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Low
Speed Cranking Reel Shootout Part 4:
Energy for Power Cranking Courtesy of Quantum
(continued)
  Ergonomics:
During field tests we observed two small yet conspicuous issues with the reel
when it came to ergonomics. While I absolutely love the way the aggressive drag
star looks I found the edges a bit sharp when making quick adjustments in the
field. When I had a fish on the line and quickly used the tip of my thumb to
dial back the drag I found the edges were a bit sharp. While they are not sharp
enough to scratch the skin they can be uncomfortable enough to make you think
about dialing your drag in properly in advance.
While the drag star looks very
cool it is just a tad bit sharp
The second thing I noticed
was the non-handle side sideplate’s ACS knob extends just a little too far and
that hump can be felt in the palm of your hand when palming. This makes the reel
a little uncomfortable to palm when deep cranking all day long. As long as you
don’t grip the reel too tightly this is a non-issue. Other than these two
elements the Quantum Energy PT is light enough to cast all day long and the
large barrel grips feel comfortable to the touch when winding down on the reel.
A very cool feature, the
maintenance port on the underside of the reel makes lubrication easy
Price and Applications:
The Quantum Energy PT’s 5.1:1 gear retrieve is powerful enough to handle the
biggest crankbaits with ease. While too slow for working ripbaits for stripers
the reel can be used pre-spawn for popping and pausing jerkbaits when a more
subtle jerk can be deadly. Quantum has been making strides when it comes to
building reels that anglers not only have confidence in, but actually are
excited about fishing. With an aggressive look and feel the Energy PT looks as
modern as the features it houses.
The Energy PT is manufactured in
China
Retailing for $189.95 the
Energy PT is more affordable than both the Abu Garcia Winch and the Daiwa Crazy
Cranker and is ten dollars more than the Curado E5. The Energy PT is reasonably
priced and certainly priced aggressively alongside the competition. The Quantum
actually manages to squeeze more features into the Energy than some of the other
reels including the maintenance port, use of metal in the sideplates which the
Shimano Curado does not have, and a Titanium coated line guide which is absent
on the Abu Garcia Winch.
This low speed reel is a powerful
cranker and proved excellent for fishing lipless crankbaits for Stripers
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
Quantum
Energy
PT
"Power"
Reel
Ratings
(?/10)
|
|
Construction/Quality |
Great
build
quality
with
more use
of metal
alloys
versus
the
competition.
We were
surprised
how far
Quantum
went
with the
metals
when it
came to
the
sideplates
and
aggressively
styled
handle
and drag
star....very
well
done |
9 |
|
Performance |
The
Energy
PT does
everything
reasonably
well but
exhibits
some
minor
kinks
when it
comes to
refinement
including
noticeable
back
play in
the
handle
shaft.
Overall
a strong
"good"
rating
in this
category |
7.5 |
|
Price |
A great
price
overall
that
puts it
right
next to
the
Shimano
Curado
E5 |
8.5 |
|
Features |
The
Quantum
Energy
PT has a
wide
assortment
of
features
including
special
coatings
and use
of
ceramics
in the
drag. We
also
welcome
the
addition
of the
easy
access
maintenance
port |
8.5 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
The
Energy
PT gains
points
for
being
light
and yet
solid
feeling
but
loses
points
for a
drag
star
that
while
very
cool
looking
is a bit
too
sharp on
the ends
and for
the ACS
switch
implementation
which
bulges a
little
too far
out |
7.5 |
|
Application |
The
Energy
PT is a
good
cranking
reel
that
handles
deep
divers
well.
The drag
also
makes it
possible
to use
this
reel for
hard
fighting
species
including
some
inshore
ones |
8.5 |
|
Total
Score
|
8.25 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus
|
|
J
Excellent
materials
used in
construction |
L
Backplay
in the
handle
shaft |
|
J
Powerful
gearing
and
connected
feeling retrieve |
L
Some
ergonomic
issues
with the
drag
star and
ACS
bulge |
|
J
Looks
great,
aggressively
styled
and low
profile |
|
|
J
Maintenance
port
makes
lubrication
easy,
add hot
sauce
anytime
in the
field |
|
|
J
Reasonable
price |
|
Conclusion: Quantum should be commended for their choices in materials used
in the Energy PT’s construction. The reel uses more metal and less composites
and graphite than competing low speed cranking reels and continues to make use
of ceramics to fight the heat and deliver reliable drag performance. The Energy
PT feels solid but is not without some refinement issues. While the reel
delivers quality casting during retrieves the reel exhibits noticeable back play
on stop and go cranking and some possible improvements in ergonomics will make
this reel a more dominant contender. I love the way the reel looks and the
handle and drag star look downright menacing, the multi-colored titanium
deposition highlights are tasteful, and the inclusion of the maintenance port
show that Quantum is adding features that add real value to anglers. If Quantum
can work out the minor kinks the Energy PT would really shine through, but even
in the current state this reel is certainly one that should be considered by
anglers looking for a powerful cranking reel. With the Energy PT review done it
is time to finally wind up our low speed cranking reel shootout and declare a
winner, stay tuned as we weigh the results. Four reels enter and only one reel
will leave with the ultimate win....
Looking for a
Quantum Energy PT
"Power" Reel?
Try
Tackle Warehouse.
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