By BassFan Staff
Each year, it seems Quantum introduces something fresh and unique that grabs the industry's attention.
A few years back, it was the EXO series of reels. Last year, the Speed Freak high-speed reel highlighted their new offerings. At ICAST this year, Quantum rolled out an assortment of new reels that carry on the company’s tradition of quality components and construction, but at price points that will catch the attention of many BassFans.
Among the new items are a couple baitcasting reels, a spinning reel for under $60 and a new series of rods and reels bearing Kevin VanDam’s name and stamp of approval.
Here’s a rundown of what’s coming soon from Quantum:
IconPT
Packed with Quantum’s Performance Tuned components, the new IconPT baitcaster reel will offer high-dollar performance at a price ($119) that won’t break the bank.
The IconPT is packed with 11 bearings, including two high-speed bearings, and a floating pinion design, making it one of the smoothest casting, smoothest retrieving reels in this price bracket.
Anchored by a tough aluminum frame and graphite side covers, Icon’s external ACS cast control has numerous settings to suit the precise desire of every angler, no matter what lure weight or wind speed they’re dialing in to.
A smooth operating multi-disc drag can handle the heat when a largemouth digs deeper into a flooded bush, or when a smallmouth makes a head-shaking run. An oversized 90-mm handle with padded EVA knobs will serve as a winch in the hands of hardcore anglers.
The IconPT will be available in 6.3:1 and 7.0:1 gear ratios.
Check out what VanDam had to say about the new IconPT in the embedded video below:
Pulse
At $49, Quantum’s new Pulse provides an reel packed with high-end features like an external magnetic cast control, a floating pinion gear, and an oversized 90-mm handle.
Made of lightweight graphite, the Pulse features a free-floating pinion gear that allows the spool shaft to float freely during a cast for far less friction and better casting distance.
The Pulse baitcasting and Throttle spinning reels are two new budget-friendly additions to the Quantum reel lineup.
The Pulse packs five bearings, and an external magnetic cast control adjustment, complimented by brake magnets located beneath the side cover that work in unison to control backlashes. Available in both right and left hand models, each Pulse features continuous anti-reverse, and the oversized handle adds to all-day comfort.
Throttle
Utilizing an all-aluminum uni-body construction process, the Quantum Throttle is poised to leave a mark in the spinning reel market.
By moving away from the traditional two-part build, Quantum’s
design of the Throttle keeps all key components in one Reel Engine, which leads to more precise alignment of the gears for a smoother more durable reel.
The single housing concept of Throttle’s production allows all its internal parts to move freer and last longer.
Thanks to a rubber ‘braid band’, anglers can tie braided line directly to the spool with no monofilament backing necessary, and the MaxCast II spool offers superior casting distance because it reduces friction by eliminating line contact with the front edge of the spool.
Featuring a total of 10 bearings, Throttle comes in 20 and 30 sizes and is will also be available as a combo with a 2-piece, IM8 high modulus graphite rod. The reel will retail for $59 and the combo will sell for around $79.
TeamKVD
Quantum has decided to expand its Kevin VanDam signature series with the introduction of a TeamKVD lineup of rods and reels for the budget-conscious angler.
While the TourKVD products are geared toward the highly competitive tournament market, the new TeamKVD products still had to pass the muster of the most decorated bass angler of this generation.
Each TeamKVD reel features eight bearings, and a very lightweight aluminum spool. The 7.3:1 gear ratio model puts 31 inches of line back on that spool with every turn of the handle. The 6.6:1 model picks up 28 inchers of line per turn.
An external magnetic cast control helps anglers dial-in to match lure weights and wind conditions, and a carbon fiber/stainless drag system provides smooth and powerful pulling power. The reels will be available in right- and left-hand models
The TeamKVD series rods are graphite composite with split grip EVA handles. There will be seven casting rods, including two crankbait-specific models, in the series as well as three spinning models. The rods will range in length from 6 feet, 9 inches to 7 feet, 4 inches.
The TeamKVD reel will retail for $79, but when paired with a TeamKVD rod, the combo (casting or spinning) will sell for $99. Consumers will also receive a free backpack embroidered with the TeamKVD logo with the purchase of a combo.
Find out what VanDam likes about the new TeamKVD combo in the embedded video below:
