|
Energy
to Burn: Quantum Energy E100 SPTA (continued)
  Brakes:
The Energy is set up with a dual braking system using external Dynamag and
internal ACS cast controls. Removing the side plate reveals a dial on the side
of the spool with numbers 1–6. While holding the spool firmly, the dial turns
and clicks into any of the numbered places. The higher the number chosen, the
more resistance is applied during the cast. Externally, the Dynamag dial allows
for a multitude of settings which adjusts five small magnets for additional
fine-tuning.
For
me, the reel spent the most time on a 1–3 setting on the internal dial, with the
external dial fine-tuning the casts on a 4 or 5.
|
Performance Ratings for Quantum E100 SPTA Casting Reel |
|
Retrieve (1-5) |
Drag
(1-5) |
Power
(1-5) |
Casting Range
(1-5)
|
Brakes
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating
(= Tot/Pos* 10) |
|
4 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
20 |
25 |
8.0 |
Each handle knob contains two bearings.
Features:
The
Energy E100 SPTA includes a host of features like a machined aluminum frame,
handle-side cover, and spool; aluminum main gear and drive shaft, flipping
switch, and dual cast controls. Also, all dials click with a pleasant feel and
tone. There is no oil or reel cover included.
|
Features Ratings for Quantum E100 SPTA Casting Reel |
|
External Brake Adjust
(1-2) |
Levelwind
Bearing
(1-2) |
Knob
Bearings(1-3) |
Micro
Clicks
(1-3) |
Reel Cover
(1-2) |
Oil (1-2) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (=Tot/Pos* 10) |
|
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
14 |
8.57 |
Design and
Ergonomics:
At 80 millimeters, the handle length is okay but is still on the shorter side
compared to many competitors. The knobs are firm gray foam with “PT” imprinted
on both sides. These knobs not only feel extremely comfortable, but they are an
excellent width and size, too. Weighing in at seven ounces in our lab, this reel
comes in weighing less than popular offerings like the new Shimano Curado and
Daiwa Tatula. It also palms very well thanks to the low profile, compact size,
and smooth outer contours.
Despite the chubby side plate, the reel palms great.
The release for the outer side plate is a bit hard to use. There's a small
button by the thumb bar that must be depressed, then the side plate can swing
open. I found this setup a bit awkward and not super user-friendly to operate. A
flipping switch is located near the cast control knob on the handle side.
Clicking the switch into “flip” mode allows the reel to automatically engage by
simply taking your finger off the thumb bar. Despite only using it a few times,
it works well but took some getting used to for me. It takes a fair amount of
pressure to hold it down, and if you accidentally let up just a little bit the
reel will go ahead and engage when you don't want it to.
|
Design and Ergonomics Ratings for Quantum E100 SPTA Casting Reel |
|
Handle Length(1-5) |
Knobs(1-5) |
Palming (1-5) |
Overall Weight (1-5) |
Ease of Breakdown (1-5)
|
Total |
Possible |
Rating (=Tot/Pos *10) |
|
3 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
20 |
25 |
8.0 |
Price &
Application:
Carrying a
price of $159.99, the Energy reels face some downright serious competition. The
13 Fishing Concept A, Shimano Curado 200 I, and Daiwa Tatula (to name just a
few) are all right in the neighborhood. While the Quantum certainly boasts some
nice features and performance, so do these and many others!
A
head-on view....
This Quantum is
a solid choice as an all-around bass reel. It's capable of handling a variety of
lure weights and styles, and the drag will do a decent job of protecting lighter
lines and keeping small trebles pinned.
|
Application Ratings for Quantum E100 SPTA Casting Reel |
|
Horizontal (1-5) |
Vertical(1-5) |
Finesse(1-5) |
Big Baits (1-5)
|
Topwater (1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (=Tot/Pos *10) |
|
5 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
21 |
25 |
8.4 |
I
never quite got used to the flipping switch, but with more time I'm sure using
it would feel much more natural.
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
Quantum
E100
SPTA
Casting
Reel
Ratings
(?/10)
|
|
Construction/Quality |
A
well-made
reel
with a
nice
finish
and
tolerances
despite
all of
the
angles
and
curves. |
9.0 |
|
Performance |
It's a
smooth
reel
that can
handle
certain
unweighted
plastics
just
fine.
The drag
is not
as
powerful
or
refined
as some
competitors. |
8.0 |
|
Price |
The
pricing
is very
fair for
the
offering,
but the
reel may
get
overshadowed
by
others
at its
price
point. |
7.0 |
|
Features |
The
flipping
switch
and dual
casting
brakes
are two
of the
more
interesting
features. |
8.57 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
A very
comfortable
reel
both in
terms of
form and
weight. |
8.0 |
|
Application |
The E100
SPTA is
very
capable
of
general
bass
duties. |
8.4 |
|
Total
Score
|
8.16 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus
|
|
+ Well
made |
- Drag
not
entirely
refined |
|
+
Comfortable
form
factor |
-
Awkward
side
plate
release |
|
+
Satisfying
performance |
- No
low-geared
models |
|
+ Dual
brake
controls |
|
|
+ Modest
price |
|
A beautiful bass on a beautiful Northern California spring day succumbs to the
Quantum Energy PT
Conclusion:
In both
the rod and reel
market, the sheer
number of solid
choices for less
than two-hundred
dollars is truly
staggering. While
the population of
mid-priced reels is
extremely high, it
can make for a
challenging, yet fun
experience.
Challenging because
many of these reels
are sweet both in
terms of looks and
performance, thus
making choosing one
a bit tough. Fun,
because let's face
it, who doesn't like
shopping for fishing
tackle amidst such
variety? It's
definitely an
amazing time to be a
tackle enthusiast!
Looking for the
Quantum Energy PT
Baitcaster?
Try
Tackle Warehouse
|
