Kevin VanDam

Smokin’ Hot!

August 16, 2010 – by Kevin VanDam

We’re going to talk this week about some of the new Quantum PT rods and reels. We’ll start with the reels and then progress to the rods. I honestly think these are some of the neatest products out this year.

As a professional angler I want — demand — three things from my fishing reels. They have to be smooth so I can make long, accurate casts; they have to be durable so they’ll last a whole season; and, they have to be lightweight so that I can make thousands of casts in a day without wearing myself out.

The new Smoke reels meet all of those requirements. They come with nine PT-grade, stainless/polymer hybrid bearings, a ceramic and carbon fiber drag and EVA knobs on the handle. They’re as smooth as silk and they cast a mile.

Given the quality of those components it should come as no surprise that they last forever. Serious tournament anglers should get several seasons from them; for casual anglers they may very-well last a lifetime.

Smoke reels come in two sizes. The smaller 100 weighs 6.2 ounces. The larger 150 version offers a little more line capacity along with a bigger handle and weighs in at 6.8 ounces. That’s feather-light by almost any standard. Each comes in three gear ratios from low to super high to meet whatever cranking speed you might need as well as in right-hand and left-hand retrieves.

The 100 will retail for $200; the 150 for around $220. Both reels should be available by the end of this year.

I demand no less from my rods. The new Quantum PT Smoke rods meet those demands perfectly. They come in four lengths and three actions. The 6 foot, 6 inch model is available in a medium and medium-heavy action as is the 7 foot version. There’s also a 6 foot, 9 inch medium-heavy action model and a 7 foot, 4 inch heavy action model.

All feature micro guides mounted on super-sensitive, HSX70 high-strain million modulus graphite blanks which not only helps keep the weight down but also increases sensitivity.

These rods retail for $130. They’ll be available with the reels.

I’ve taken the time to review these rods and reels in detail because I think they’ll help you catch more fish, and that’s honestly what I want you to do. They let you cast all day with a quality product that weighs next to nothing. (Depending upon which rod and reel you choose the entire outfit will weight between 8 and 9 ounces. Compare that with what you’re using now.)

And, you can’t beat the price. A professional grade outfit can be put together for $350. That’s a heck of a deal in this world. If you’re in the market for new tackle give the Quantum PT Smoke rods and reels a close look before you buy anything else.

Remember, it’s all about the attitude.

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