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Reel Review


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

 

   

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