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Peter
PETE
RIEDESEL

Just Fishing

Little Help….

Wed, January 25, 2012

Last weekend at the Bedford Show I began browsing lots of potential new gear. My focus, at least for now, has been getting a couple new spinning reels. I’ve used a bunch of brands over the years and have had some I really loved and others I’ve hated. Now, as expensive as gear is,  getting it right is even more important. For me the 30 size reel is by far and away my favorite. Its big enough to handle a striper or a muskie, and small enough to enjoy a white bass. The other big consideration for me is its generally small enough and light enough to cast all day. I also have to say I favor low to median priced stuff. Right now I fish a couple types of Shimanos (a Sahara and a Sedona), a Pflueger President, and an old Gander Mountain Guide Series. In trying to get the next reel I sprung for a Quantum Energy PT. This was pricier than most of my spinning stuff, and that I could find out, had basically good reviews. Once I got it out on the water it didn’t preform near as well as I had hoped. It was a little heavy which is an issue when making 500 cast a day. It has a spot where you can be that when you open the bail it won’t open, it kind of jams. You have to make a slight turn of the handle then retry. And every once in a while it will snap shut while casting. That sucks! And that, given its price is a bummer. So, I was wondering what some of you use that you really like. Or maybe there’s a reel you know now you should definately avoid. If you wouldn’t mind sharing I’d love to get some feedback. Oh, and as I mentioned the many casts, besides light it needs to be as durableas possible, I age my reels in dog years!

Thanks in advance to anyone who will take a couple minutes and post some of their experiences.


Comments

I like the 30 size too Pete. The Pflueger Patriarch looks nice, but pricy. If u want something light compared to the Patriarch, i would look at the Bass Pro Carbonlite spinning reel, around $79. Heck i got a 2 Cardinal 302 models i love, and they r only around $40. I never had one fail me yet. Ive always heard Shimano stuff binds up when it gets wet, but if u use one and like it, thats all that counts.
Frank

Posted by coinman66 on January 25

Pete,

I have a Shimano Symmetry that I’ve had for years.  Don’t know if they still make it.  You could use it for Bass/smaller muskie.  My other spinning reels for crappie and such last about 3 years and then I pitch them.  The bails get worn out from repeated use and the repair costs are almost as much as a new reel.  I’m more of a bait casing dude and use Rick Clunn Series (no longer available) for bass and Shimano 400b’s and Pete Manias Muskie reels for the toothy critters.  Probably owned zillions of Garcia spinning reels over the years….all the old 300/308 series.

Posted by bowhunterdave on January 25

Also Cabelas has a sale going right now, better check it out Pete. I guess it would help if we knew your price range?
Frank

Posted by coinman66 on January 25

I’ll be ordering an EXO, Smoke, and Energy from Quantum soon. I’m surprised you’re having issues. Could be just the runt of the pack. The size 30 models in the PTi-B (2009-2011) and new PTi-C (new for 2012) line are all 8.5oz which is very light for the suggested line capacity…. For bass, GREAT reels. For muskies, I’d get off the lake asap. I can forward you over my guy’s contact and you should be able to get it replaced by sending it to their HQ in Oklahoma. Warranty should obviously cover it. Let me know.

Posted by Andrew Ragas on January 25

“Its big enough to handle a striper or a muskie, and small enough to   enjoy a white bass.”

Huh ... spinning reel for muskie?

Posted by Thad Hinshaw on January 26

For what its worth being I have been a long time observer of posts but have not contributed but I must start somewhere. At one time I only purchased quantum certainly no longer the case due to the same experiences you have mentioned. I do love the same symmetry reel another has mentioned by shimano and would go on to say the cardinal for me has been by far the best reel for the money….

Posted by enjycreation on January 26

Ive become a big fan of Pinnacle myself over the last few years, first it was the baitcasters then I got a couple spinning reels and theyve been great, the Extant about $45.  I to am price minded but also quality minded.  Seems to me that I have more problems with the higher priced equipment than with the mid range priced stuff.  Abuse- thrown in the back of the truck over and over, I fish at least 4+ times a week in the spring/summer, no kids, no wife.

Posted by bowfisher1 on January 26

This is great. Thanks guys. I like the median priced reels but I too have had good experinces with stuff that is less expensive. Years ago I usually threw the Mitchell 300’s and 308’s. Then for a long time I used that old cardinal. Do you guys remember that green one with the rear drag knob? Someone earlier mentioned the Shimanos binding. I definately have had this experience over and over. To date I’ve never heard of a fix. If you take apart the handle and clean/dry it up a bit it does get better and most times eventually goes away. Still, that sucks. I’m also not surprised to hear someone else had a bad experience with the quantum. When a reel is flawed it usually shows up for most users. Thats why i wanted to put this out there so I could get some more quality info. As you guys know I’m with Cam much of the time so while he’s learning I’m especially good with inexpensive stuff. We tend to break some stuff from time to time.

Posted by Pete R on January 26

You should send the Quantum in to get it repaired. I have 2 of the Energy reels, one of them for over 6 or 7 years and neither of them has given me any problems like your having.  They both work just like the day I bought them, even the older one. I have 4 other Quantum spinning reels, it’s the only brand I use, and except for one that had the anti-reverse clutch fail. I’ve never had any other problems with any of them.

Posted by Scott Ferguson on January 26

Scott,

Good to hear both you an Andrew like that reel. I haven’t had many good customer service experience either. I hope they will just send me a new one when I get this one back to them.

Posted by Pete R on January 27

I’d bet that the only thing wrong with your Quantum is just some dirt or a piece of dried up weed got inside the bail hinge. They don’t have springs in them like most do, it’s magnetic so there is little to go wrong unless they get dirty.

Posted by Scott Ferguson on January 27

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