Quantum Accurist S3 Casting Reel Product Review

Reel Review

Best Value Is An Accurist Statement from Quantum

Date:	4/6/19
Tackle Type:	Reel
Manufacturer:	Quantum
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.42 - BEST VALUE AWARD

Introduction: Back in 2017, Quantum debuted their new, from the ground up casting reel design for their renewed Smoke and PT Tour casting and spinning reels. These, new "S3" engineered reels were to usher in a new era for Quantum. Fast forward a year later to ICAST 2018, and the manufacturer has infused this approach into the lineup that's going to really get all the attention. Here's our look at the $99.99 Accurist S3 casting reel.

Quantum Accurist S3 Casting Reel Specifications
Line Capacity - Rated	12/135
Line Capacity - Spool Volume	15.7 cm³
Retrieve Ratio	6.3	7.0
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated	13 - 26.5	15 - 29.5
Weight	7.3 oz
Spool Weight	13 g
Handle Length	90 mm
Bearings	8 + 1 roller bearing
Bearings per Knob	1 bearing
Levelwind Bearings	1 bearing
Rated Max Drag	18 lbs
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	$99.99

Introducing Quantum's Accurist S3 Casting Reel

Impressions: Why is the Accurist S3 going to garner all the attention for Quantum? Because it's at the magical price point a great majority of anglers are comfortable spending on an unknown. Sure, Quantum has been around for decades, but let's be honest, their popularity and reputation is far from that of Shimano and Daiwa. The company is hoping to change some of that with their S3 tuned reels.

Talk about making a good first impression. Check out the Accurist S3's drag star!

As explained in our ICAST 2017 Quantum article, S3 represents a more detailed, refined design approach for Quantum. While the trend with most manufacturers are smaller spools for better ergonomics, Quantum has provided a larger than average size spool in a smaller frame. Each S3 tuned reels' braking system has been refined to provide more reliable performance and dual adjustments (on the spool and on the non-handle sideplate. Additionally, the Accurist S3 features an aluminum frame, 9 bearings, and a flipping switch.

Spooled and paired up and ready for some action

Real World Tests: This is a pretty feature packed reel for $99.99, but how does it all come together? Naturally, here at TackleTour, we don't rely on specs and promises alone. I spooled the Accurist S3 up with some Finatic Pro Series 6-Strand Braid, and alternated it between two different sticks (Ark Rods TS76MHFC Offshore Special & Denali AC722ML Russ Lane Cranking) to get a sense of the reel's performance in real world conditions.

The Accurist S3's centrifugal brakes are adjustable both on the spool and via this external dial

Casting: Every now and then (most of the time really) when working with a new reel, I forget to set the brakes conservatively before that first cast. Such was NOT the case this time with the Accurist S3, and boy was I relieved. There is nothing more disheartening than being all hyped up to test out a new reel and blowing it up on the first cast.

Even with the conservative cast control settings, the Accurist S3 is very easy to cast and cast for distance. I was using a simple casting jig on this setup and was pleasantly surprised by how easy the reel was to dial in and how well it performed on each cast with minimal involvement of my thumb to monitor the spool.

9 bearings for a reel at this price point

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