Quantum Boca
PTs (BSP40PTs) Specifications |
Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
8/270, 10/230, 12/200 |
Gear
Ratio |
5.2:1 |
Weight |
14.8
oz |
Bearings |
5 |
Additional Features |
One-piece aluminum frame,
TiMAG Salt bail system, MAGLOK™magnetic Continuous Anti-reverse, Multi-stack
Magnum ceramic drag, Saltgard six-layer corrosion protection
finish, forged aluminum spool, one-piece stainless steel screw-in handle,
oversized knob, Neoprene bag, wrench+knot tool |
Price |
$119.95 |
Impressions: The PT saltwater spinning reel comes in an
attractive box and my first impressions of the Quantum Boca PTs was that this
offering was more than just another reel, and more akin to a complete package.
Quantum wants anglers to have the complete experience and this saltwater reel
comes with a well thought out blue Neoprene reel bag to protect it during
transport and storage.

The solid and attractive saltwater
spinning reel, the Boca PTs by Quantum
The reel itself is impressive and quite unlike
most other normal spinning reels. The profile is familiar but the components and
design of the reel exhibit a quality ruggedness not found in most spinning
outfits. Robust features such as the TiMAG Salt
bail system, a completely sealed drag system, a magnetic anti-reverse mechanism, and the
protective Saltgard six-layer coating for those harsh saltwater conditions all
are designed to perform capably in harsh saltwater applications.
Complete Rig
for Quantum BSP40PTsTests |
Rod |
Quantum
Cabo PT Inshore (CBIS70M) |
Reel |
Quantum
Boca PTs (BSP40PTs) |
Line |
20
lb. Sufix Tritanium Plus |
Field
Tests: During our tests we
stressed the Quantum Performance Tuned spinning reel on various species of fish
from landlocked and surf Stripers to fishing 100ft down for rockcod in West
Coast waters.

The Saltgard Six-layers make a
fine finish on the slim Boca
Casting: The Boca PTs casts extremely well thanks to the precisely designed spool. The forged aluminum spool is uniform and the oscillation
on
the shaft is consistent, allowing line to be retrieved on the spool uniformly. Evenly
laid line results in easier longer distant casts simply because the line flows off
the spool freely. While we tossed swimbaits, plugs,
and jigs at striped bass and rockcod, we were able to catapult these lures right
into
the target zone, especially when fishing for the stripers in the surf from our
saltwater boat. Getting too close to the surf is dangerous, but with the
Boca mated with the Cabo PT Inshore rod, we were able to reach outlying fish
without any tribulation.
Retrieving: Utilizing five tight tolerance bearings, the Boca PTs is smooth
when it comes to retrieves. Under stressful loads the reel still performed well,
and with each turn of the one-piece stainless steel handle the well balanced rotor showed no signs of
unsolicited wobbling.

Precision gearing results in
smooth, durable, and powerful retrieves
The retrieve from this saltwater spinning reel is
also powerful, thanks to the MAGLOK™magnetic anti-reverse system, an
oversized handle knob, and the non-flex aluminum frame. Its capacity served
us well
when we played tug-a-war with larger stripers and while hauling heavy Cabezon
and Lingcod up from the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
MAGLOK™:
When Quantum unleashed the TiMAG II system, we had no idea how the Titanium bail
wire and magnetic bail return mechanism would perform, especially over the long
run. After years of usage the system still impresses us. Now with the Boca
spinning reel, Quantum has again placed an innovative design feature that we
were delighted to see in effect on this saltwater reel. The MAGLOK™
continuous anti-reverse system make use of vigorous magnets instead of springs. These
are placed in the handle and rotor of the Boca PTs. Because this is a
saltwater reel, employing magnets have advantages over mechanical springs in terms of
corrosion. This magnetic system proved proficient and resilient in our tests,
and never
failed even after almost 3 months of usage. This anti-reverse system has
no play, and provides solid hooksets time and time again.

The Boca PTs sports a seal drag to
keep out unwanted particles
The Drag: The drag system on Boca PTs is
exceptional. Its initial start is smooth and continued to perform that way
throughout our tests. Quantum utilizes a stack of oversized ceramic drag
washers and as we encountered many Cabezon and Lingcod
that pulled hard 80ft down the accurate drag
system functioned consistently. The Magnum ceramic drag washers don't not expand
under heat pressure and is good run after run, and
because it resists heat so well the entire drag system does not assume damage
like other drags after excessive use.
Another nice feature is that the entire drag
system is sealed. The drag adjustment knob sports a rubber gasket that
prevents any dirt, grit, or saltwater from entering the mechanism that could
potentially harm
the discs or cause it to become "gummy." Dirt, sand, and saltwater still
have the ability to get in-between the knob and spool, but only on the outer rim
in front of the seal. After each fishing trip, be sure to remove the knob
and clean out the grit that builds up around the non-protected area.

The oversized Nickel Titanium bail
wire is extremely durable
Durability: Durability is very good on this
saltwater spinning reel. The components are corrosion resistant, and the TiMAG Salt bail system is
brawny. The
one-piece frame is made strong and finished with Quantum's Saltgard layers. These layers bond to the
actual frame metal, but can still be scratched if rubbed
against sharp and hard surfaces. So still try and avoid direct contact with
rocks and tools. The TiMAG Salt bail isn't the same as
the freshwater reels. This Nickel-Titanium bail wire is at least double the size of the
freshwater type while still remaining remarkably strong, lightweight, and durable. The Neoprene bag
that comes with the product also serves its purpose at protecting your reel when
not in use. The bag has two compartments, one for the tools and oils, and
the other for the Boca PTs itself. A nice feature about this protective
bag is that the bottom and sides are meshed, allowing draining and air circulation
if you want to place the reel into the bag right after rinsing. (Though we
still recommend a towel dry)
Price: Quantum built the Boca PTs to
contend with the higher end saltwater reels and it certainly performs up to par with
the competition. The components used are all corrosion resistant, are
upgraded to be extra hard-wearing, and additional hi-tech features help make this spinning reel
a solid performer. Throw in the aggressive price of only $100 dollars for this PT reel and
you have a exceptional value for this grade of product.

This reel is capable of hauling in
many types of gamefish
Warranty: Quantum Saltwater PT reels boast a
completely different warranty service than the freshwater line of products. These PT reels are warranted for one year from the date of purchase against any
defects in workmanship or materials. But here's the exciting part that any
saltwater guys will love. Quantum provides their users with a "24 Hour Warranty
Service" because their objective is to keep everyone fishing, and they
understand how important it is to have your gear ready, especially when the sea
conditions are right and the migratory fish are biting. Two advantages to this
service: 1) Quantum will either repair or replace your product in 24 hours and
ship it back to you, and 2) the warranty on the product being sent back to you
will again have a 1 year warranty period from the date sent. Also, the TiMAG
system bears a lifetime warranty.
Ratings:
Quantum Boca
PTs (BSP40PTs) Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
The
reel is constructed to be solid with corrosion resistant and oversized
components that are a big plus to a saltwater reel |
9 |
Performance |
Excellent! Performed well in all categories while fishing for
different species of fish from near surface to all the way down to the
bottom of the ocean |
9.5 |
Price |
A
very good value for a high performer that employs quality components |
9 |
Features |
Loaded with features such as the oversized handle knob, Magnum drag washers,
TiMAG Salt system, seal drag, and much more. The addition of the
Neoprene bag is wonderful to protect your investment |
9 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
A
very well designed reel that's tuned for performance and comfort in powerful
retrieves and smooth casting. The weight is ergonomically balanced for
saltwater applications |
9 |
Application |
The
40 size is capable of targeting many species of saltwater and freshwater
game. The reel is strong and durable enough for stripers rigged with
either 12 or 20lb test, and have the power to haul up heavy cod from deep
down |
9 |
Total Score |
9.08 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Powerful |
L
Wish it came with a spare spool |
J
Durable |
|
J
Sealed Drag |
|
J
Oversized Nickel-Titanium bail wire |
|
J
Corrosion resistant components |
|
Conclusion: The Boca PTs saltwater fishing reel is well designed with
plenty of features that
help augment the overall performance. Quantum utilized all corrosion
resistant components, and the addition of MAGLOK, a magnetic
anti-reverse system that is durable and won't fade like traditional springs
would is ideally suited for the rigors of saltwater fishing. The oversized components are a plus when
it comes time to fight unexpectedly sizeable fish in inshore waters. Along with excellent
performance, the Boca spinning reel is also made extra durable with Quantum's
unique saltwater
coating. To top it all off Quantum's TiMAG Salt bail wire is much thicker and lighter
than traditional spinning reels, and an oversized
drag system puts the halt on even the strongest fish. To complete the
package the Boca PTs comes with a nice Neoprene bag to protect it during
transport and storage. Quantum
has done it again by designing a great saltwater reel at an incredible price. This
is a must try reel for anglers considering a new
spinning outfit for light to medium saltwater duty, and in terms of overall
value the Boca is on top of the short list.
