When I first joined The Fisherman in the fall of 2002, Quantum reels were pretty darn popular with a lot of Jersey Shore anglers for their durability, performance and price. Quantum the brand actually launched in 1984, with their Cabo spinning reel in particular building some serious brand loyalty in those first 20 years. Now 40 years since Quantum was born, the big news at the ICAST tackle event in July was that Quantum is redirecting 100% of their focus on the saltwater market.
“We are committed to delivering the new standard of performance in saltwater tackle,” is how Rather Outdoors CEO Ken Eubanks put it. Quantum is part of a team of products under the Rather Outdoors corporate umbrella, which includes other iconic brands like Strike King, Zebco and Lew’s. With the strength of Lew’s in freshwater, Rather Outdoors has assembled a team of top industry veterans with over 150 years of experience in the saltwater tackle game, so that Quantum can dedicate all its attention to the salt.
“This team has a proven track record of managing successful saltwater brands and understands what our customers and consumers want,” said Mike Rice, Senior VP at Quantum, adding “These guys aren’t corporate desk jockeys; they fish and take it seriously.” Headquartered in Stuart, FL near an outstanding inshore fishery with easy access to offshore waters, Rice and his team can now commit to designing, developing, testing and delivering products for the hardcore saltwater angler who is looking for power and performance at a great price.
“One-hundred percent saltwater focused,” Rice told me at ICAST (find that full interview on our You Tube page or at TheFisherman.com) explaining how his team gets to “start fresh with Quantum with a clean slate.” In terms of that fresh start, Quantum unveiled an extremely focused product new lineup for fall release, with two families of reels and combos, and one new rod series.
First up for October is the Quantum Strive offered in six sizes from 2500 to 8000. Strive features a high strength aluminum frame and is fully sealed to IPX6 standards, with Quantum’s exclusive SEALOQ 6 protection, shielding the inside of the reel from water, salt, sand, and other debris. The internal components are lubricated with Quantum’s Hot Sauce to produce the muscle for landing big fish, while the CFX200 Carbon Fiber Xtreme drag system boasts an extremely high maximum drag (from 20 pounds on up to 40 pounds) for fish-stopping power. Look for Quantum Strive in local shops in October priced from $99.99 to $139.99.
Then in November, Quantum ups the game a bit with the release of the Benchmark, which will also be available in 2500 to 8000 sizes. “A lot of the same pieces as the Strive,” Rice said, explaining how the Benchmark is a built with a different tooling base, adding “It’s lighter than the Strive, it gets the same amount of drag as the Strive.”
“The main difference between the Strive and the Benchmark is the gearing,” Rice told me, explaining how the Benchmark gearing is fully-machined and precisely cut to tight tolerances, comprised of premium materials to achieve a perfect blend of cranking power and gear smoothness. “Brass on the two bigger sizes and then aluminum on the smaller sizes,” Rice added. Look for Quantum Benchmark in November priced from $149.99 to $189.99.
Finally, Quantum will also have 10 models of their new Myth saltwater inshore rod series out in November, a proprietary HSX30 carbon fiber blank with Seaguide Zirconia guides, Fuji DPS reel seats, and sculpted premium cork grips priced from $129.99 to $169.99 retail.
“We’re spinning reel guys, that’s what we fish, and we’re all avid anglers, so we’re going to be focused on spinning reels to start,” said Rice, noting that for at least the first 2 to 3 years anglers should expect more on the spin side from Quantum. From there who knows what the next 20 to 40 years will bring. I did see quite a few reps from our tackle shops at home while at ICAST who said they’re excited about carrying the new Quantum lineup.
