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Low
Speed Cranking Reel Shootout Part 4:
Energy for Power Cranking Courtesy of Quantum
(continued)
  Retrieving:
With a Norman DD22 in the water I found that the Energy PT had more than enough
power to crank the reel down to the desired depths and wind fish up from the
depths. On a constant retrieve the Energy PT feels smooth, confident and
powerful and it manages to do this while feeling very connected to the lure
rather than overly buttery on the retrieve, something that is preferable when
working reaction lures near structure.
Anglers with bigger thumbs will
come in contact with the edges of the spool more frequently when feathering the
spool on casts
With a lipless crank tied
on I occasionally stopped the retrieve as I bounced the lure down the edge of
rocky levees. It was then that I noticed a surprising amount of backplay in the
handle of the Energy PT. Put your finger on the spool and rock the handle back
and forth and the give is immediately perceptible. While not an issue during
constant retrieves, stop and go cranking results in knocking between the axle
and the gearing.
The ACS cast control system works
well and the Energy PT is a great caster
Drag:
Quantum has been promoting their ceramic drag technology for a number of years
now and the system has proven to be both reliable and capable when it comes to
generating above industry average drag pressure. In our lab we tested the drag
and observed a max drag of 15.6lb.’s, this is slightly over 2lbs. less than
Quantum’s published specifications but still well above industry average.
The clutch is plastic and we wish
it was coated or had a rubber insert to match the high quality finish exhibited
on the rest of the reel
In the field we had the
opportunity to test the Energy PT’s ceramic drag against Stripers when fishing
lipless cranks in the California Delta. With seven and eight pound fish on the
line the Energy’s ceramic drag system doled out the pressure consistently
allowing the fish to run while maintaining proper amounts of pressure on the
line. The use of ceramic washers is intended to reduce performance robbing heat
during long runs and we found that the washers protected even 10lb. line
effectively without losing any pressure after fighting a few schooling stripers
back to back.
The face of the Energy PT looks
aggressive and features venting for weight reduction
Durability:
Quantum reels may not have always been known for their durability but the Energy
PT will help change that. This reel is compact but feels very solid due to the
one-piece aluminum frame and aluminum sideplates which create a very rigid yet
undersized body.
The Energy PT is smooth yet
anglers will feel connected to their lures
We didn’t experience any
problems with the reel’s drag system and while the reel felt smooth throughout
the entire season we were able to lube the reel in the field thanks to a smart
maintenance port implementation. The port can be opened with a regular
screwdriver and is located on the inner frame of the gearbox. Once the port
cover is removed anglers have access to the main gearing and can easily add a
little Quantum Hotsauce in the field.
The large barrel grips are
ergonomically shaped for comfort
Next Section: Ergonomics, Price and Ratings
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