Performance meets great value with the Quantum Incyte (continued)
Drag:
In the lab and in the field, the drag displayed great marks. The start pressure
along with the functional drag force, which is at least 12 pounds, are only
ounces apart from each other. When a fish started to run the initial start is
very smooth and consistent throughout the entire cycle. The Incyte uses three
pairs of washers that are just a tad smaller than a US Quarter along with two
spool washers underneath the spool.
Three pairs of
drags are used along with two drag washers beneath the spool
Drag adjustments on the
front drag system are easy even in the ten-size reel since the knob is easy to
grasp. Minute adjustments are possible thanks to the implementation of an
audible clicker.
Notice the two
drag washers and the two bearings on the shaft
Ergonomics:
The ergonomics on this reel are also above average, and due to the graphite
construction, the reel is relatively light at only 7.4 ounces (measured) whereas
a full metal reel might be two or three ounces heavier. Still, the Incyte could
have been lighter but Quantum did not want to sacrifice weight for durability
and chose instead to provide structural reinforcement by way of an aluminum side
cover and butt cap.
A simple yet
ergonomic knob that's comfortable to grasp onto
Aside from the overall
weight being more lightweight the machined handle is angled just right for one’s
retrieve and the knob is exceptionally comfortable to grip. Sometimes the drag
knob is easily overlooked in terms of ergonomics, but I find that this component
is important. Some spinning reels have low or angled knobs that are hard for
even average sized fingers to turn to make adjustment. The Incyte, even the 10
size reviewed here, has a knob with high fins that are easy for anyone to grasp
and make adjustments.
A sleek and
petite profile
Application & Price:
Most would use the Incyte IT10F for trout fishing, and it does a great job at
this, but it also excels with other species such as Crappie and other panfish.
This spinning reel will handle line weights up to six pounds. With any heavier
lines you should probably upgrade to the next size.
A great
spinning reel for trout fishing
The price of the Quantum
Incyte is very competitive but this reel does include a few more features than
other, similarly priced reels, and performance wise it is even better than some
reels costing up to ten dollars more. Overall, the Incyte is a great reel for
the price.
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
Incyte
IT10F
Ratings (?/10)
|
| Construction/Quality |
A well
built
product
with
decent
quality
for its
price
point |
5 |
| Performance |
Not in
the PT
series
but
performs
almost
like one |
6.5 |
| Price |
Good
overall
price
for the
features
and
performance
it
provides |
7 |
| Features |
Has all
the
features
that one
might
want
without
spending
too much
money |
7 |
| Design (Ergonomics) |
The reel
comes in
lighter
due to
the
plastic
body.
The
overall
ergonomics
are
above
par on
this
spinning
reel |
7 |
| Application |
A nice
freshwater
reel for
trout,
Crappie,
and
other
small
fish |
7 |
|
Total Score
|
6.58 |
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
Smooth
and
hefty
drag for
the
10-size
reel |
L
Primary
spool
and
spare
spool
are
different |
| J
Good
price |
L
Ported
main
spool
has the
same
weight
as the
solid
spare
spool |
| J
Good
overall
performance |
|
| J
Spare
spool
included |
|
Conclusion:
Looking back a decade value spinning reels were just mediocre in performance.
Today we can find spinning reels that are designed much better but still sell
for a reasonably low price. The Quantum Incyte, reviewed here, is a prime
example. The Incyte is Quantum’s top reel just before you enter the Performance
Tuned series. It is attractive, has good features, and even includes a spare
spool. The drag performs smoothly and consistently throughout its range and can
easily handle trout, crappie, and other small fish when paired up with the
proper rod. This reel offers good overall performance and features especially if
you take into account it’s price point of only $59.99. With all this in mind,
it’s a great choice for those anglers on a budget who still want a quality
spinning reel.
