I recently bought 8 of the new Quantum Energy PT reels. My first couple trips they seamed to work fine, some made louder than normal noises when casting but all in all preformance was ok. THIS IS UNTIL LAST WEEKEND WHEN THE WIND WAS BLOWING ONLY 5-15 MPH. They have the 9 setting external brake adj knob which is a nice feature. With out the wind blowing I usually leave the setting on a 4 or a 5 and can obtain the casting distance I am looking for. When the wind picked up for the first time with these reels I had to crank the brake down to the 8-9 range. I could still cast the bait a decent distance but with a great amount of effort. I drove into the nearest town and purchased a few Shimano Chronarchs with there 6-pin brake system. The next day the wind was exactly the same, on my first cast I set two brake pins on and casted directly into the wind with out even thumbing the spool. The cast was amazing, with only 2 brake pins set!!!! I had zero problems casting into the wind or in any direction, I took every PT real back to ACADEMY and exchanged them for the Chronarchs. They are about a $100 more than the Quantum Energy reels but there is a night and day diffrence. I also picked up 2 Curados with the 7.0 ratio and they work just as well as the Chronarchs, I do like the Chronarchs better as they fit my hand much better, The Curados are only $20 ish more than the Quantum Energy reels so spend the extra money, I think you will thank me if you are the avid angler that demands proper equipment.

If any one has any more questions about what I think of the two reels I would be more than happy to assist in your buying process. Just dont make the mistake you did, and buy from ACADEMY, lol two of the reels I took back I got at Bass Pro Shops and they never even asked. Great Store.

Stephen,

Aside from the Chronarchs fitting your hand better, do you really think the Curados cast as well as a Chronarch? I know you say so in your original post but I'm REALLY considering taking the plunge and getting a Curado. I keep reading good things about the Curado and the only baitcaster experience I have is with a Team Diawa-V 103HI.

No problems with my Energy, silent as can be, smooth as can be, brake system works fine, drag is awesome. Can cast in wind with brake or without. Great reel and can take a beating from the saltwater!
The chronarch is a great reel also but I dont notice much difference when going from one to the other. Makes me think that maybe you found a bad batch or something. (sounds like I am talking about beer). Both reels are great and I wouldnt mind having either!

""Just dont make the mistake you did, and buy from ACADEMY, lol two of the reels I took back I got at Bass Pro Shops and they never even asked. Great Store.""

That says more about your integrity than the store's!

Academy will take anything back if its in their system, just fyi

Josey

The benifits of the Chronarch vs the Curado to me are they fit my had better, and the extra barrings do allow for smoother action. I was very impressed with the casting quality of the Curados, I wont lie the chronarch is alittle better but the curados are great, I just have the one curado in a 5.1 or crankbaits and I have no problem hiting my spots at long distances.

If you like the B5 you should try a Super Free. Big difference. Back to the original post, I have 4 Quantum Cabo PT's. Great reels with an unbelievable drag.

Look a a daiwa sol. I think it is much smoother than the curados. I really like my sol but i have small hands and it fits just right.

Good thread. I have two Curado's and love them. I purchased them probably 4 years ago. What is the deal with some of the posts about the new ones not being the same reel or as good? Some have gone so far to offer $200 each for the original ones?

2. I have a Chronarch and have never gotten the distance casting that I do on my Curado's. You mentioned that you only set two brakes when windy and reel does great. Don't they have to be alternating positions to give a smooth cast? I have been advised to set every other brake for balance.

3. I also have several of the BPS Extreme reels that normally sell for around $99 and I was surprised at how smooth and efficient they operate.

I agree about the older Curado's and better performance. I have a 200B that I purchased 4 or 5 years ago, and still end the day using this reel over my new curado as it just feels better to me.

I replaced the bearings with the ceramic bearings they sell at Academy and it did wonders for the reel.

To each its own.

welcome to the forum green horn, just remember...what goes around comes around. your advice lacks credibility.

I have last year's model of the Energy 860 PTs and love them. Haven't tried this year's model.

I have to say that the Energy is one of the best casting reels I have used in a long time(for the conditions that I put it through). In the past month I have landed reds of 38+, 39 inch ling, tons of trout, a few Bonita, a few hybrids, tons of sandies and the thing has worked like a champ on every fish caught. I am sure it has caught quite a few other species as well without a problem and the reel is still as good as new, except for a few scratches and nicks. GREAT REEL and the drag is smooth as can be. I have yet to worry about the drag locking up on me or burning out. There are no unknown noises and I couldnt be happier. For the type of fishing I do, I will take the Energy Pt over the chronarch Mg anyday but for freshwater, the chronarch Mg is a good little reel.

Did not know it would be good for fishing for Reds. Great!