Best Quantum Fishing Reel Reviews in 2024 – Good Quality Choices

Anglers looking for good quality reels often ask me, should I consider Quantum reels?

Yes, is the short answer. Quantum reels fit firmly in the entry-level and top-of-the-line entry-level categories, extending into the more affordable mid-range with a few models.

If this is your budget, then Quantum deserves serious consideration. 

I certainly can’t predict where things will head for Quantum, but currently, should you desire performance at an accessible price with decent durability, quantum looks good.

Let’s have a closer look at the best quantum fishing reels, which will likely enhance a solid fishing arsenal.

Top 5 Quantum Fishing Reel Reviews 2021

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Quantum Cabo – Quantum’s Flagship Spinning Reel

The Quantum Cabo punches through 200 dollars, but not by too much, depending on where you purchase. 

It’s their flagship spinning reel, with the series covering heavier inshore work to lighter offshore sports fishing, as well as surf and rock fishing.

Starting at size 40 (4000), there’s a 50, 60, and 80, all with decent spool and drag capacities for targeting a larger class of fish in tough conditions.

The Alloy body and sideplate are an excellent quality feature, ensuring excellent strength and rigidity for gear protection while keeping the reel light enough for extended fatigue-free sessions.

The Cabo is also durable, with the SaltGuard 2.0, multi-layer corrosion protection, sealed Magnum drag system, sealed Magnum clutch system, and titanium bail with the magnetic trip mechanism.

It’s these details and inclusions that make the Cabo special at this price point. 

Add 7 bearings, plus a dedicated anti-reverse that delivers zero back play, and you have a very capable reel that will do the distance under heavier loads.

It is certainly robust, but regular maintenance is necessary to keep it at its best. The Ultra-hard PT gear system is strong, but it’s always advisable to keep the water out.

It’s a lightweight crank that feels very smooth and works equally as well with braids as it does mono. 

With 30 to 45 pounds of max drag and generous spool capacities, you’re well set for tackling a host of fish such as a big drum from the surf, big tarpon, stripers, and more.

Ratios are more cranking-based, but those who like to cast metal slices at bluefish might just have to crank a little harder.

The 40 makes for an excellent allrounder, where the 80 will handle medium offshore sports work.

You can check out our full review of the quantum cabo here.

Features

• 8 stainless steel bearing system (7 + 1)
• SRC Aluminium Body
• SRC Aluminum side place
• Sealed Magnum clutch
• SaltGuard 2.0 Corrosion protection by Quantum
• Stainless and ceramic drag system – Sealed Magnum CSC carbon fiber
• Titanium bail
• Ultra-hard PT gear system

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2. Quantum Smoke HD Heavy Duty – Most Versatile Baitcaster

The Quantum Smoke HD is an often underrated baitcaster, yet stands shoulder to shoulder with famous reels such as the Curado, yet has a more affordable price tag.

The Aluminium Frame (SCR), Aluminium Side cover, and SaltGuard 2.0 give it plenty of saltwater credentials. Those looking for longevity will be well-served should maintenance routines remain consistent.

Durability is further enhanced with the ceramic worm gear, zirconium pawl, and a drag system constructed of carbon fiber, ceramic and stainless. 

The titanium-nitride-coated fishing line feeder guide also enhances corrosion protections but also offers excellent line protection.

For a compact reel, it packs a heck of a punch. There’s 25 pounds of max drag which is substantial for a reel of this size. 

It will come into its own in big fish fights as this power will be required to compensate for modest spool capacities.

6 +1 stainless bearings deliver a lightweight crank supporting and alloy PT main gear and alloy PT drive shaft.

In every way, this is a baitcaster designed to fish the salty stuff. However, this would be my first choice for flipping and pitching at monster bass in tough to reach locations. 

It’s a very strong reel, with all the power you need to wrestle belligerent bass from the tricky, gnarly structure.

There are three gear ratios from which to choose, ensuring you can refine your choice to suit a specific job, be it heavy cranking with the 5.3, or flipping with the 7.3. 

Those looking for the versatility to work cranks, flip, pitch, as well as tackle drum and stripers might find the 6.6 reasonable middle ground.

There is another version of the Smoke that isn’t heavy-duty. Here is our full review that particular Quantum Smoke Baitcasting Reel

I would pay the extra few dollars and get the benefits of the HD features, for a far more versatile, longer-lasting, more capable reel.

Casting manners are excellent, and many will find the external brake controls very convenient, and easy enough to master after a little practice.

An excellent reel and exceptional value for money.

Features

• Aluminum Frame (SCR), Aluminium Side cover, and SaltGuard 2.0
• Cast Control – able to be adjusted externally
• Anti-Reverse: continuous
• Ceramic worm gear
• Zirconium pawl
• Zero Friction pinion concept
• Drag System: CSC2TM carbon fiber, ceramic and stainless
• Titanium-nitride coated fishing line feeder guide
• Aluminium PT main gear
• Aluminium PT driveshaft
• Handle Knobs: Large size EVA
• 95mm handle (5 mm over standard)

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3. Quantum Smoke S3 Inshore Spinning Reel – Editor’s Choice

Inshore reels like this are brilliant, and I have no doubt that a simple feel and turn of the handle will convince a number of anglers to purchase a few for the arsenal.

Available in a 25, 30, 40, and 50, the Smoke 3 has the lion’s share of inshore application covered, with the 30, 40, and 50 proving formidable weapons in the surf.

If you fish the saltwater and fresh, this is a reel for you. With the 30, you could relegate any number of application-specific reels in your kit, as this would cover the role of many reels.

Equipped with 11 + 1 stainless bearings, the crank is incredibly light, and supports the asymmetric AS PT high-strength, machined alloy gear system.

The big feature, however, is the all-alloy uni-body construction, which keeps gears and other internals in perfect sync and perfect, precise alignment.

This not only ensures maximum torque and power transfer but also ensures that turning and moving parts last significantly longer, as there is no slop or unwanted movement to generate wear.

The CSC 2.0 Drag System with C4LF Carbon-Fibre washers delivers all the power you need to turn fish back to the boat, and has the durability to keep it up session after session under tough conditions and heavy loads.

The 25 has a max drag of 18 pounds, which is quite significant for such a compact reel. 

The 50, the largest in the series, has 22 pounds of max drag, which is more than enough to turn plenty of surf predators such as large drum and big stripers.

Casting manners are excellent, with accuracy and distance assured, so long as you’re using a balanced rig. And with the 50 weighing in a lightweight 286 grams, you can cast all day long fatigue-free.

Much of the lightweight credentials come from the all-alloy body construction. The body is also coated in Saltguard protection, adding further corrosion credentials to an already well lengthy list of durability features.

The Quantum Smoke Inshore S3 Spin Reels represent outstanding value for money. 

They’re a beautiful looking reel, with the modern stealth design, stylized porting, and plenty of weight-reducing cut-outs.

If you’re chasing an inshore spinning reel with outstanding versatility, refinement, awesome power, and durability then you have to put the Quantum Smoke S3 spin series on the shortlist.

Check out our full guide on the Quantum Smoke S3 Inshore Spinning Reel

Features

• 11 + 1 PT™ bearings
• All aluminum body design
• All-new asymmetric gear
• Continuous Anti-Reverse™
• Anti-corrosion bearings
• Saltguard protection
• Titanium bail
• Ceramic-Carbon 2.0 drag system

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4. Quantum Accurist S3 Baitcaster – Best Value Quantum Baitcaster

There’s a lot to like about the Quantum Accurist. Anybody who tends to struggle a little getting trouble-free distance from their baitcasters should look no further than the Accurist.

For the most part, the Accurist is a great general-purpose reel, feature-packed with considered attention to detail and the odd surprise.

An example of this is the inclusion of a flip switch. A popular system for many years, this handy little device is appearing less and less.

I find it an interesting return for Quantum, as other manufacturers have deemed it obsolete. 

It’s not a critical feature for me, but I know plenty of anglers who like the one-hand convenience when flipping and pitching.

In all white, it certainly has a striking aesthetic appeal. For those less than enthusiastic about looks, the 8 + 1 bearings deliver incredibly smooth operation.

The stainless bearings support strong brass gears that feel powerful, well-meshed, and very smooth when cranked.

The solid internals are well protected in an alloy frame. I really appreciate Quantum’s focus on alloy construction. 

And even though the lightweight, rigid construction material is generally more expensive,

Quantum has managed to deliver plenty of affordable reel series, without resorting to the less refined, less rigid graphite.

Ergonomics are excellent. The Accurist is very palmable, and adjustments to the brake system are made externally. 

The swept star drag looks great and doesn’t protrude. The spool is oversized for a reel of this size, allowing for easier thumbing, and, of course, more fishing line.

There’s 18 pounds of ceramic washer max drag, more than enough to tackle a huge number of salt and fresh applications. 

There’s a braid capacity of 120 yards of 50 pounds, so again, you’re more than well-armed.

A gear ratio of 7.0:1 is probably considered moderate these days. 

However, that’s more than enough to satisfy your average flipper, with only the very fussy demanding speeds of 8 and 9.

At an advertised 7.8 ounces, it might not be the lightest reel in its class, but it’s certainly light enough. It has such a great feel that it doesn’t matter anyway.

The Quantum Accurist S3 Baitcaster is a compact baitcaster with plenty of grunt and durability with a refined feel. 

It’s a nice beginner’s reel because it’s so easy to use, however it will definitely appeal to more skilled anglers looking in and around the 100 dollar mark.

Features

• Aluminum body and gear sideplate
• Aluminum spool
• Increased line capacity
• Rated for use with braid, mono, and fluorocarbon fishing lines
• Flippin Switch
• Adjustable magnetic cast control
• Saltguard protection
• PT Ceramic drag system
• Lightweight aluminum crank handle
• Comfortable EVA double paddle handle
• Oversized power handle with EVA knob
• 9 PT bearings
• Brass PT main gear
• ACS 3.0 cast control system
• Internal centrifugal cast control
• External Magnetic cast control
• Continuous anti-reverse

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5. Quantum Throttle II – Best Quantum Budget Spinning Reel

If you’re in the market for a budget spinning reel yet demand a few of the modern features such as a decent bearing count and lightweight feel, then the Quantum Throttle II presents a worthy option.

The Throttle offers four sizes in the series with a compact 10, then 20, 30, and 40. The 30 will be an excellent option for that one reel arsenal all-purpose inshore workhorse. 

If you want genuine surf access for chasing the likes of bluefish and striper, the 40 will be the reel for you.

It’s pleasing to see and all alloy bodies at this price point, as I believe the durability, strength, and rigidity of alloy give you the lightweight feel without the cheap feel of graphite. 

It’s a uni-body too, providing that extra rigidity and less space for water ingress.

There are 10 bearings plus a dedicated anti-reverse. The crank is lightweight and the gears feel smooth with no unwanted movement.

The Maxcast spool is braid-ready with a rubber insert. I’m not a huge fan of these as they will deteriorate over time.

There’s not a huge amount of max drag, and while that’s hardly critical, I’m aware that plenty of average anglers tend to be drawn to hefty drag stats.

It’s not a particularly critical factor, considering the applications for which the Throttle is suited. Having said that, 8 pounds of drag in a 3000 size reel is pretty light-on by modern standards.

The 30 weighs in at 278 grams and the 40 weighs in at 358 grams. This is pretty light and will suit those looking to cast lures over longer sessions. 

The lightweight feel is, by and large, thanks to the alloy body.

The Throttle is a classy-looking reel, which will suit the average angler on a tight budget. Performance is solid, and durability is likely to be good if well maintained.

While not sealed, stainless bearings and a stainless main shaft do offer some protection for those likely to incur water ingress or those who fish the salty stuff.

Spool it with braid or mono, and cast lures or natural baits. The Throttle II is a versatile inshore reel offering plenty of value for money.

Features

• 10 + 1 PT Bearings
• All new RED aluminum uni-body design
• MaxCast II spool with braid band
• Continuous Anti-Reverse
• Ultra-smooth and durable gear system
• All new reel engine technology for super smooth cranking

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Are Quantum Reels Any Good?

The short answer is yes, Quantum reels are pretty good. While I’d probably not go for the reels under the 60 dollar mark, reels like the Smoke S3 spinning and the Quantum Accurist S3 Baitcaster offer outstanding performance for the price.

Indeed, if you’re looking for an excellent inshore reel, it’s very hard to go past the Smoke S3, it’s an exceptional reel at this price point.

On the same token, 100 bucks goes a very long way with Quantum, and the Accurist gets you particularly well equipped for versatility.

While all made in China, it would be unwise to discount Quantum for this reason. 

Quantum offers value and performance across the bulk of its range and is worthy of consideration.

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