Quantum XLSP1000
Specifications |
Rod:
XL462SUL |
Material |
High-Modulus Graphite |
Length |
4'6" |
Colors |
Charcoal Silver |
Action |
Super
Ultralight |
Recommended Line |
1-4lb. |
Lure
Handling wt. Range |
1/64-1/8oz. |
Reel:
XL00S2 |
Line
Capacity |
2/120;
4/80; 6/55 |
Gear
Ratio |
5.2:1 |
Weight |
5.0oz. |
Bearings |
2 |
MSRP |
$35.95 |
Impressions: The Quantum
XLSP1000 combo consists of the XL462SUL rod and XL00S2 spinning reel. The
rod is only four feet and six inches in length constructed out of high-modulus
graphite, genuine Fuji reel seat, and a cork handle. The 5.0 ounce reel,
when attached to the rod, makes a perfect couple in appearance, but we will see
if they perform just as nice.
 |
The combo
comes with everything you see here |
When I first held this combo I thought I wouldn't be
able to cast with such a small rod and reel because it barely fit in my
hand. But I knew that if I did not give the XLSP1000 a chance I would not
know how it performs and feels.
Test #1: It was about three weeks after the Crowley Lake
opener in the Eastern Sierras. My friend kept on telling me how great it
was to battle those hard hitting trout from a float tube with ultralight
tackle. "Those fish are monsters! They hit your lure so hard, jump,
jump, and jump again and will never tire out. You better get ready for
this trip!" he advised me.
"Quantum Xtralite redefines the ultralight tackle category... this is
Super-ultralight. And it's the standard by which all ultralights are
measured", states the maker of the XLSP1000. Quantum says that other
ultralight tackle are based on their standard which pretty much says that they
think they have one of the best ultralight gear around. Well, I had to
give this super-ultralight combo a try since I do love fighting trout that has
an endless supply of fight-power.
I spent three days at Crowley Lake fishing from my float tube using the
Quantum ultralight outfit. At first the 4'6" rod and tiny reel made it
difficult to cast a 1/12 ounce Kastmaster on Trilene XL monofilament 4lb. test
line, but soon I was able to perfect my casting techniques and started catching
fish. The very first hookup that morning at McGee Bay was a 17 incher that
scared the hell out of me. I have never caught such a large fish on such
light gear. Since the XLSP1000 is considered a Super-Ultralight
combination I felt only fish at the other end of the line. I held my rod
up high and let the rod and reel do it's job. The XL00S2, which only
consists on two bearings was exceptional. The drag functioned well for not
being a premium high-end reel. I was so surprised on how well the drag
worked when I fought that big fish. At the price for the combo I didn't
expect much, but now that has changed. The reason why I was able to land
that big rainbow trout came in play of not just the flexible ultralight rod,
it's also the reel that kept the fish from snapping the line and swimming away
with my lure in it's mouth.
 |
The Quantum
XL00S2 features a good construction and an exceptional drag for the price |
Test #2: The next test was not another struggle with monster
trout, but it was a backpacking trip to Grant Lake in Yosemite National
Park. I loaded my backpack and the final weight of the bag was
40lbs! There was no way I was going to carry anymore on my back if I
didn't need to. That is where the Quantum Super-Ultralight XLSP1000 came
into play. The reel being only 5.0 ounces and the short rod almost
weightless, I was able to bring that combo along. When the parts are
broken down - the rod in two pieces and the reel alone, I was able to place the
rod without any protection with the tent poles in it's holder on the side of my
pack, and the reel inside with the rest of my necessities. Once again I
was able to use this rod and reel combination in the backcountry with ease
casting Kalin's Trout Tube mini jigs on Trilene XL 2lb. test line.
 |
JIP's
brother Jimmy doesn't even work up a sweat field testing the ultralight
combo in Yosemite |
Gripes: By reading the tests above you can tell what are some of
the good points, but now I will share with you some things that I didn't
like. Sometimes when I cast hard the bail would snap right back stopping
the fishing line, which is in full forward momentum, causing the lure to fling
right back at me. Zander tried casting with this combo and on his second
or third cast that happened to him also. The Kastmaster flew back at him
hooking him on the leg; luckily no damages.
Even though the combination of the XL462SUL and the XL00S2 performed
well, I think the rod could use a few more inches(6" more) to make it a perfect
match. A slightly longer rod would make casting and fighting fish much
better, but that is just something I would like to see in Quantum's future
combos.
Ratings:
Quantum XLSP1000
Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Good
material overall if you consider the price. The material on the reel
could be better, but like I said, for the amount you pay for it, it's
worth it |
8 |
Performance |
The
drag on the reel is good for one of Quantum's low end reels. If the
bail snaps back many times while casting (which does not) this can really
degrade the performance. The rod has good flexibility and strength
for such a short piece |
8.5 |
Price |
This
is not an expensive rod. Fair price for a decent combo |
8 |
Features |
The
rod and the reel, that is all it comes with |
7 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Super-Ultralight rod and reel combo, but still has a large enough
cork handle for an adult size hand |
8 |
Application |
A
definite carry where ever you like combo that gets the job
done. But the rod could be a little longer to better
things |
8 |
Total Score |
7.92 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Good match(rod & reel) |
L
Bail sometimes snap back |
J
Good for light lures |
L
Rod could be longer |
J
Carry anywhere |
|
J
Super-Ultralight |
|