Quantum Leap Frogging into 2011 with New Bass Fishing Rods and Reels
Posted by Jason Sealock on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 @ 03:06 PM
Quantum has stepped up their game the last few years. They have one of the top prostaffs in bass fishing, and their new products are reflecting the quality of experience from that group. They have ultra-passionate product managers like Chris Strickland. And with names like Greg Hackney, Gary Klein, Shaw Grigsby, Tommy Biffle and oh yeah that KVD fella giving you input on what's good and bad about a reel or rod, a smart company like Quantum has got it dialed in.
They were very excited about their new rods and reels for bass anglers in 2011 at that ICAST show and here's the scoop on what we saw.
First the biggest new product in their stable has to be the new Quantum Smoke Reels. The reels have a killer rugged charcoal color to them with smoked colored graphics on the side. The reel looks mean and rugged and the specifications on the reel seem to infer that it will live up to its cosmetics. The all metal reel features aluminum sides, ultra smooth casting with Performance Tuned bearings and Micro ACS adjustment controls.
But the biggest feature to most will be the incredible light weight of the reels. There are several reels in the line-up consisting of two sizes -- the 100 and 150 reels. The 100 reel offers a 7.0:1 and 6.3:1 while the 150 is going to be offered in 7.3:1, 6.6:1 and 5.3:1 ratio reels. And unbelievably these reels will weigh between 6.2 to 6.8 ounces depending on which model you buy.
The reels will sell for $199 for the 100 series and $219 for the 150 series. We're looking forward to testing these reels on the water because they felt awesome at the show. Tommy Biffle used them on the way to his victory at Ft. Gibson Lake.
To go along with the new reels they also had new Smoke PT line of rods. These are Micro Guide rods with HSX70 High Strain million modulous rods. These two features combine to make a very light and sensitive rod and the best part is they look great at a price of $129. There will be six casting models initially in the line. We think these rods will sell extremely well at that price point for the options available.
The Quantum Tour KVD cranking rods got a line extension to include six new rods for other techniques VanDam uses a lot on tour like Spinnerbaits, or throwing Strike King Caffine Shads or Ochos around shallow cover. These rods will have the same $149 price point that his very popular E-Glass and composite graphite blended construction (EGC).
The new Quantum Accurist PT reel looks good, felt very smooth and was said to be extremely durable for a very affordable price of $79. The reel will come in sizes 10 - 30. With 10 stainless bearings and a total weight iof 9.2 ounces, the reel also features an indestructible nickel titanium bail wire that is guaranteed for life. The drag system features ceramic washers to resist heat as well as carbon fiber and stainless steel to make them durable.
The final new product that caught our eye was a value-priced combo. The new Quantum Triax Combo is being touted by Quantum as the "greatest $50 combo" ever. At a price point of $50, this IM7 2-piece rod and Triax reel is offered in reel sizes between 10 and 60 and rod lengths between 5 foot and 7 foot that very in action from ultralight to medium. I'm bringing a son up in fishing and I don't want him using junky rods and reels. I want him to learn on decent tackle that won't tear up after a few uses but I don't want to break the bank until he gets a little older. I see a Triax combo in his future.
We were excited about the new Quantum products. Chris Strickland, product manager for Quantum exudes passion for his products and for fishing in general. We always like to see that in a company because we felt a real sense of commitment to making their products better, more reliable, more durable and at a better value every year. And to hear guys like Gary Klein say they absolutely love all their Quantum equipment right now speaks volumes about where they are in the marketplace.
We're looking forward to testing some Quantum products in the near future.