ICAST 2012: Quantum

We always like to see what’s happening in the Quantum booth as they seem to have the ability to keep new product under wraps until the show.

This year they debuted the new Quantum Tour Tactical Series spinning and casting rods. These sticks are designed without inserts in the guides, lightweight blanks and small guides, not micros for improved distance and accuracy.

Last year Quantum introduced the Smoke and EXO PT spinning reel in two sizes, a 25 and 30 in both. This year, they have added models to both lines all the way up to 50 series and down to a 15 series. 

Furthermore, they are introducing more sizes in the EXO PT Casting series that include 200 and 300 size reels that will gain line at the rate of about 36 inches per crank. Add to this a new left-hand retrieve in the EXO series and you’ve got tons of new hardware ready to roll.

The EXO series rods get some new stable mates that fill the gaps on both ends of the spectrum. From a 7 foot medium light to a 7 foot 10 inch heavy action designed for use with A-rigs, there is a rod for almost all applications.

The new Quantum Energy PT casting reels are a lot of juice for a reasonable price. For that matter you could almost say that Quantum is going a little retro with this new offering. They included a flippin switch on the Energy just like the one found on older 500 series reels. Add to that an 11 bearing system, dual cast control featuring both centrifugal and magnetic braking elements and at about $160, you’re getting a lot for your money.

The new Quantum Catalyst PT shares the dual braking system as will as the foot print of the new Energy but sports a few less bearings and will be priced at about $120.

There are two new reels from Quantum that are below the $100 price point. They are the Accurist and Centex Casting Reels. Both offer a lot of value for the money and should be on store shelves soon.