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Low
Speed Cranking Reel Shootout Part 4:
Energy for Power Cranking Courtesy of Quantum
| Date: |
10/4/09 |
| Tackle type: |
Rod |
| Manufacturer: |
Quantum |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.25 -
GREAT
Introduction:
Quantum rounds out our low
speed cranking reel shootout with the Energy PT “Power” reel which features a
low speed 5.1:1 gear ratio to help retrieve deep diving long lipped crankbaits.
This high torque reel features many of the features that Quantum is known for
including use of ceramic components and a durable multi-coated finish.
|
Quantum
Energy PT "Power" Reel
Specifications |
|
Line
Capacity (lbs / yds) |
12/135 |
|
Gear Ratio |
5.1:1 |
|
Measured Weight |
7.7 ounces |
|
Measured Max. Drag |
15.6 lbs measured
max drag (18lbs. published spec) |
|
Number of
Bearings |
9 |
|
Features |
Ceramic drag
system, polymer-stainless hybrid PT bearings, multi-coated finish, ACS
externally adjustable centrifugal braking system, titanium coated line
guide, MaxCast skeletal spool, quick release side cover |
|
Origin |
China |
|
MSRP |
$189.95 |
The Quantum Energy PT is more
aggressively styled than ever before
Impressions:
The Quantum Energy PT sports a more aggressive look than the other cranking
reels in the shootout. The vented frame styling on the face of the reel channel
Daiwa but Quantum turns it up a notch with the inclusion of a ported aluminum
metal handle and drag star that look like a double edged sword and ninja star
paired side by side. Both these components feature a very angular look and are
finished with titanium coating to create attractive and durable gold highlights.
These gold elements match nicely with the multi-colored finish which can be
found directly below the drag star on the handle side, the spool, and around the
ACS cast control knob on the non-handle sideplate. The multi-colored treatment
is more subtle on the Energy PT than some of Quantum’s past reels, and the
company has struck a nice balance between a clean yet modern look and feel.
Who put the ninja star on the
Energy PT?
Under the aggressively
styled frame anglers will find that the Energy PT makes use of a once piece
aluminum frame that houses a compact gearing with nine bearings. The reel
features a MaxCast skeletal spool which is able to hold 135yds. of 12lb line.
While right and left handed reels are available in both the 7.0:1 and 6.3:1 gear
ratio Energy reels the 5.1:1 low speed reel is only available in a right hand
retrieve.In hand the Energy PT
feels relatively light in hand and weighing in at 7.7oz. the reel weighs 1.1oz
less than the Daiwa Crazy Cranker, .8oz. less than the Abu Garcia Winch, and
only .1oz more than the Shimano Curado E5. For lubrication, you guessed it,
Quantum loads the Energy PT with their “Hot Sauce” which is a proprietary blend
of synthetic and organic additives not only improve casting and retrieve
performance but also protect and improve durability of the reel’s moving
components.
The Energy PT is very low profile
and features the externally adjustable ACS cast control system on the non-handle
sideplate
Real World Test:
To test the Quantum Energy PT we head to the California Delta to fish for
largemouth bass and hoped to intercept some of the incoming striped bass coming
through the bay and running up the river. We fished the reel with a variety of
baits including the Norman DD22 and a variety of lipless crankbaits which
included the Rapala Clackin Rap and Lucky Craft LV500.
All metal here, other than the
clutch all components are metal
Casting:
Prior to casting I took a moment to appreciate Quantum’s ACS cast control system
which blends the consistency of centrifugal braking with the ease of adjustment
of an external dial. With each click of the dial extra weights are restricted
which increases pressure on the spool and helps provide more spool control. The
system is easy to use and just plain works. Though it is unlikely anglers will
need to get under the sideplate it can be done easily with a quick release
switch underneath the levelwind. Once the ACS was dialed in I found that the
Energy PT was an excellent caster and I could cast both small and heavier long
lipped crankbaits with ease.
The Energy PT features a titanium
coated line guide
When it comes to control
the Energy PT has a slightly smaller opening above the spool and the spool
itself is more recessed than some of the other low speed cranking reels. If you
have a small thumb you won’t notice it but if you’ve got a larger thumb you will
feel the ridges on either side of the reel when feathering the spool when
casting.
The spool access is narrower on
the Energy PT than some competing reels
Next Section: On to the powerful retrieve
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