Here is another Quantum reel that is designed specifically for inshore saltwater fishing.
In this review of the Quantum Smoke PTs Inshore Spinning Reel, I will try to show why some people have come to call this reel the “Speed Freak” and why I think Quantum reels are often overlooked.
The fact is that Quantum does not have the same massive advertising budgets that Shimano, Penn, and some of the other large brands have, so you don’t hear about them very often.
In my humble opinion, this makes the Quantum reels a bargain, as they are extremely well made and have quality components.
The smoke inshore is a lightweight reel in 4 sizes and six models, weighing in at just 7.6 oz for the 2500 or 25 models and only 10.5 oz for the 5000 or 50 models. The model SL30XPTSA and the Model SL40XPTSA are affectionately called “Speed Freak” reels with a gear ratio of 6.2:1 and retrieve rates of 36 and 39 inches, respectively.
The body and sideplates are made of Quantum’s SCR aluminum alloy, and all components are treated with a special SaltGuard layer to repel corrosion. Combined with a sealed carbon fiber drag system and a fail-proof bail, you have a fishing machine that is lightweight yet durable and should last for years.
The Bottom Line
- This is an excellent choice for a mid-tier priced saltwater fishing reel geared towards inshore fishing.
- It is a very smooth reel with a sealed carbon and ceramic drag system.
- Made of lightweight marine grade alloy originally designed for marine engines.
- Designed from the ground up for saltwater fishing, this reel will stand the test of time.
The Quantum Smoke PTs Inshore is an all-around winner and is available here.
Features
SCR™ Alloy body and sideplates
The body and the sideplates of the Quantum Smoke Inshore PT are made of a marine-grade alloy originally designed for marine engines. If you own a boat operating in saltwater, you know just how damaging the saltwater can be to your engine.
The fact that the reel’s main body is made of a material designed to be submerged in saltwater for long periods should indicate just how durable this reel should be.
C4LF Carbon Fiber Rotor
The rotor is made of long-stranded carbon fiber that is rigid, strong, and lightweight at the same time.
Sealed CSC drag system
The sealed drag system offers a lot of drag for such a small and lightweight reel. The drag is composed of 6 washers in all.
There are 2 carbon fiber washers and two metal washers separated by a Teflon washer that delivers smoothness and a ceramic washer on top of the stack. This stack is unique to Quantum, and I have been impressed with the smoothness so far.
I did opt to put some additional “Hot Sauce” grease on the drag, which made it even smoother. On top of the spool is the drag knob, and underneath it is a washer that keeps water from reaching the drag washers and effectively seals the entire drag system.
MaxCast™ II spool
The spool on the Inshore PT is made of machined aluminum and is ported to reduce weight. The entire spool is treated with Quantum’s SaltGuard 2.0 to protect the spool from corrosion.
Another feature that Quantum has added that I am starting to see on most spools these days is the addition of a rubber band that allows you to go straight to the braid line without using mono as a backer.
Gears
The main gear is made of zinc, while the pinion gear is made of brass. Both of these materials are pretty standard and seem substantial enough for this reel’s size.
9+1 Bearing system
The Quantum Inshore PT can deliver a smooth retrieve using nine stainless steel bearings for the side plates, main rotor, line roller, and bail arm. There is also an infinite anti-reverse bearing to ensure you get no slop when setting the hook.
Fail-proof titanium bail wire
The bail wire for the Smoke Inshore PT is made of titanium, which makes it lightweight and strong. It is unique because it is flexible but snaps right back, just like a pair of glasses made of similar material.
Quantum says that it is fail-proof as it is guaranteed not to break. The bail itself has a bearing, and the line roller also has a separate bearing. Both contribute to the smooth and solid snap you get when the bail closes.
SaltGuard™ 2.0 multi-layer corrosion protection
Since this reel was designed from the ground up to be fished in saltwater continuously and is a smaller reel often fished while wading or from a kayak, Quantum’s SaltGuardTM 2.0 protective layer is a welcome addition.
The SaltGuard 2.0 layer protects the components from harsh saltwater conditions, and when combined with Quantum’s SCR alloy material, I expect this reel will last for years.
Features at a Glance
- SCR™ base Alloy aluminum body and sideplates
- Rigid and lightweight C4LF Carbon Fiber Rotor
- Sealed CSC drag system
- MaxCast™ II spool
- Sealed clutch
- Fail-proof titanium bail wire
- SaltGuard™ 2.0 multi-layer corrosion protection
Another feature that I think makes this a very fishable reel is the unique handle design that seems to just put your hand in the right position to crank on the EVA knob. The knob has a bearing to attach it to the handle, and the handle is threaded directly into the main gear.
This is a design I have seen in several other high-quality reels, and it means you get strength and a very solid feel when cranking in your catch.
From a castability standpoint, the MaxCast II Spool with a frictionless rounded top of the spool means that your line will flow easily off the spool when you are casting.
Speed Freak Models
Two models in the Quantum Smoke Inshore PT series offer a higher gearing ratio of 6.2:1 and are referred to as the Speed Freak versions. These two models, the SL30XPTSA, have a retrieve rate of 36″ per revolution, and the SL40XPTSA has a retrieve rate of 39″. Both can be useful when fishing topwater lures like Spooks for Snook and Redfish.
Pros
- Sealed drag
- Lightweight
- Smooth
Cons
- Sometimes, bail does not trip automatically
Alternatives
Staying at the same price point, I would direct you to a few reels. The first reel would be the Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel. The Daiwa is a slightly heavier reel but is close when looking at the other features.
Next up would be the Pflueger Patriarch Spinning reel, which I like. The Pflueger Patriarch is a super lightweight reel, coming in at 6.2 oz for the 30 size vs the Quantum’s 7.9 oz for the same 30 size. Both reels feature sealed drag systems, but the Patriarch drops the extra weight using a Magnesium body and rotor.
Lastly, Shimano’s entry in this category – the Shimano Stradic FK Spinning Reel, which weighs a little bit more at 8.3 oz for the 30 size but has a full metal body. I like the drag on the Quantum better than the Shimano, and frankly, I think you are paying for the name with the Shimano.
In Conclusion
Overall, I am impressed with the quality of the Quantum Smoke Inshore PT reels. While not an inexpensive reel, it is well-made with quality materials and is designed from the ground up to withstand the harsh elements that accompany saltwater fishing.
I think Quantum has delivered an extremely lightweight, durable, and very functional reel for the price point.
Bring on the salt, the sand, the heavy fish streaking for open water. The Quantum PT Smoke Inshore S3 Spinning Reel is built to conquer the challenges that await, with super-tight Reel Engine Design 2.0 all-aluminum uni-body construction that uses impregnable SCR Alloy with full SaltGuard Protection to eliminate any chance of corrosion.
- Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Review - April 3, 2023
- Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel Review - February 14, 2023
- Abu Garcia Revo STX Baitcast Reel Review - February 8, 2023