Energy
to Burn: Quantum Energy E100 SPTA

Date: |
12/13/14 |
Tackle type: |
Reel |
Manufacturer: |
Quantum |
Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 8.16 -
GREAT
Introduction:
Before I was given the chance to test the Energy E100 SPTA, how many Quantum
baitcasters have I owned? Try none! While I owned and fished a few of their
saltwater spinning reels several years ago, their baitcasting reels just never
found their way into my arsenal. Although not immediately new to the market, the
latest Energy PT reels are totally new to me and I was really curious to finally
get one out on the water.
Quantum Energy E100 SPTA Casting Reel
Specifications |
Line
Capacity (lbs / yds) |
12
pound / 125 yards |
Frame/Side Plates |
Machined aluminum frame and gear-side cover; graphite side plate |
Gear Ratio |
6.3:1
|
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated |
13–27
|
Weight |
7
ounces |
Spool Weight |
16
grams |
Handle Length |
80
millimeters |
Bearings |
11
total |
Bearings per knob |
2 |
Levelwind bearings |
1 |
Measured Max. Drag |
12.4
pounds |
Origin |
Made in
China |
MSRP |
$159.95 |
Quality/Construction:
I tended to shy
away from Quantum baitcasters in the past because the design and style of many
models just didn't quite “click” with me. For the most part, I find many of the
latest creations have much more appeal in both their form and cosmetics.
Fortunately for this review, the Energy E100
SPTA is one of those reels!

The Energy utilizes an aluminum frame and gear-side cover.
The reel sports a sleek silver and gunmetal color scheme with some orange
accents. Not only does it catch the eye, but up close the craftsmanship is quite
clean. Edges and seams are mostly smooth and tight, and even the corners with
more complex angles appear refined. Likewise, the handle and knobs feel equally
tight and solid. The only handle play that's discernible is when the drag star
is backed way off; otherwise it stops solidly for positive hook sets. This is
indeed a satisfying reel for the price.
Quality Ratings for Quantum E100 SPTA Casting Reel |
Finish
(1-5) |
Construction Tolerances
(1-5) |
Handle Tolerance
(1-5) |
Knob Tolerance
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating(=Tot/Poss * 10) |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
18 |
20 |
9.0 |
Performance:
After Zander and Cal handed the Quantum off to me while on a California visit, I
immediately took it out on the Delta and local reservoirs. Spooled with 20-pound
Sufix braid, it mainly found a home aboard medium and medium-heavy rods for
casting and a bit of light-duty flipping/pitching. Once I returned home to
Florida it was put to use on local waters.

The reel has tasteful cosmetics and matches well on tons of rods.
Drag:
The drag used in this reel works decently enough, but with one quirk. First off,
back in the lab my test reel maxed out at 12.4 pounds of pressure—not entirely
impressive these days, but plenty of grunt for most anyone. There is, however,
light to moderate initial hesitation when the drag first starts up. Once it
breaks free, line feeds out smoothly and consistently throughout the useable
range. The little quirk I experienced was when pulling line off the spool; if I
suddenly pulled the line off faster I could both hear and feel a modest click
from within the reel during this speed change. Funny thing is, it wouldn't do it
every single time.

The drag washer and drag key washer.
Sweet Drag Performance for Quantum Energy E100 SPTA (2.25 Turns to
Lockdown) |
|
Lock - 8 |
Lock - 6 |
Lock - 4 |
Lock - 2 |
Lockdown |
Avg %
Change |
Start-up |
.9 |
.9 |
1.3 |
3.7 |
9.5 |
Sustained |
.9 |
1 |
1.6 |
4.4 |
9.9 |
Lowest
Value |
.7 |
.8 |
1.2 |
3.4 |
7.9 |
Change in
Start-up vs. Sustained |
.6% |
10% |
17.7% |
19.1% |
4.4% |
10.4% |
Biggest
Drop From Sustained |
23.6% |
21.2% |
24.6% |
22.7% |
20.6% |
22.6% |
Drag on this reel was tested with the drag star fully
tightened. Then, with each successive test the drag was backed off with
two short pushes of the drag star using a thumb. |

The Sweet Drag
performance chart above shows the consistency in
drag performance of our Quantum Energy E100 SPTA casting reel.
Power:
I'm quite happy with the smooth operation this reel exhibits. Upon retrieve, it
feels refined and lacks any unpleasant noises from within. The 6.3:1 ratio is a
great all-around gearing for a variety of techniques. Although no low-geared
models are currently available, this reel felt fine with high-resistance lures
like medium-diving cranks and larger spinnerbaits. These reels also come in a
7.0:1 configuration, and left-hand reels are also available in both ratios.

Note the aluminum main gear and shaft, and the bright flipping switch.
Casting Range:
This reel should satisfy most bass fishing needs as it's versatile enough to
cast a nice range of offerings. Casting weightless senkos, weightless flukes,
and three-eighths ounce jigs was never a problem. At 16 grams, the spool
performs great and has a nice “free” feeling at lighter brake settings. It can
launch baits a long distance if you so desire.

Here's a look at the drilled spool and cast control dial.
Next Section: A dual braking system 
|