ICAST Day 3: Quantum Feature, Line, Accessories and More!

My day 3 report is a little delayed due to technical difficulties. Now that I am back I can get it posted. I will focus this report on what I felt was the best new product(s) of the show. The new Quantum 150 sized baitcasters. More reports to come in the next several days on other products of interest from ICAST and what we will be planning


Quantum: Leader of the Pack



I'd like to spend a little time discussing Quantum because of all the reel manufacturers I felt like Quantum took major steps to jump to the head of the pack this year. Amongst the reel manufacturers, there was very little change. Reels are the most complex piece of equipment we use next to electronics, so it is no surprise with the state of the economy many manufacturers stuck to simple line extensions or upgrades rather than complex projects. That was not the case at Quantum. They have extended their lineup of freshwater baitcast reels to 13 models with the addition of 1 budget starter reel and 5 completely new Performance Tuned (PT) reels. Combine that with 10 spinning models and Quantum has the most complete offering of reels for the bass market. Only time will tell if this bold move in a year where most choose to cut back in the R&D department will payoff. Below you will find a complete list of Quantum's baitcast reels by price with extended descriptions on their new models.

• TOUR EDITION KVD $299.95 (new for '10)


• TOUR EDITION PT VI $259.95 (new lower price)


• ENERGY PT SS $229.95 (new for '10)


• ENERGY PT $189.95


• REAX PT $169.95 (new for '10)


• CATALYST PT $139.95 (new lower price)


• KINETIC PT $119.95 (new for '10)


• ACURIST PT $99.95 (new for '10)


• CODE $89.95


• BURST $69.95


• RESPONSE $49.95


• ULTRA $39.95


• AURA $39.95

At the top of the list is the new TOUR EDITION KVD reel. I was fortunate enough to have KVD himself take me through the new features and the thought process behind the new reel. I could tell after a few moments that every ounce of this reel is KVD. Everything from the gearing to the drag to the handle is precisely what he demands of a reel. Those of you that follow professional bass fishing know that Kevin's style of fishing is very aggressive and high speed. He flat out covers water. This puts extreme pressure on his gear, especially his reels. The new KVD reel is designed to withstand this pressure. Here are the highlights of this finely tuned machine.

• Size: New 150 size designed to increase capacity with very little impact on the overall size of the reel. I have had customers mention to me the very same thing the Kevin did when going over the reason for the new size. The 100 size reels cast so well that you could often throw all the way down to the knot. The new size increases capacity to ensure you never out cast the reel. This feature is also available in the new Energy PT SS and Reax PT series.


• ACS3 Breaking: A revolutionary new breaking system designed to reduce if not completely eliminate backlashing. The ACS3 breaks sense when additional pressure is needed to slow the spool and avoid backlashing. It also senses when it is not needed such as when pitching and flipping. This feature is also available in the new Energy PT SS and Reax PT series.


• Gear Ratio: The gearing of the new KVD reels is setup to cover all types of fishing. Kevin wanted specific line retrieval rates 24 on the slow speed, 34 on the high speed and 28 in the middle. Quantum achieved that with a 5.4:1, 6.6:1 and 7.3:1 ratios in the KVD. In the REAX they offer a 7:1 and 7.3:1. In the Energy PT SS a 6.6:1 and a 7.3:1.


• Drag: KVD needed a drag that could completely lockdown. The addition of 3 carbon discs to Quantum's ceramic drag system makes this possible. This reel can be completely locked down or precisely tuned to the needs of the application you are fishing. This feature is also available in Reax PT and Energy PT SS.


• Handle: The KVD has the Tour Edition Carbon Fiber handle but has been slightly increased in size for a more comfortable feel. Again, this reel doesn't just say KVD on it. Everything is exactly how he feels it needs to be.


• Magnetic Breaking: In the new KVD, gone is the standard 3 position break that has been standard on Quantum reels. Now a more precise 180 degree breaking system allows you to really dial in.

In Summary, the new Quantum 150 sized reels are very impressive. The KVD, Energy SS and Reax are the best new reels of the show in my opinion.