I know this is totally irrelavent to this post but someone mentioned the almost forgotten Quantum 1310. Dollar for dollar, some of the best reels ever.

But does the Quantum 1310 look good?! Couldn't resist....

Look reel good and I still have them but it's just not worth what it would take to repair them. I bought them in 1990 so I got more than my money's worth.

My 1310's are shelved due to not being able to find parts anymore. I do have 2 that I let beginners use.

Why did they go with the ugly color?

I kinda like the color the more I look at it, reminds me of campfire coals. Will hold off on an opinion good or bad until those that are using them report back after a year or more. I've learned that its hard to judge any reel by just cranking on the reel handle and making a few casts. If it doesn't feel like new after a year or two without replacing stuff, I'm out because there are older reels that will do that and for the cost of upgraded bearings can cast with the best of them.

The good ole' days.....anybody else remember when Quantum had the series of reels? I believe they were called crankin' reel, pitchin' reel, and rippin' reel. I had 'em all and thought I was a stud...

Still have them, they still all work. Actually have 2 Rippin reels.

For the same reason people PAY for tournament jerseys, PAY to wrap there boats with some companys ad and plaster stickers all over there pickups and boats They have drank the koolaid of the corporate marketing machine that bass fishing has became Appearance is everything, there more worried about what the next guy in line for the boat ramp thinks about there Rig than enjoying a day on the water or catching fish

I'm building a custon rod for this reel, pictures to come. You will drool over this reel after you see the rod that it sits on if appearance is important to you.

Carrot stix?

You couldn't give me a Carrot Stix for free.

Metallic Black blank - Rod Geeks Carbon 4

Reel Seat ACS Painted Black

Black Titanium T2 SIC Guides

carbon fiber here and there with black MHX Winn Grips

Thread colors & some of the trim to match reel

https://voodoorods.com/products/matagi-pts-mpk17-painted-reel-seat-casting-with-ash-hood-mptsmpk17

I'm one of those that aesthetics does matter. I was married to an ugly woman. Sucked the life right out of me. I'm married to a hot one now, who can cook, takes care of me like I'm Tony Nelson, is a great mother to our kids, but, guess what, I still look at her everyday. She's good looking! If she was ugly, being a good cook would matter a whole lot less. I may buy one of those red suckers,they're kinda pretty.

Sounds like you're building a great rod to match the reel.....cosmetics are surely important to you.

Ill choose a sanded, non painted blank and cork handles. An ECS seat. Torzite guides.....and match it to a Steez. All about the performance here.

That does sound nice.