Hello all,
I am passing along some advice from a respected expert on a new product.

I was in the market for a new casting reel to be used in both salt and freshwater. I have used Shimano Curados in the past and found them to be great reels. I learned that Quantum had a saltwater series coming out and was interested in the Cabo Baitcast reel, size 20. (210 yds of 12lb)

I sent Melton International Tackle an email asking their opinion of this reel versus the Curado. Their General Manager said he would take the Quantum over the Curado 100 times out of 100.

I thanked him and already have mine on order. I will update this post with my opinion once I get the reel.

The Cabo is pretty much a saltwater reel, hence the name. It will probably hold up to dual use better because of this.

I agree that the Quantum is definitely more intended for salt than the curado, but I know there are THOUSANDS of curados in use on our coast and wanted to show another alternative. Only bad thing is the Quantum Cabo retails for about $150.

I've already got one of the Cabo spinning reels, and like it very well. I haven't used in the salt yet though, only fresh water.

The real difference is in the availability of parts, the cooperation of the personnel in the companies when you need help or advise.

For me: Shimano wins hands down on both occasions.

Just my 2

Their General Manager is first a saleman, so the more the store sales the more commission he makes.

If the Cabo is a new series how can someone recommend it over a well known reliable competitor?
I'm not picking on Quantum, just looking at their record.
If you look , Quantum has a "new" series just about every year and at one time, there were a number of complaints about returning a faulty reel and getting a new reel(of another model) in it's place because Quantum doesn't make the original reel any longer.

It is interesting to go back and read some of my old fishing magazines(some dating back 10 years) and see the "new tackle" issues each year. Many of the "new" reels, rods,lures and lines (from all manufacturers) that were the hottest thing going that year-had disappeared by two years later.

The Cabo may be much better than the Curado but I think only time will tell...

Here is what that GM said in his second response to me:

When it comes to Shimano�s �Top Shelf� products (Tiagra�s, Trinidad�s, TLD II and their other highest end products) they really can�t be beat, however in some of their lighter bait reels (such as the Curado�s) they have good product, but I personally don�t think they have distanced themselves (from their competitors) as much in that segment of the market and in fact there are other very good options out there. (Specifically the Cabo series are some of the most underrated light reels on the market.)

I agree with the idea that most new products fizzle quickly, but I'll be the guinea pig and document my experiences with both of these reels.

I have used both brands and cant complaine about shimano one bit. I have had my share of problems with quantum and the fishability and durability of shimano wins hands down..

Just my opinion.