Quantum Takes EXO to the Next Level and the Company's Other Lines Follow
 

Introduction: Last year Quantum's EXO reels were the talk of the show and this year the company showed no signs of slowing down, instead they built off that momentum by rounding out the line and also completely redesigning the Energy PT, Catalyst PT, and Accurist PT casting reels to enhance both performance and value.

Introducing the newly redesigned Energy PT

Energy PT: I remember a decade ago, 2002 to be exact, when I first picked up an Energy PT, that reel was impressive but weighed a lot more than competing offerings at that time. Over the years Quantum has redesigned the Energy PT casting reels making both performance and weight improvements. The current model, the 6th generation, was reduced to 7.7 ounces compared to the hefty 9.2 ounces from ten years ago. Today, the new Energy PT that is being introduced at ICAST 2012 is only 6.9 ounces, that's almost a one ounce reduction in overall weight.

Slick and stylish, the new Energy PT reel is packed with features

If you look closely at the Energy PT it now has a similar profile as the EXO PT minus the skeletal cutouts. The new Energy PT uses a one-piece design consisting of an aluminum frame and gear sideplate. The newly styled machined aluminum handle is ported for weight reduction and is mated with soft touch EVA knobs.

The Energy PT now sports a flipping switch

You'll also notice something that we've never seen on the Energy PT series, a flipping switch. Anglers can engage the flipping mode simply by toggling a switch on the gear side sideplate.

Additional features that anglers will welcome include Quantum's dual cast control system that has internal ACS (6 centrifugal settings) and external magnetic (10 settings) brakes, 10+1 bearings compared to the current 9+1, clicking tension knob and drag star, and a ceramic drag system that produces about 16 pounds of pressure depending on model. The new Energy PT casting reels will be available this Fall and will retail for only $159.95!!! (current model is $189.95)

Like the Energy PT, the redesigned Catalyst PT has the same profile, one very similar to the EXO PT

Catalyst PT: The new Catalyst PT pretty much follows the same redesign route as the Energy PT providing a reel that's high performance at an exceptional value. This reel has an identical profile as the Energy PT using an aluminum frame and gear sideplate but there are weight reductions that obviously aren't applied to the Catalyst as this reel weighs 8.1 ounces.

Both the Energy and Catalyst has the new dual cast control system 

The Catalyst casting reel features 9+1 bearings, the same cast control system as the Energy PT which uses both internal and external braking methods, a aluminum machined handle, a flipping switch, and a clicking tension knob and drag star. Unfortunately, the reel will only be available in right hand retrieve when released to the market in the Fall. Retail price is still being finalized but you can be sure it will be a great value.

Here's the 2013 Accurist PT. A stylish dual tone finish

Accurist PT: The Accurist PT has always been a favorite among anglers because of its balance of features and performance for the price. The newly redesigned Accurist PT, like the Energy and Catalyst, has the same aggressively styled profile.

Even a reel of this price point gets loaded with all the features you would find in higher end reels

The sub-$100 reel has a pretty impressive list of features such as the popular flipping switch, 6+1 bearings, ceramic drag system, a dual cast control system that makes use of internal centrifugal and external magnetic controlled brakes, machined aluminum handle, and soft ergonomic rubber knobs. You really cannot ask for more for a very reasonable retail price of $99.95. The new reel will be in stores Fall of 2012.

Next Section: New Models and Inshore Reels