The Tour Edition PT VI features an Enthusiast-esque carbon handle.

Impressions: When I first handled this reel at ICAST 2008, I was quite happy and impressed by the strides Quantum had made with their designs. Even though the profile and finish were reminiscent of products by Daiwa and Shimano, what really impressed me about the Tour PT VI was the fact Quantum produced this reel at a reasonable weight – a major factor that had kept me away from trying one of their reels in the past.

And yes, it's even swept similar to Daiwa's implementation.

Together with this new, lightweight approach, the Tour Edition PT VI features red highlights and a JDM-esque carbon handle. It’s obvious Quantum has been paying attention to what’s been going on overseas as well as within the North American market. Interesting in Quantum’s implementation of the carbon handle is the fact it’s a solid piece rather than ported or cut out, but it is swept in towards the reel similar to the Zillion and Steez handles in Daiwa’s lineup. The Quantum Tour Edition PT VI really is worthy of enthusiast consideration.

In fact, from this angle, it really resembles the Alphas Ito Ai.

Field Tests: Of course, the important question is, how does this newly redesigned top end reel from Quantum perform out on the water? To find out, I brought the Tour Edition PT along with us on our recent trip to El Novillo Lake in Mexico. I had it spooled with the hollow braid topshot technique shown to us by Dean Yoshizumi and mounted it on a Phenix UltraMax 707H. These two pieces really compliment each other well.

The Tour Edition PT VI is very comfortable to palm.

Next Section: Time to cast away