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Bringing back a retro reel by Quantum. The original Catalyst spinning reel.

Data for Review

Date – 2005 season
Manufacturer – Quantum
Reviewed by - Andrew Ragas

The reel at the top left is the size-20 model. The bottom right is the size-30 model.

In 2002, Quantum made a breakthrough within their line of reels. The line of reels Quantum introduced in 2002 wed to the birth of a new generation of reels, using extreme lightweight and weather-proof materials.

In 2006, Quantum made improvements on the original Catalyst and today, the reel retails at $120 and features new and improved components. Although the reel I'm reviewing came out 4-years ago, it still rivals many top of the line reels other companies currently sell.

Despite it's age of 4-years old, do not 'dis this reel. It still has that sexy feel and rotation as the current Catalyst spinning reel, but minus the greater price tag.

Impressions:

Both of these reels were purchased early during my 2005 fishing season as I was upgrading most of my reels as I was seeking the ultimate performance out of my fishing.

When I first laid hands on both of these reels, I was amazed by how smooth these reels were and by how easily the bail system opens and closes as you cast. Not to mention, the bail is bendable as it is made from nickel-titanium and is listed as unbreakable. This is an outstanding feature for a reel if you intend on horsing it and using it every day. Since I bought the Catalyst, I have used them nearly every day for most of my fishing, mostly for Pike, Walleye, Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass, and Crappie. Even though these reels have the guarantee of lasting up to 10yrs, they are not the work-horses they are noted to be. Some reels will have flaws to them such as the rubbing of gears, and occasional squeaking, but like most other reels, maintenance and lubing is an essential key toward longevity, and weather protection.

The size 20 reel (above) was mainly used for creek fishing for Bass, and jigging for Walleyes.

The size 20 model, out on the creek.

On the water uses (Casting, Retrieving, Drag System and Presentation)

Casting & Retrieving.

As always, I try to match the reels I use to the appropriate rods that enable you to have balance. The size 20 reel was matched up with a 6ft medium-light action St. Croix Premier spinning rod and was mainly used while fishing small rivers and for walleye fishing. With a 6lb copolymer line, I was able to easily fish 1/16oz jigs with either live bait, or plastics, and I was able to cast and cover water with 3 and 4" Rapalas as well as in-line spinners.

The Size-20. In use on a Smallmouth Bass stream.

With the slightly larger size 30 reel, which weighs an extra 2-ounces, I was able to mount it onto a 6.5ft medium-action spinning rod and used it for many Bass fishing applications. Due to the larger spool diameter, it held an extra 100-yards of 6lb line, as compared to the size 20. With the larger spool, I was able to launch my baits at an incredible distance. I believe the casting distances are at a premium with this reel due to its lightweight frame. Having a light reel always helps out in this category.

Drag System.

The drag systems for both reels are amazing quality as they are made from ceramic material, meaning that more stress can be put onto the gears. This reel will easily handle 5-10lb walleyes, 10lb northern pike, 10lb carp, and 5lb Bass as I was able to attain on the size-20 reel. All in one season!

Presentation.

As previously mentioned, the size-20 reel was used mostly for fishing the small waters as well as for walleyes, while the size-30 reel was used mostly as a Bass fishing tool and when wading larger rivers.

I feel as if both of these reels are in the upper echelon for Bass reels because these reels are versatile, meaning that the presentations you can use are insurmountable, and the reels are tough. Also, they can take on anything that swims.

Whether it be from the fight of a 15" Smallmouth Bass, or the hard pulls from a 5lb largemouth Bass, the Catalyst can easily take these fish on. With authority!

The catalyst is no problem for the scrappy riverine Smallmouth Bass. 

Quantum Catalyst PTi 20 & 30 Spinning Reel - (0/5)

Construction & Quality: The body of the reel is solid, thanks to its thin-line design. The bail system is flawless and unbreakable. The all-metal construction makes the catalyst durable and extremely long-lasting. 5/5

Design (ergonomics): The reel was designed to be as light as possible with storing all sorts of components to its fullest capacity. In 2002, Quantum excelled in this department with the reel. However, in 2006, I feel as if Quantum failed due to the new reel's increased weight. 5/5

Presentation: Very versatile reel that could be used for all types of fishing as well as light saltwater fishing. 5/5

Price:  I bought my first two catalysts at $95, respectively, and bought my third in 2006 for $70. Excellent work by Quantum as they made anglers very happy with this reel. 5/5

Total Score - - - 5/5


Positive and Negative Thoughts

Positive
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- Solid construction of body & frame

- Lightweight for its metallic parts

- Excellent casting distances

- Ceramic drag system

- Titanium bail

- The price is right

- Despite it's 4yr old tag, it still rivals current, newer reels.

Negative

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- The reels should have come with Quantum's Hot sauce lubrication.

- Watch out for the rubbing of gears (occasional binding).