap (lbs/yds) |
Gear |
E100HPTs |
9 |
7.5 oz |
12/150 |
7.0:1 |
E101HPTs |
9 |
7.5 oz |
12/150 |
7.0:1 |
E100SPTs |
9 |
7.5 oz |
12/150 |
6.3:1 |
E101SPTs |
9 |
7.5 oz |
12/150 |
6.3:1 |

Left and right
hand models are available
The Energy PTs has a machined
aluminum frame, side covers, and front support. The entire reel is coated with
Quantum's 6-layer Saltguard Corrosion Protection System. The low profile
saltwater baitcast reel uses 9 PT bearings, Quantum's new Micro ACS cast control
system, ceramic drags, and will have a gear ratio of 7.0:1 (Burner) and 6.3:1
speeds. According to Quantum specs the reel will produce a drag force of 18
pounds on the Burner and 19 pounds on the slower speed reel. Quantum will be
releasing both reels in right and left hand retrieves and will retail for $199.

Easy to palm
low profile saltwater reel
Catalyst
PTs:
Because of the redesign in the freshwater low profile reels the Catalyst PTs
saltwater also gets the upgrades to size and features. The Catalyst PTs will
have similar features as the Energy PTs mentioned above but will only use 7 PT
bearings.

Here's the new
Catalyst PTs
Quantum
Catalyst PT |
Model |
Bearings |
Weight |
Line
Cap (lbs/yds) |
Gear |
CT100HPTs |
7 |
7.5 oz |
12/150 |
7.0:1 |
CT101HPTs |
7 |
7.5 oz |
12/150 |
7.0:1 |
CT100SPTs |
7 |
7.5 oz |
12/150 |
6.3:1 |
CT101SPTs |
7 |
7.5 oz |
12/150 |
6.3:1 |

In person the
blue accent is much more attractive than this poor photo
The Quantum Catalyst PTs
saltwater low profile reels will be available around November 2008 and will
retail for $169.

Thanks to Bob Bagby and his team
for showing us the latest and greatest products
Conclusion: Quantum's new and redesigned
products boast improved features and a signifigant weight reduction, especially
on their low profile baitcast reels. The PT spinning reels are back once again
in a form factor that anglers will relish and the baitcast reels all get a
complete redesign with the Tour Edition PT baitcast reel in particular
delivering plenty of "bling" and weighing in at only 7.0 ounces. Quantum also
touched up their saltwater products and in this category is looking particularly
strong. There were a few other new products at the booth but these were the ones
that really shone and we wanted to highlight these first. To sum it up Quantum
brought their "A" game this year and fans of the brand better start saving
because there is plenty of temptation.
