Quantum
Xtralite
(XPS05)
Specifications |
Type |
Ultralight Spinning |
Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
2/200, 4/100,
6/70 |
Gear
Ratio |
5.2:1 |
Weight |
6.1
oz |
Bearings |
6 |
Additional Features |
Aluminum
Long Stroke spool, Twist-Reducer line roller, Continuous Anti-Reverse,
fully-machined handle, wood knob, spare aluminum spool |
MSRP |
$39.95 |
Introducing the newly redesigned
Quantum Xtralite XPS
Impressions:
Quantum has been producing
the Xtralite series for at least five years, but their 2006 version of this reel
really caught our attention at this year’s ICAST. The Xtralite XPS series is the
pinnacle of Quantum’s ultralight spinning reels. Up for review is the XPS05
model, the second smallest size in the series (the XPS00 is the tiniest). The
XPS05 features Quantum’s Long Stroke aluminum spool, audible clicking front
drag, Twist-Reducer line roller, Continuous Anti-Reverse, and six bearings.
Aside from those performing features the Xtralite reel is quite alluring. It has
an attractive dual color tone of silver and gold that matches nicely, especially
when complimenting the crank knob made of hardened maple wood.
The Xtralite sports a hardened maple wood
handle knob
Complete Rig
for Xltralite Tests |
Rods |
TICA SEMA (SEMA115201) |
Reel |
Quantum Xtralite
(XPS05) |
Lines |
4 lb. Sufix Elite |
Field Tests:
What better place to test out ultralight gear than in the Eastern Sierras during
the Fall. The trees have started to turn into their beautiful golden Autumn
colors and around the lakes and streams we have the opportunity to hook up with
fish ranging from small wild trout to huge Alpers that were stocked in some of
these pristine lakes. Spooled with four pound test Sufix Elite line we paired
the XPS05 with a five foot TICA spinning rod that is rated ultralight in power
and moderate in action.
Quantum's Long Stroke spool assists in
distant casts
Casting:
We tested the
reel’s casting abilities while trekking around the Easter Sierras. When fishing
streams at this time of the year the water is quite calm and most have pretty
low water levels. Fishing in these conditions, at times, requires short,
pinpoint casts to reach your target on the first shot or else these finicky
trout will surely swim away in the ultra clear Sierra waters. With a stout five
foot rod and four pound test line, the short casts were controllable and
accurate even on slightly windy days when casting tiny Kastmasters, Panther
Martins, and trout tubes. When we discovered some deeper pools and lakes, we
switched tactics to open water fishing where distance was more desirable than
pinpoint accuracy. With a 1/12 ounce gold Kastmaster we were able to achieve
distances greater than 30 feet thanks to the Long Stroke spool design that’s
very similar to ones seen on the Catalyst PTi spinning reels.
Two aluminum spools come with the Xtralite
Retrieve:
We first set hands
on the newly redesigned Xtralite at ICAST this past July and were quite
impressed with what we felt as we turned the handle. Now we had the opportunity
to actually put it into action on the water. Each crank of the fully machined
handle, whether under the light load of a simple retrieve or the heavy load of
fighting fish, was smooth thanks to the supportive 6 bearings loaded within the
XPS reel.
JIP tests the retrieve at South Lake in the
Eastern Sierras
Though the 6 bearings give
this reel a gliding feel, other components also ensure a good feel to your
hands. The Quantum Xtralite has a well balanced rotor as it spins at multiple
speeds. This eliminates any unnecessary wobbles or even rubbing in other cheaply
made reels. In addition, the wooden handle knob is a very nice refinement.
A balanced rotor is important to fluid
retrieve
If you’re spoiled like I
am by Quantum’s magnetic bail return mechanism (featured on their Catalyst PTi
spinning reel), then the bail return on the Xtralite will seem harder for you to
turn over. Initially it’ll feel harder but over time after a brief break in
period it’ll become easier to trip. I suggest you flip the bail back over with
your own hands for three reasons: one, you can eliminate the potential of having
slack line wind up on your spool which can cause line twists especially when
using light lures; two, you can control your casts better especially if you’re
casting near trees. You have your hand in place to slow or stop the line from
coming off the spool, then when ready just flip the bail; and three, the bail
will always return right which will help reduce the wear and tear on the
internal bail components.
The innards that power the spinning reel
This little reel also
features a Continuous Anti-Reverse that stops the rotor immediately when you
stop retrieving. Having this feature allows quick and solid hooksets unlike
other spinning reels with simple position stops.