Performance Tuned like no other... The "souped" up Quantum Energy
PT

Date: |
3/4/02 |
Tackle type: |
Reel |
Manufacturer: |
Quantum |
Reviewer: |
JIP |
Total Score: 8.36
Introduction:
We have waited... and now they're finally out. The Performance Tuned (PT) baitcast Quantum Energy reel utilizes
innovative new materials combined with many hours
of tweaking to gain the most out of each high performance packed part. We at TackleTour
dug into the guts of the Energy PT to see what this reel is all
about.
Quantum Energy PT
(E600PT) Specifications |
Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
12/165, 14/135 |
Gear
Ratio |
6.2:1 |
Weight |
9.2
oz. |
Bearings |
5BB,
1RB |
Additional Features |
Aluminum frame, Maxcast aluminum spool, Ceramic-Zirconia levelwind,
Continuous Anti-Reverse, ACS II cast control, HotSauce, Super Free
Spool design |
MSRP |
$159.95 |
Impressions: When I received the new Quantum
Energy PT and took it out of the box, my first impression was that it certainly
looked like a high performance reel.
The Energy PT has a beautiful chassis that's very attractive, and is a
combination of aluminum and matte ceramics. This is
because Quantum uses a special vacuum deposition process to apply a thin layer
of atomically "metallized" alloy on the reel.
 |
Quantum's Energy PT shines like a beauty |
The E600PT frame is die-cast from a single piece of high quality grade
aircraft aluminum and alone it weighs only 1.27 ounces. Also the frame
that holds the other components together are CNC machined to
precisely fit all the components.
 |
The
Energy PT's one piece aircraft aluminum chassis is solid and stable. Also
notice the Maxcast spool |
The Energy PT makes use of good materials. The
reel uses a nice matte aluminum on the star drag which actually increases your
grip on the drag for quick drag changes...your finger won't slip on this one!
What is Hot Sauce?: Hot Sauce is Quantum's unique lubricant made
from a secret formula that's available only in Quantum's reels. This
special low viscosity oil achieves freer rotation in bearings, gears, and the
spool.
 |
The red Hot
Sauce is one of the variables that is added to Quantum's Performance Tuned
reels |
"The secret is in the additives. A special formula causes the oil to
molecularly bond with the base metal, setting a permanent lubrication barrier on
the metal surface that will never wear off, providing a permanent level of
protection." - Quantum
Lab Tests: We tested the Energy PT's
free spool, drag, and cranking performance in our lab. Quantum's free
spool was quite good. This is due to their Super Free Spool pinion design
combined with the Hot Sauce and other factors to allow the spool to freely
rotate.
When we put E600PT drag to test we were pretty impressed with how it
handled. There is a wide range of drag control and the Energy features a
clicking mechanism that assisted us in fine adjustments. One thing we did
notice was when the drag was at it's heaviest setting, there was slight movement
that allowed line to come off the spool, but you're talking about a lot of
pressure put on the drag system. (15lbs of counter-pressure)
Next we tested the overall cranking abilities. The Energy PT comes
with 5 Ball Bearings and 1 Roller Bearing that's made from a polymer-stainless
hybrid. Not to get too technical but when you mix two strong bonding
materials together to form one, you're improving and strengthening the final
product... the bearings in our case. The bearings gave the Energy PT a
smooth ride through our cranking tests. Quantum's Continuous Anti-Reverse
did it jobs, but there is a tiny amount of back play. Most people won't be
able to detect this and in most cases will not degrade the reel's
performance.
Complete Rig for
Energy PT Tests |
Rod |
Hookhider IM8 Pro Series (147C) |
Reel |
Quantum Energy PT (E600PT) |
Line |
12lb
Trilene XL |
Real World Tests: We paired up the Quantum Energy
PT with the Hookhider IM8 and went out for 7 days of intense pre-spawn bass
fishing at Anderson and Calero Lake.
 |
The
Energy PT's high gear ratio is perfect for throwing spinnerbaits. Also
assists in bringing the fish in quickly. The E600PT can handle fish
from all different sizes |
Casting: Casting the E600PT was quite impressive. The FREE
setting allowed the spool to freely spin while the fishing line flowed smoothly
from the Energy PT. I was able to acquire distances that's comparable to
the three hundred dollar reels. Fast, smooth, and accurate... this
is because the Quantum E600PT uses it's Super Free Spool pinion design, along
with the Hot Sauce, allowing superb casting ability.
The Cast Control System: The Quantum Energy PT uses an
improved Adjustable Centrifugal System (ACS). The ACS II cast control
system, now with 9 brake weights, allows you to simply adjust the brakes
externally with an easy turn of the dial. Just turn to one of the four
break settings(0[Free], 2, 4, or 6 brakes) and you're ready. There's no
need to hassle with ripping off the side plate every time you need to adjust to
the desired setting.
When casting at each of the break settings I was able to feel and
experience the difference. One way to test if it really works is to cast
sloppy (with minimal thumb control). In all of the settings except Free,
no backlash occurred. But once you set it to free and try a careless cast
you're in trouble! The four break settings provide cast control for
anglers of all levels and allow everyone to jump right in and use the Quantum
Energy PT without the hassle of constantly untangling
backlashes.
The Spool: The Energy PT fishing reel utilizes Quantum's
new Maxcast skeletal aluminum spool that's lightweight and machined to be
perfectly balanced. The Maxcast spool along with the other critical
components assist the E600PT in casting further while reducing friction as much
as possible.
The Drag: The Quantum Energy Performance Tuned baitcast
reel went through our drag lab test with minimal flaws. We now test the
drag when fighting pre-spawning Largemouth Bass of different sizes one after
another. The drag worked good during our field tests battling big fish
when set to the correct tension. Quick and fine adjustments were done with
little effort when needed. Remember the little flaw during the lab
tests? This did not affect fishing because you normally would never have
the drag set to the maximum tightness. Note: Remember to loosen the
drag after each fishing trip. This is recommended by all reel
manufacturers.
After many days of fishing I did notice something about the drag. The
drag started to degrade. For example, the drag setting on day one was much
tighter than on day seven. With the same amount of pressure placed at the
end of the fishing line. Again, this was at a much
higher drag setting than most people would use. Because we test each
feature we must cover the entire range of drag settings.
The Retrieve: With a gear ratio of 6.2:1 the Quantum
Energy PT excelled in this area. There are a few different components that
contribute to this high performance. One thing is the smoothness. I
really enjoyed how each crank freely flowed though. With 5 special high
speed ball bearings that minimized noise and friction, plus the Hot Sauce
lubricant, allowed a smooth retrieve.
Next the E600PT employs performance tuned CNC machined gearings.
Quantum's strong brass alloy Magnum Gears offer pure fighting power, durability,
and control. This gave me confidence in muscling the large
fish.
 |
The
powerful retrieve comes from Magnum Gears, high gear ratio, smoothness, and the
long handle |
Along with the high gear ratio that allows you to haul the fish into the
boat quickly, the longer handle adds to this power. The longer handle
allowed me to use less effort on every turn. Fish after fish the retrieve
was simple and I experience little fatigue.
Ratings:
Quantum Energy PT
Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
One
piece solid chassis construction provides stability. Quality gears. |
8.5 |
Performance |
A
strong player in casting, retrieving, and free spooling. Drag can't
achieve maximum tightness. Hot Sauce and other performance tuned
parts aided in the overall performance |
8.2 |
Price |
Reasonable price for what it comes with |
8.0 |
Features |
Loaded with features such as Super Free Spool pinion design,
Maxcast spool, ACS II |
9.0 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
The
low profile reel allows comfortable palming. The external cast
control system gives quick and easy access for adjustments |
8.5 |
Application |
This
reel is good for bass fishing in all different sizes. Also can be
used to muscle larger species such as Redfish and Snooks. The drag
might affect some anglers. |
8.0 |
Total Score |
8.36 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Solid chassis |
L
Drag can't achieve max. |
J
Free Spool |
|
J
ACS II cast control system |
|
J
Smooth |
|
Conclusion: When a group of minds get
together and start brainstorming, you know the final result will be a good
one. Quantum and their team of engineers (weekend warrior fishermen) put
all their ideas together to compose and tweak what they now call a Performance
Tuned final product. They applied this concept and created a fresh line of Quantum
Performance Tuned reels. The Energy PT is one of the reels that Quantum
improved upon, adding new components, reworking, and modifying.... that enhanced the
overall performance of the reel. The final result... a brand new reel that
excels and impresses anglers. Overall, the Quantum Energy
PT (E600PT) is a good reel for it's price and you might be amazed like I
was.
