Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

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Cal
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Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Cal » Wed Mar 09, 2011 6:25 am

Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, possibly the best Quantum Baitcaster yet?

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Introduction: Quantum continues to introduce new baitcasters that redefine the company when it comes to refinement. Last ICAST the company garnered a great deal of press for their new Smoke reels which are designed to be lightweight aluminum based baitcasters with all the bells and whistles, yet retail for a very reasonable price. It all sounded too good to be true, and we took a close look at this new series of reels to see if there really is more than just smoke and mirrors here.

Complete Article: http://tackletour.com/reviewquantumsmoke.html
Cal, Managing Editor
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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Derek777 » Wed Mar 09, 2011 2:02 pm

Cal, do you think that the smoke 100 would be capable of:
-throwing 55lb samurai and swimjigs?
-handling 15-17 test copoly for hollowbellies/spinnerbaits?

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Vladimir_Kazan » Sat Mar 12, 2011 11:02 am

smoke.jpg
smoke.jpg (18.63 KiB) Viewed 8435 times

Why you install the washer that way? What function this washer (so installed) performs?

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Bronzeye » Sat Mar 12, 2011 11:50 am

Vladimir, my guess is the washer is there to collect weed fragments.

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Vladimir_Kazan » Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:02 pm

For me - to collect the beard fragments

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Speckled » Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:46 am

:-k

Is this the highest scoring reel since the new scoring system went into place?

A Quantam :shock: .

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Carlos Carrapiço » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:58 am

Bronzeye wrote:Vladimir, my guess is the washer is there to collect weed fragments.
When you untight the drag, the star will be loose. This washer give it some pressure to avoid it from spinning free. Just that :big grin:

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Vladimir_Kazan » Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:02 am

We all are right, and it's good... But sometimes - it hurts! :D

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Scorpio » Mon Apr 18, 2011 2:51 am

I bought 3 Smokes in the 150 version. Couldn't agree more with the review. Great job on the review TT.

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by spookybaits » Sat Dec 10, 2011 5:00 am

In the highspeed reel shootout, in regards to the quantum's main gear you had this to say about it:
"the Quantum's main gear felt very vulnerable. Not only is it the smallest in diameter, thickness, and material behind the teeth, it is made of aluminum and is significantly lighter than the other reels' main gears"
"It was one thing to fish the Quantum knowing about the aluminum main gear, but after handling it in comparison to the others, I have to say, all those on the water experiences where the reel felt underpowered really come to light and I have to really question the long term viability of this reel's internal gearing."

This was a deal breaker for me(and probally alot of others as well).
There is no mention of the gear material or changes in the smoke review. Is it the same material? Have any improvements been made?

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by wirinhar » Sun Dec 11, 2011 4:31 am

Hi Cal,

is Smoke safe for saltwater mangroves or in shores?

Regards,
Wirinhar

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Cal » Sun Dec 11, 2011 9:20 am

I didn't review the Smoke... i let Zander know about your questions.
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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Zander » Sun Dec 11, 2011 2:43 pm

spookybaits wrote:In the highspeed reel shootout, in regards to the quantum's main gear you had this to say about it:
"the Quantum's main gear felt very vulnerable. Not only is it the smallest in diameter, thickness, and material behind the teeth, it is made of aluminum and is significantly lighter than the other reels' main gears"
"It was one thing to fish the Quantum knowing about the aluminum main gear, but after handling it in comparison to the others, I have to say, all those on the water experiences where the reel felt underpowered really come to light and I have to really question the long term viability of this reel's internal gearing."

This was a deal breaker for me(and probally alot of others as well).
There is no mention of the gear material or changes in the smoke review. Is it the same material? Have any improvements been made?
Hi Spookybaits, Cal pointed some observations in our High Speed Shootout but not an actual failure. Since the shooutout we have continued to explore the potential weakness. It was also one of the reasons we specifically brought the Smoke to the Amazon, and it not only survived against Peacock bass, it excelled. The Smoke still makes use of the same basic main gear design but Quantum has made improvements in the way the gearing is isolated so that not only do they better mesh but there is less room for the gear to move resulting in better mesh and improved transfer of winding power, ultimately helping improve the overall feel. If you take out the gears and compare them side by side with competition from the likes of Shimano and Daiwa offerings the diameters and thicknesses are still greater on the competition but as a complete system the Smoke has done a good job narrowing the gap, literally.

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Re: Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, Quantum

Post by Zander » Sun Dec 11, 2011 2:55 pm

wirinhar wrote:Hi Cal,

is Smoke safe for saltwater mangroves or in shores?

Regards,
Wirinhar
Hi Wieinhar, Yes, the Smoke can be utilized in brackish and light salwater applications, both the aluminum frame and internals can take it, and teh ceamic drag will hold up well. Like all lighter reels it would be good to keep the clean and be sure to rinse and wipe after use and if you use it in this enviroment heaviliy it is likely some extra mainatianance and lubes will be required after a season.

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