ICAST 2009 Reels

Event Article: 2009 ICAST Coverage

ICAST 2009: Hot New Reels, Sizes, and PT Technologies from Quantum in 2010 (continued)

Micro PT Spinning Reels: Ever since their introduction I've been a big fan of the Quantum PT spinning reels, and continue to use the 10 size for most of my ultralight applications. A true ultralight junkie wouldn't consider the 10 size small enough in profile as it holds more line than most anglers would ever need for fishing for panfish or small trout. That's to change with Quantum's new truly ultralight spinning reel, the Micro Energy PT.

Ultralight sized Energy PT spinning reel. Top is the 10 size, bottom is the new 05 size

Micro Energy PT Spinning: The new 05 size Micro PT is a true ultralight spinning reel with 100 yards of 4 pound test monofilament. It's constructed from a solid aluminum frame and side cover, comes finished with the company's popular Titanium vacuum deposition coating, Micro PT ceramic drag system, Titanium bail wire, and 8 PT Polymer-Stainless bearings with Infinite Anti-Reverse. The tiny Energy PT size 05 features a 5.2:1 gear ratio and weighs in at only 6 ounces. This new feature packed micro spinning reel will retail for $139.95.

These high-end micro reels are tiny!

Micro Kinetic PT Spinning: The Kinetic PT spinning series offers the best value of all the PT spinning reels. You get almost the same reel in terms of ergonomics and features as its siblings with the lower cost, that is if you don't mind sacrificing minimal amounts from its overall performance. The new micro sized Kinetic PT spinning reel has the same profile as the Energy PT in the 05 size. The only difference is that this reel has 6 PT Polymer-Stainless bearings with Infinite Anti-Reserve, and doesn't have the Titanium vacuum deposition coating. The Kinetic PT weighs in at 5.9 ounces and will retail for the aggressive price of only $79.95.

The ultralight 05 size is also offered in the Kinetic PT series

Accurist PT Casting: The Accurist PT baitcast reel was previously discontinued but it is now back and is joining its 100 sized Performance Tuned siblings. With such the economy affecting everyone the Accurist PT comes at a good time and is a perfect fit for many anglers because it has offers a great balance of value versus cost at only $99.95 retail.

Welcome back Accurist PT

The Quantum Accurist PT features an aluminum frame and gear side cover, Micro ACS2 cast control, PT ceramic drag system, a flipping switch, and 6 PT Polymer-Stainless bearings. The newly redesigned Accurist PT will be available in both right and left hand retrieve with both 6.3:1 and 7.0:1 gear ratios.

Only $99, the reel gets only the AC2 cast control

Kinetic PT Casting: New for 2010 will be Quantum's Kinetic PT casting reel. This reel is positioned one notch above the Accurist PT and right below the Catalyst PT. The main difference between the two reels is the refinement and the Kinetic PT has more metal components. The only difference between the two in price is $20, as the Kinetic PT will retail for only $119.95.

The Kinetic PT casting reel looks a lot like the higher end models but only costing $119.95

Available in right and left hand models with both 6.3:1 and 7.0:1 speeds, the new Kinetic PT baitcast reel is constructed with an aluminum frame and gear side cover, Micro ACS2 cast control, PT ceramic drags, and 7 PT Polymer-Stainless bearings.

Saltwater PT - Catalyst PTi Spinning Reel: Hardcore saltwater anglers wanted more power and line capacity from Quantum's saltwater PT spinning reels. So this year they are adding a new size 50 on the Catalyst PTi. The larger sized spinning reel will have Quantum's new and improved ThinLine aluminum body and side cover, giving it a size 40 body but with a 50 size rotor and spool providing the needed line capacity for those hard fighting saltwater game fish. In addition the new saltwater spinning reel will feature an improved TiMag Salt Titanium bail with magnetic trip, improved 6-Layer SaltGuard corrosion protection, new Layered PT Ceramic drag system, and 8 PT Polymer-Stainless bearings. The retail for one the 50 size PT saltwater spinning reel will be $149.95 and will be available later in the Fall 2009.

These new 50 size spinning reels have an extremely thin body profile

Saltwater PT - Energy PTi Spinning Reel: Like it's Catalyst sibling, the Energy PTi Spinning reel will also be adding a larger size, complete the family of Energy PTi spinning reels of 20, 30, 40, and now 50. It also has the new and improved ThinLine aluminum body and side cover, 40 size body with 50 size rotor and spool, improved TiMag Salt Titanium bail with magnetic trip, improved 6-Layer SaltGuard corrosion protection, and Layered PT ceramic drag system. The difference from the Catalyst and Energy saltwater spinning reels aside from the appearance is the bearings, from 8 to 11 on the Energy PT. The retail price also increases to $209.95.

Price Reduced - Catalyst PT Baitcast: As noted in the preview article there are some price changes and reductions on a few of Quantum's products. One of them are in freshwater baitcast reels. The Catalyst PT casting reel will have a new reduced price from $149.95 to $139.95.

Conclusion: Quantum has positioned themselves well with the new introductions and the new products successfully fill gaps in the market when it comes to both size and value. The 150 size reels have a small profile yet deliver a larger line capacity. The two new additions to the PT series, the Accurist PT and Kinetic PT both will likely be hot sellers as not all anglers can afford to fork out 2 bills for the top of the line reels, yet these reels still provide a good amount of performance at a sub-premium price point. The ultimate micro spinning reels, a true ultralight sized reel in the Performance Tuned lineup provide a new tool to both trout and panfish anglers, and look very refined for reel with such a small footprint. This year Quantum also looks to win the hearts of saltwater anglers as well with the Catalyst PT and Energy PT with extended capacity. With a well rounded offering this year Quantum provides a competitive range of products that continue to offer some of the best values in the industry.