All I own are EXO since they came out. Only issue I ever had was a drag washer. Sent it to be fixed and found a screw inside the reel was cross threaded when put together at the factory. The reel was sent to Quantum. When they received it, customer support called and said they apologize for the inconvenience and sent me a new reel and 25% off coupon on my next reel. Just bought a Smoke Speed Freak spinning reel since the EXO's are discontinued and love that reel too. Customer for life!!

I guess if someone was paying me tho use them, I would, but I have traded all of mine off. I don't care how far you try to throw them, the lure still ends up closer to the boat than any other reel. They are just slow to me. Harder to cast than all others. I think the low priced Argent is a better reel.
Maybe all of the ones I bought were lemons.

I see reels as an investment that should last 5-10 years if maintained properly, sometimes longer. Good luck getting 10 years out of a quantum. The pros that promote them probably have to swap them out quite regularly. To me it's not Ford vs. Chevy on this one.

Having said what I did earlier I'm now saying just give it a try since you already bought it. If it works of you great. A reel that works for one guy won't necessarily work for another. There have been many models of Quantum reels that have emerged since the model I own. I think rods and reels and combos are a pretty individual choice. I know I can't effectively use some of my buddies setups.

I use to love Quantum, you have to hand it to them, they have a great marketing team...
but after years of using them and the constant problems with them, (quality issues), I have realized that most Chinese made reels are all the same and are average to below average in quality for weekend warrior use and in between, (I fish 1-3 times a week non-professionally). So this review is based on that. If you only fish once a month most reels would be fine for you.

I have personally owned: Mitchell, Penn, Abu Garcia, Quantum(KVD, EXO and Accurist), Shimano, Pflueger, Daiwa, Lew's, Bass Pro, KastKing, Browning, Shakespeare, and Zebco

Here is my list of reels in order of quality...GENERALLY (all makers have cheap version of reels but buy a mid grade or higher and you should be good). After using all of these, I'm most partial to Lew's Tournament series and Shimano now..I use to hate Shimano just because everyone used them and talked about them (haha) but I finally broke down and got one a couple years ago and bought one and now I can see why people talked so much, they really are great reels.

Mid-High Quality
Shimano
Lews
Daiwa
Abu Garcia

Mid Quality
Quantum
Pflueger
Ardent?(Never used it not sure)
Mitchell
Bass Pro

Low Quality:
KastKing
Browning
Shakespeare
Zebco
(most are made in China...)
Just my opinion.

The first "set" of reels I ever bought were five gen I smokes. They have all lasted three years of consistent use so far. I'd recommend them. I also own an Icon PT. For 100$ I'd say it's a really good reel too.

Ryan, I just trashed a Quantum EX500. It made so much noise when I cast it, I couldn't stand it.
Oh, it was purchased new from BPS in 1998.

True story....They are solid reels.

They last about a year.

Own a few Tour KVD reels that I used for cranking. No issues.

I have 6 Quantum PT's (the very light silver ones with the halo look) and love them! Fish them hard and have had very little issues. Cast smooth, easy, strong drag. My reels are 5:1 up to 7:1. Have caught several bass over 8-10 lbs with them. They were about $15 new. Everyone has their favorites.

I have had quantum exo reels since they came out. I've never had an issue with them. If you clean and lube them regularly you shouldn't have an issue. I like my okuma helios air better but they are more expensive. My exo 300 has held up great to big swimbaits.

I have hated every quantum I've ever owned, sold all of them. Never again.

Where are all the tackle snobs letting you know that Abu Garcia reels are the only reel they use and no one ever won a tournament using a quantum reel? I think when comparing reels it's important to remember cost. At $89 you have a good reel for yourself!

Oh Boy!!!! Here we go with the Quantum haters. I have owned every Quantum model made since the 1310. That are great reels. They were the first with the ceramic drags, the first with adjustable breaks in the outside of the reel. by the way on the elites last year they won over half of the events KVD (3) Hackeny (1) Aoy (Swindle) and now the bassmaster classic(Lee). Any of the major company's would pay any of those guys especially KVD but yet he fished what works for him. The energy reel you just purchased is a great reel. Tiurn on 3 of the the internal brakes and set the external accordingly(lure weight, wind etc). You won't be disappointed. Enjoy your new reel and don't worry about the negative commentary.

Never bought a Quantum but dragged one up from Davy Jones's Locker in the mangroves of Tampa Bay years ago. Threw the rod away but kept the Quantum Catalyst 30 spinning reel. Couldn't believe how well it performed after just a good cleaning after being in the salt. Was most impressed with how smooth the drag on that reel was. Mounted it on a G Loomis Greenwater. Used it for years and landed the tarpon below using it. Still have the reel but just for the memories. It did make me think much more highly of Quantum reels.