Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, possibly the best Quantum Baitcaster yet?
Introduction: Quantum continues to introduce new baitcasters that redefine the company when it comes to refinement. Last ICAST the company garnered a great deal of press for their new Smoke reels which are designed to be lightweight aluminum based baitcasters with all the bells and whistles, yet retail for a very reasonable price. It all sounded too good to be true, and we took a close look at this new series of reels to see if there really is more than just smoke and mirrors here.
Cal, do you think that the smoke 100 would be capable of:
-throwing 55lb samurai and swimjigs?
-handling 15-17 test copoly for hollowbellies/spinnerbaits?
In the highspeed reel shootout, in regards to the quantum's main gear you had this to say about it:
"the Quantum's main gear felt very vulnerable. Not only is it the smallest in diameter, thickness, and material behind the teeth, it is made of aluminum and is significantly lighter than the other reels' main gears"
"It was one thing to fish the Quantum knowing about the aluminum main gear, but after handling it in comparison to the others, I have to say, all those on the water experiences where the reel felt underpowered really come to light and I have to really question the long term viability of this reel's internal gearing."
This was a deal breaker for me(and probally alot of others as well).
There is no mention of the gear material or changes in the smoke review. Is it the same material? Have any improvements been made?
spookybaits wrote:In the highspeed reel shootout, in regards to the quantum's main gear you had this to say about it:
"the Quantum's main gear felt very vulnerable. Not only is it the smallest in diameter, thickness, and material behind the teeth, it is made of aluminum and is significantly lighter than the other reels' main gears"
"It was one thing to fish the Quantum knowing about the aluminum main gear, but after handling it in comparison to the others, I have to say, all those on the water experiences where the reel felt underpowered really come to light and I have to really question the long term viability of this reel's internal gearing."
This was a deal breaker for me(and probally alot of others as well).
There is no mention of the gear material or changes in the smoke review. Is it the same material? Have any improvements been made?
Hi Spookybaits, Cal pointed some observations in our High Speed Shootout but not an actual failure. Since the shooutout we have continued to explore the potential weakness. It was also one of the reasons we specifically brought the Smoke to the Amazon, and it not only survived against Peacock bass, it excelled. The Smoke still makes use of the same basic main gear design but Quantum has made improvements in the way the gearing is isolated so that not only do they better mesh but there is less room for the gear to move resulting in better mesh and improved transfer of winding power, ultimately helping improve the overall feel. If you take out the gears and compare them side by side with competition from the likes of Shimano and Daiwa offerings the diameters and thicknesses are still greater on the competition but as a complete system the Smoke has done a good job narrowing the gap, literally.
is Smoke safe for saltwater mangroves or in shores?
Regards,
Wirinhar
Hi Wieinhar, Yes, the Smoke can be utilized in brackish and light salwater applications, both the aluminum frame and internals can take it, and teh ceamic drag will hold up well. Like all lighter reels it would be good to keep the clean and be sure to rinse and wipe after use and if you use it in this enviroment heaviliy it is likely some extra mainatianance and lubes will be required after a season.
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