Quantum is going to make great strides in securing a good market share with their newly introduced line of reels. I recently had the opportunity to test both the Saltwater Cabo PTS CBC30 Baitcaster, and the Freshwater Energy E20PTi-A Spinning reel.

Cabo:

My first impression of the Cabo was that it was "unique" in design. It's like a cross between a traditional round style baitcaster and the more low profile baitcasters. Once loaded and put on my rod, I was pleasantly surprised by the nice feel of the reel. I was able to hold it comfortably as it rested in my hand.

You'll notice the great appearance of the reel also. But don't let the good looks decieve you... the reel is coated with Performance Tuned Saltgard Corrosion Protection which is comprised by six full layers of protection. I also notice the reel is sealed exceptionally well which is vital in the saltwater environment.

Now for the real test... let's fish!

I love to Ling Cod fish and decided to put the Cabo to the test with these toothy critters. The reel was loaded with 190 yards of 20lb Suffix Seige. I combined the reel with a G. Loomis BBR965 rod.

Letting my presentation (live Sand Ab) to the bottom I was very impressed with the smoothness of the free spool. A nice easy "click" and the reel was engaged. The reel was just as smooth on the slight retrieve up off the bottom. As I adjusted the drag I was glad Quantum decided to add an audible click to the star drag system. This is really a nice feature to have.

As anyone that's fished for Lings know, sometimes pulling them from their bottom dwellings can be a challenge. The Cabo had plenty of power to do just that. After the hook set I had a nice Ling fighting his way up until he decided the bottom looked better. That was great because I wanted to see how the Performance Tuned Magnum Ceramic Drag would perform. In a word "smooth".

Not only was the drag smooth, but everything about this reel was. The six PT Ball Bearings assured that both decent and retrieve were flawless. I can't wait to use this reel for Salmon!

And yes, the Cabo is a "saltwater" reel, but don't let that limit you to only using it in the salt. This would also be a good backbouncing reel or for pulling plugs.

Energy:

One thing about the Energy is that you can't mistake it for any other reel. It's unique appearance makes it stand out from any other. Quantum Engineers combine a scratch resistant vacuum depostion coating to the all aluminum frame to form such a unique finish that no two are exactly alike.

But don't let the "pretty" appearance fool you... this is one tough fish fighting machine! Quantum has included 10 Polymer-stainless hybrid PT bearings which make this reel silky smooth. They also introduced their TiMAG III Titanium bail with magnetic bail trip system. What does this mean? Extra light, Extra tough and NO Springs! The bail in fact, if bent, will return to it's original form. Not that anyone would want to bend their bail, but falls do happen.So, how did I test this? Float fishing Steelhead on the mighty Skagit River.

I tested the Energy E20PTi-A. It was loaded with 20lb Suffix Hi-Vis Braid (I normally use 30lb braid but the suffix stays rounder than most braids so the 20lb seems to load more evenly). I paired the reel with a G. Loomis 1262 Float Rod.

Note: Quantum now includes a spare spool with the Energy so I have it loaded with 12lb Suffix Seige in moss green.

The Energy is slightly heavier than others in it's class at 10.46oz but it's so well balanced and completly wobble free that the extra oz. doesn't come into play.

Casting was a delight. The bail system worked to perfection There were a couple times when I had to use a little extra to get the bail to trip, but I've found this true on almost all spinning reels during a days fishing.

The Maglock II Magnetic Continuous Anti-Reverse worked as advertised. No play whatsoever.

And, when it was "Bobber Down"! Hookset was instant. Very smooth retrieve and plenty of power to not only fight the fish under normal conditions, but we were in the Skagit where the flow was heavy. As you can imagine any fish will put your drag to the the test but a 15lb nate on the end, hooked over 100ft downstream and in fast current, that was a true test! All I can say is thank goodness for the multi stack ceramic drag system because this fish was mad and on a mission.

What a fabulous fish... what a fabulous reel!

Special Note: Even more reason to purchase a Quantum reel right now... Quantum is offering a $25 Rebate on the purchase of any Quantum PT reel purchased from a Quantum dealer. This offer is valid on PT purchases through July 8th, 2007.