Quantum Tour
Edition PT (PTS664F) Specifications |
Material |
HSX62
Hi-Strain graphite |
Length |
6'6" |
Line
Weight |
6-12
lb. |
Lure
Weight |
1/8-1/2 oz. |
Pieces |
1 |
Power |
Medium |
Action |
Fast |
Color |
Matte
Black |
MSRP |
$149.99 |
Impressions: After reviewing the first PT rod back in December
2002, it left a lasting positive impression as to how far Quantum has come in
the last 2 years in terms of design and manufacturer of tournament quality rods. Now as I hold the PTS664F in my
hands, memories of the PT rod are brought back as the rod exhibits the same
quality and design. The PTS664F is a well
constructed spinning rod with medium power, fast action, and is constructed
with premium Fuji components such as 8 Alconite guides and an IPS spinning
reel seat all on a ergonomic cork grip.
The actions are attractive for what this rod was intended for and the overall
rod weight
is considered light.
The Tour Edition PT spinning rod
is constructed using Hi-Strain graphite and wrapped to create an aggressive
taper for finesse techniques
Complete Rig
for PTS664F Tests |
Rod |
Quantum
Tour Edition PT (PTS664F) |
Reel |
TICA
Libra SA2500 |
Line |
6
lb. Sufix DNA |
Field
Tests: A rod of these characteristics make it very attractive for bass
finesse fishing during the Winter and Spring months, and that's exactly where the
PTS664F is tested. Medium in power and a fast
tip make the Quantum PTS664F great for drop shotting, working plastic worms,
and swimming grubs and small suspending jerkbaits.
Casting
& Accuracy: Rigged with 6lb. test, casting small plastics come easy with
a flip of your wrist. Even with a fast tip, the medium powered rod has
good flexibility up to the mid section and great for flinging out small lighter
weight lures. To go one step further to show how well the Quantum PT rod
performs in casting, I even used it for trout fishing tossing Kastmasters and
Gee-min-ees in the smaller sizes that are outside the specified range for the
PTS664F. Surprisingly I found the rod still to be very accurate and quite
adept at tossing these tiny lures. Tossing
drop shot rigs, casting small plastic weightless rigged worms, and even smaller
trout lures are all possible with a whip of the Quantum's sensitive tip.
Casting small lures even outside
of the specified range is also possible with a rod with this much action and
sensitivity
Sensitivity:
Winter months mean the fish are usually suspended and one very effective
technique being utilized on tour and on backyard lakes is the now famous drop shot.
When drop shotting sensitivity is the key to detecting bites many
feet down, resulting in solid hook sets at the right time. While fishing deep where the bass
are hovering, I was able to detect subtle bites thanks for the fast tip on the PTS664F,
then it was up to my reaction time to set the hook and gently pull the fish
up from the depths with 6lb. test. Also while slowly working plastics at the bottom of the
lakes, each and every bump was felt, along with the short quick nibbles by
bass not aggressive enough to inhale the lure as they often do in the warmer
months.
Using premium components such as
Alconite guides applying Fuji's Guide Concept is one of the many design features
that enhances sensitivity for the PT rod
Power: Bass Anglers usually fish fast and
aggressive when the bass are biting, using heavier tackle. While Spring
and Summer calls for heavier gear, Winter is the opposite. Finesse is the
key and downgrading in power and other tackle means greater chance in hookups
through delicate presentations.
To some the PTS664F might not be muscular enough, but remember, this rod is
intended
for small plastics and drop shot techniques, with a manufacturers rating of 6 to
12 lb. test line and light lures.
While fishing for largemouth bass the Quantum Tour
Edition PT rod had adequate power, but definitely requires a proper drag setting and
the angler's skills to properly tire the fish rather then a simple drag in landing. The PT rod has a
fast tip for quick hook sets, and has a strong mid to butt section. When using the PTS664F you are definitely up for a good fight no matter what
size the fish is, and a heart-pounding battle when the fish are much larger.
Ergonomically designed, the Fuji
IPS reel seat is used on the PTS644F which places the grip right above the
spinning reel allowing a more comfortable hold for many hours
Comfort: Drop shot and finesse worm fishing
require the angler to hold the rod steady for an extended period of time
bouncing the offering at or near the bottom to keep the lures in motion within
the target zone. To many anglers holding a
heavy rod while engaged in this technique can be a real arm-sore, but with the
lightweight PTS664F that's simply not the case. While testing the Quantum PT rod through multiple days bass fishing in the cold
and wet weather I felt comfortable patiently holding still and working the lure
slowly with most of the motion coming from slight wrist movements. The curved cork
right above the reel seat provided a comfortable grip throughout my all day
fishing adventures. In addition the weight of the rod is quite light,
again reducing any unnecessary fatigue and saving your energy to fight the fish
with a light to medium setup.
Ratings:
Quantum
PTS664F Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Utilizes good components put together with care and quality |
9 |
Performance |
Great for finesse techniques that call for excellent sensitivity and do
not require much power |
8.7 |
Price |
Performance Tuned with premium components and the price is right on target |
8 |
Features |
An
aggressive Gudebrod thread wrap, Fuji Guide Concept, and an ergonomic reel
seat/handle are key features to this PT rod |
9 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
The
use of high-modulus graphite, quality grade cork, and Fuji's ergonomic IPS
reel seat is very welcoming to any Angler |
9 |
Application |
Constructed well with the right action and power for finesse techniques such
as drop shot, worming, and other small plastics |
9 |
Total Score |
8.78 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Good sensitivity |
L
Medium power reduces effectiveness for
larger lures |
J
Great for finesse techniques |
|
J
Quality components |
|
J
Ergonomically comfortable |
|
Conclusion: When Quantum set out to produce a quality
line of Performance Tuned rods, they gathered their entire Pro Staff and
obtained everyone's input, and the result of the brainstorming are simply stunning. The PTS664F is the second Tour Edition PT rod that we have tested and both
performed well in all our categories. The Quantum PTS664F spinning rod is
wonderful for finesse techniques such as drop shot, worming, and running other
small plastics especially when the weather conditions call for a change in
fishing styles. What's really attractive about the PT rod is the ability to
deliver a action that is right inline with the intended application specific
technique the rod was designed for. Medium in power and a quick tip along with superb sensitivity take the PTS664F
into an entirely different category of its own. Using a high modulus
graphite, an aggressive wrap, and premium components just go to show how dedicated
Quantum is to the development of the PT rod family. The PT series
definitely deserves a close look by anglers looking to boost their arsenal with
quality application specific rods such as the PTS664F. A good indication of the
PT series popularity is the sheer number of stores signing on to carry these
fine products, and the droves of anglers lining up to buy them.
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