In our coverage of ICAST 2013, we mentioned some of the new reels that debuted in Vegas. The subject of our in-depth review today is on the new Quantum Energy PT. This reel was only available in right-hand retrieve but will soon be sold in the left-hand version. If you’ve been with us for a while, you know that we prefer the left-handed models.
Specifications
So lets take a look at the specifications and see what we can find out. Like its stable mate, the left handed version shares the same weight, line capacity (12/125), Flippin switch, 11 bearing system (2 bearings per handle), an audible click spool tension knob, Quantum’s new dual cast control that combines both internal ACS with external magnetic braking, performance tuned drag system and new EVA foam grips. The bottom line is that this reel is loaded with features and comes in at about $159.99 retail.
The color scheme is a complete departure from earlier models but is less distressing as you get used to it. Some would even say that it’s attractive. We’re more neutral as far as that goes but don’t misunderstand, it isn’t ugly, just unusual, bordering on unique.
However, color isn’t in our opinion the most critical factor involved in the decision to buy a particular reel or not. What is number one in our book is how the reel performs. Casting, retrieving, how it feels in hand, how it holds up, is it versatile and of course, is it a good value? These are what we consider vastly more important than motif!
So how does the Energy PT perform? We obtained one while at ICAST in the left-hand retrieve. Brought it home, spooled it up with a line that we’ll be reviewing in the near future and got busy! How else can you actually tell what a reels capabilities are?
We didn’t really know what to expect when we got to the lake so we set it up with 4 of the internal brakes on, the spool tension knob moderately tight and the external magnetic brake at about five. The first lure we threw with the Energy PT was an unweighted soft plastic jerk bait.
Practical tips for setting the brakes
One note of interest here. When setting up the Energy for the first time, removing the side-plate is very easy but you have to thumb the spool to adjust the internal centrifugal brakes. Replace the side cover and pay attention to the numbers on the magnetic brake as they are engaged from the bottom up as opposed to the top down.
Free spool or “0” is on the low side, maximum or “10” is on the high side. In other words to increase magnetic braking, the angler turns the knob from bottom to top. This may seem a little counter intuitive at first but takes very little time to get used to.
One more observation of note. While the magnetic brake has settings from “free” to 10, there are twenty eight clicks required to get from one extreme to the other. What this does is give the angler lots of incremental adjustments to fine tune the braking for any situation.
The first cast was flawless although it didn’t set any records for distance. We brought it back in and started backing off the three control mechanisms one at a time.
Long story short, we settled on leaving two of the internal brakes on and tuned our Energy PT by using the spool tension knob and the external brakes when we changed lures.
This handled the vast majority of the baits that we have used on this reel. From unweighted plastics to 3/4 ounce plugs the Quantum Energy PT has proven itself to be more than adequate in the casting department. For that matter, the distances we have gotten are in the upper 15 percent of reels we have tested across the board.
On the water with the Energy
Since we’ve been using the Energy PT, we haven’t encountered any negative tendencies with the reel. At 6.9 ounces, it is a breeze to use all day. Paired with the right rod, fatigue is non-existent. The handles are soft without losing any grip from getting wet which provides excellent control when fighting a fish.
The drag is consistent and smooth throughout the spectrum. Unfortunately, we haven’t hooked into anything that would really test the upper limits of the drag. We’ve caught plenty of decent fish but none have been able to make us feel as though we weren’t in complete control.
When it comes to retrieving a bait, the Energy PT is smooth while keeping you in contact with your lure. Some reels that we have fished, both smooth and clunky, have dampened your connection to your lure.
The Energy PT does an excellent job of being very civilized in manner without being overburdened by feel robbing extraneous stuff.
In the past, some of Quantum’s models have had a bulge on the non-handle side-plate to accommodate past versions of their ACS that could get annoying over a long day of fishing. This incarnation of the Energy has in our opinion solved that. We haven’t felt that the dial gets in the way whatsoever.
Any Caveats?
If there is anything that could be more refined it would have to be the spool tension knob. The pro’s are that it is easy to access as well as easy to turn. It is an audible click knob but the increments from one click to the next could be much smaller in our opinion. Maybe that’s being a little petty but considering how refined the rest of the reel is, that one feature stands out as less than it could have been.
In the past, the whole concept of dual-braking systems haven’t really impressed us. Our reasoning was that a lot of those didn’t provide any real benefit. They were simply complicating a basic task with unnecessary adjustments that took time and effort but offered almost no results. Besides, your thumb was the best braking system out there so why bother?
The new Quantum Energy PT’s take on a dual-braking system is well thought out and down right functional. On top of that, the flexibility you get from this system is really impressive. Yeah, it isn’t the simplest thing on the planet and does require removing the side-plate to adjust the interior centrifugal brakes but that’s part of what makes the fine tuning what it is.
The bottom line is that the new Quantum Energy PT is a feature rich reel for a value price. We feel confident that angler’s of all skill levels from the novice to the seasoned bass hound can use this reel effectively with a minimum learning curve.
| Overall Rating | |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating |   |
| A feature rich, value priced reel | |
See ya’ on the water …