I'm looking to buy my first baitcaster. I got a coupon in the mail today for a Quantum Escalade for $69.00 (normally $119.99). How are Quantum reels? Is this a good buy?
QuoteI'm looking to buy my first baitcaster. I got a coupon in the mail today for a Quantum Escalade for $69.00 (normally $119.99). How are Quantum reels? Is this a good buy?
Just a heads up, the Escalade is a Dick's Sporting Goods exclusive reel (not saying that's a bad thing). They list the reel as "normally $119.99", but in reality it always sells for $69. I think a member on here recently purchased one, maybe they will respond about how it preforms.
Well...here we go, That reel is based on the Quantum Code. It is made for Dick's and lacks some of the bells and whistles of the real mccoy. It probablt was never worth 119.00 dollars, but that doesn't mean it's a bad 69.00 reel. If it's your first baitcaster reel, you could do worse, I'm tempted to pick one up myself.
Wow thanks. I was just reading the coupon. =)
QuoteWell...here we go, That reel is based on the Quantum Code. It is made for Dick's and lacks some of the bells and whistles of the real mccoy. It probablt was never worth 119.00 dollars, but that doesn't mean it's a bad 69.00 reel. If it's your first baitcaster reel, you could do worse, I'm tempted to pick one up myself.
On that note, what do you recommend?
Check this thread out:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196634425/3
I have several quantums and love them - the KVD BC's and spinners, along with a couple accurist AC500s (which are similar to the KVD BCs). My first was the Quantum Tenacity BC several years ago from Dicks - which is another Dick's Exclusive like the Escalade - that I still use.
Quantum is not one of the "preferred brands" here on the boards, but, I can say after three years of using them I have no complaints. Now, I am not a tournament fisher but I am out very often and work them pretty hard.
Something to keep in mind though is that the Dick's exclusive's are hard to get parts extra parts. When I got the Tenacity I wanted to get extra spools - could not be found. Quantum did not even list the tenacity reel on their parts web site (think it was built on the Pulse/array frame but was not sure). Have extra spools for the KVD and Accurist but couldn't find for the Tenacity.
The Escalade is a higher quality reel so extra parts might be available, but you should check if this is something that interests you. This reel does appear to be built on the code frame, but the internals might be different since its a Dick's "re-brand". The KVD I have is based on the Accurist, but, I can tell you the internals are differnet: spool, cast control and drag. So, even though they are the same on the outside, I wouldn't assume parts (spools) are interchangeable should you get a code one day in the future.
Like FishGuitBeer said, it probably does not have the bells and whistles of the code. But, for $69 you are getting 8 BB and 7:1 retrieve which is pretty decent for a new reel.
I like Quantum, but would encourage you to take your time and look around to find what you want. You're doing the right thing by asking here on the boards. Another thing with taking your time, with a lot of these Dick's specials, it will be less in a few months.
I haven't owned an Escalade, it is kind of a Code clone with a magnetic brake. I personally don't like the Code because I think the drag star is too sharp.
I also think that for learning on a baitcaster a reel with a good brake makes all the difference.
Cabela's has the Accurist 2 on sale for $60.00 and I think the ACSII brake system is pretty good.
Reed's sporting goods has the Accurist PT on sale for $90.00 and there is a $30.00 rebate from Quantum.
IMO those would be much better than the Escalade.
http://www.reedssports.com/Product/product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=9102
I have two Quantum energy reels that are 10 yrs old, still kicking!
I have some old Accurist II's that I bought from Wally World 9+ years ago and they still work fine. I fish year round sometimes 2 to 3 times a week. I have moved on to the Energy PT's and Tours but still use my II's.
No experience on either the Escalade or Code, but I took advantage of the Cabelas sale on the Accurist AC500CX reel a couple weeks ago. I now own two of these reels and have no complaints. Nice and smooth reel with an all aluminum frame and they look pretty dang nice. I try to get out on the lake as much as I can but I definately don't put the reels through as much abuse as a lot of guys on here. My best advice would be to get to a retail store and try out some different reels. I've had ideas about what reels I wanted to buy, but after handling them, I often change my mind.
I could personally recommend the AC500X as a great starter reel because the cast control system is fairly simple and I got the hang of it reel quick, and I almost never get any backlashes these days.
Honestly I've never actually fished with a Shimano or Abu Revo baitcaster, but they have a tremendous following so I would look into that as well. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but that's ok because my Accurists exceed my expectations at a vey fair price.
I bit and bought two escalades. I haven't fished with them yet. I did cast and pitch them around in the yard. One of them won't engage everytime with a turn of the handle :-/. Other than that they seemed ok for a 60 dollar reel. I will be fishing with them this weekend and if you haven't purchased yet I will try to find this thread and post my opinion.
Thanks man. I went to Dick's just to look at them and they had sold them all by the time I got there. The sale ends tomorrow I think. Please let me know how it goes!
I'd also have to agree, I used my new quantum today and found it to be just as good as my shimano.
Another Quantum fan here. I steer clear of "store brand name" reels. If it's not on Quantum's site, I won't use it. Less hassle the reel serviced or getting parts (if needed and that has been very rare for me personally). Accurists and Energy's are what make up my baitcasting arsenal.
Accurist PT or CX? And can you use these on a 6' rod?
Hey daviscw,
I prefer a longer rod but yes either one will work well on a 6' rod.
I prefer Quantum over anything myself, I use the PT seris spinning and casting reels. I wouldn't trade them for anything.
While ya'll are here... Could someone tell me the difference in the Shimano Citca D and the Citca 100DSV? They are shown as the same price..? I didn't know buying a baitcaster would be this difficult.
Check out the specs on each one. Sorry, I don't know any thing about the Shimano reels. Strictly Quantum for me.
QuoteWhile ya'll are here... Could someone tell me the difference in the Shimano Citca D and the Citca 100DSV? They are shown as the same price..? I didn't know buying a baitcaster would be this difficult.
InchesPerTurn with the 100DSV at 25 and the 200D at 26
Also the 200D is a couple ounces heavier than the 100dsv.
The 100dsv is smaller and easier to palm than the 200D.
The 200D has a wider spool and the HEG (which are the beefier gears).
The 100dsv also does not have a drilled spool.
Both have the same gear ratio and both can be used for most bass fishing applications.
I own both by the way and prefer the 200D so far.
Go to *** and you can see the differences yourself as well.
Citica 200D series: http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SCIT.html
Citica 100dsv: http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SCIDSV.html
I love my Quantums. I have 3 Accurist II CXs, 2 Accurist PTs, an Accurist PTS, and a Code. They are all great reels. There is very little difference in the CX vs PT, and the CX can be had for $50 to $80. I was looking at getting an Escalade also, but like you, the local Dick's were sold out. If you are still thinking about a Quantum and liked the looks of the Escalade, I recommend the Code.
QuoteHow are Quantum reels? Is this a good buy?
Good but heavy
I bought the escalade at Dicks Sporting Goods. It was on "sale". The reel looks good thats about it. It is very loud right out of the package.There is also a problem with the reel engaging after a cast. I returned it the same day. Probably OK for weekend fishing, but if you are fishing tournaments I would not recommend it. This reel is not part of Quantums everyday lineup. As stated above the escalade is exclusively made for Dick's. If you are looking for a reel in the same price category go with the Daiwa Megaforce. Much better reel for the money. Hope this helps.
I used a Quantum KVD all year for everything. I figured I'd upgrade and get a Energy PT Burner this off season. I loved it for the week I had it until I got my Revo Premier. Now the Premier is my favorite reel, the weight never really bothered me with the Energy, but the magnets really work better as does the brake on the Revo Premier. I think I'd take a good look at whatever Revo model is in the price range of whatever Quantum you are thinking about buying.
That said, my KVD is still in my collection, it was a great deal for $75.00.
I just wrote a review of the code. It is a good real and isn't heavy. I really like/love the braking ACS II braking system. The easy adjustment of s msg system but the performance of the centrifugal.
Good day to all, my first posting on this forum.
I just bought a Quantum Escalade baitcasting reel and will be using it in a tournament on the potomac river south of Washington DC this weekend. I'll post my opinion of it here after I have used it, maybe after this weekend.
I mounted it on a 7 foot inshore medium-heavy action rod. I intend to use it in saltwater/brackish water (rarely) if I can without harming it assuming a good rensing would clean it up well enough. If not, I'll need another real for that.
I did not get a user manual or instructions with it as it was a display model (the last one they had). Can anyone point me to where I can download it or email it to me?
Regards
Welcome aboard!
Check out their website: http://www.quantumfishing.com/index2.html
8-)
i've got a quantum escalade, and an energy, of corse the energy is better put together, but the escalade is a sweet reel for the money. i've never had a problem with it from finesse fishing senkos the throwing buzz baits and frogs. all in all it's a good cheap reel
Welcome aboard!
8-)