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Quantum's newly redesigned Accurist 2 baitcast reels shimmer
with great value
| Date: |
3/14/05 |
| Tackle type: |
Reels |
| Manufacturer: |
Quantum |
| Reviewer: |
JIP |
Total Score: 8.66 + Best Value!
Introduction:
Quantum keeps the hits coming with a completely redesigned Accurist reel. The new Accurist 2 baitcast reel
features a lower and sleeker profile, much more durable frame and
components, comes in three shimmering colors, and best of all is a better value
than ever before.
|
Quantum
Accurist 2 (AC500CX) Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
12/150, 14/130 |
| Gear
Ratio |
6.2:1 |
| Weight (measured) |
9.4
oz. |
| Bearings |
5 |
|
Colors Available |
Firemist
Gold, Iridium Red, Fusion Blue |
| Additional Features |
Aluminum frame, ACS II cast control, Machined aluminum spool,
Continuous Anti-Reverse, Thumb bar release, Quick-release bayonet side
cover, Flippin' switch |
| MAP |
$79.95 |
Introducing the newly redesigned Quantum Accurist 2 in Iridium red
Impressions: In June of last year, we first broke
news about the new Quantum products for 2005 and the Accurist 2 was one of the
exciting
reels we featured in that preview article. Now that we got our hands on
these reels,
we simply can't stop talking about them. The Accurist AC500CX has a smaller and
sleeker profile than its predecessor, and is now constructed to be more sound by
using more rugged components with near-zero plastics. The new AC500CX
incorporates 5 bearings, a Flippin' switch, and a couple of the advanced
features that we first saw in the Performance Tuned Quantum reels such as the external ACS
II cast control and Continuous Anti-Reverse. That's not all! The
Quantum Accurist now comes in three breathtaking colors making it possible to
match just about any rod for that perfect flipping combo.
|
Complete Rig
for Quantum Accurist |
| Rod |
GLoomis MBR843C GLX |
| Reel |
Quantum Accurist 2 (AC500CX) |
| Line |
50
lb. PowerPro
12 lb. Berkley Big Game |
Field Tests: The Accurist baitcast reel can be used in multiple applications
and techniques for various species of fish. Trips into the California Delta were called for in our tests on this reel. The
Quantum Accurist features a Flippin' switch and these waterways are one of the best
places to test this function as we are able to flip and pitch lures all day.
The reel uses Quantum's ACS II
cast control system which has 4 settings. Also notice the metal star drag
control, whereas the past models were plastic
Casting: In its normal casting mode, the
Accurist AC500CX can cast plenty far. The free-spool on this reel is
first-rate, allowing the braided and mono lines to flow right off the spool without any
hesitation as we tossed lures such as crankbaits to soft plastics. The
external ACS II adjustable centrifugal cast control system does an excellent job preventing nasty bird nests, and when set on "FREE" it allows the spool to spin
nearly frictionless.
With that said, we will focus more on its
alternative casting feature by employing the Flippin' switch. The Flippin'
switch is very simple to operate, but the art of flipping will take some
practice. To engage the reel for flipping, just push
the switch to the "F" position and you're ready to go.
Flipping is made easier with
Quantum's Flippin' switch
In this technique, the amount of line needed to
reach a predetermined target is pulled out of the reel ahead of time and the
bait is swung in a pendulum-like manner until it is softly placed at the target.
Did we find this Flippin' switch useful? Yes
we did. Our field test team consists of anglers that retrieve both right
and left handed, and even for those editors that did not need to switch hands
after flipping their bait to the targets, having the reel engaged as the bait
gently sank in the water left all of us ready for that eventual strike.
Hold down the thumb bar to draw
line off the spool. Releasing the thumb bar will put the reel back in gear
Quantum's Flippin' switch requires the angler to
depress the thumb bar to draw out the necessary amount of line out from the reel. This slack line is held in the angler's free hand while the other hand
negotiates the rod and reel to gently flip the lure out. Once the thumb
bar is released the reel pops back in gear providing instant readiness for hookset
without the need to switch hands or turn the handle over to engage the reel.
The Flippin' switch
makes this technique easier to manage and allows you to focus your attention on
hitting targets with each swing rather than fumbling with constantly putting the
reel back in gear every time you make a line adjustment.
Flipping plastics such as the
Senko can be deadly. Employing the Flippin' switch made this technique
easier to manage
Retrieving: After plenty of hours cranking away on the Accurists we came
to the conclusion that this reel has a surprisingly smooth retrieve for a reel
that only houses 5 bearings. Each retrieve is not only
smooth but surprisingly powerful as well, thanks to the solid one piece aluminum frame and the
quality metal internal guts. We were able to give this reel a good
workout, ripping jerkbaits for stripers and pulling largemouth bass away from
structure with each turn of the handle, and the Accurist responded agreeably.
Drag: Click, click, click... yes, the
Quantum Accurist has a clicker and now a metal star drag control to match its
new sleek appearance. In our lab tests we found the
drag to be quite smooth and when fully tightened it can produce a total drag pressure
of 7 pounds. When we put the drag system up against hard hitting stripers
we were further impressed by how smooth the drag was. You won't experience
any jerkiness while the line is being taken, even at the higher settings.
The new sleeker and smaller
profile makes this reel much more ergonomic
Ergonomics: Compared to the old style
Accurist, the 2005 model is simply outstanding in ergonomics. Even with a
slight increase in weight, the AC500CX now has a smaller profile and palming
feels much more natural. We were able to use this reel for an
entire day without fatigue, and matched with the G. Loomis MRB843C
rod it felt absolutely balanced making this pair a fantastic flipping combo.
Either casting in open water or
flipping in close quarters, the AC500CX is very comfortable to use
Durability: The newly redesigned baitcast reel is entirely solid. It feels great in
your hands, and the one piece aluminum frame shows no signs of
frailty even when we put it up against larger fish. The Accurist 2 now
uses nearly zero plastics compared to the past model, and it's bound to last
season after season. The finish on these reels is really nice. Not
only do they look incredible, but they are also finished with multiple layers to
prevent accidental scratches.
Great appearance, good
performance, and a great value!
Price: The Quantum Accurist 2 is an
outstanding reel. Not only does it perform well, it's also built with a
sleek and lower profile on a sound frame, and it does so with a price tag under $80! Built
with mostly metal components and packed with features, not many of its
competitors can match it in overall value.
Ratings:
|
Quantum
Accurist (AC500CX) Ratings
(?/10) |
| Construction/Quality |
A
well crafted reel that has a solid frame and makes use of mostly metal
components for greater durability |
9 |
| Performance |
Good overall performance in casting, retrieving, drag, and power. A
five bearing system, this reel is smooth |
8.5 |
| Price |
An
excellent value for a reel with such well construction and use of
components, all making up a reel with good performance |
9 |
| Features |
This reel features a clicking star drag control system, external cast
control, and much more. The Flippin' switch is definitely a useful
feature to have if you're an angler that flips all day |
8.5 |
| Design
(Ergonomics) |
This is a huge improvement from the past model. The redesign of this
reel gave it a smaller and finer profile especially in the ergonomics
category. You can now palm and hold onto this reel easier than before.
The only thing that it can use is a slight weight reduction |
8 |
| Application |
Flipping is a technique used in bass fishing, and though this reel is
targeted to such audience, it's capable of handling other species as well.
The reel can be used in freshwater and brackish water |
9 |
|
Total Score |
8.66 |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus |
| J
Awesome new colors! |
L
Overall weight is increased by use of
metal components |
| J
Solid construction |
|
| J
Flippin' switch |
|
| J
Great Value! |
|
| J
Smaller profile |
|
Conclusion: Completely redesigned, the 2005 Quantum Accurist
baitcaster is a great reel in terms of features and performance, and a flat out
terrific reel when you consider the low price tag. Now available in 3 exciting colors, this
reel has a more ergonomic shape and retrieves
are smoother than ever, the enhanced drag system can handle larger running fish, and each
and every cast is effortless. The additional feature of a Flippin' switch
allows bass anglers to use this reel with multiple types of lures, both in open
water and in close encounters. The technique of flipping is now
easier for anglers of multiple skill levels to manage. The combination of quality craftsmanship,
performance, and great value makes the Quantum Accurist baitcast reel a worthy
recipient of TackleTour's Best Value Award! The new Accurist reel will definitely be one of the best selling
sub-100 dollar reels on the market for 2005, and around the mid-year time frame a left-handed
version will be available.
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