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Quantum Catalyst 20 & 30

Data for Review
Date – 2005 season
Manufacturer – Quantum
Reviewed by - Andrew Ragas
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Quantum Catalyst PTi 20 &
30 Specifications |
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Line Capacity (lb/yds) |
140yd/6lb 250yd/6lb |
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Gear Ratio |
5.2:1
(both reels) |
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Weight |
9.5oz
(size 20)
11.5oz
(size 30) |
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Bearings |
6 |
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Extra Features |
TiMAG II system, MaxCast
Longstroke aluminum spool,
spare aluminum spool,
Ceramic Magnum drag system,
Hot Sauce, TRU-Balance,
Oversized Twist-Reducer line
roller |
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Price |
$90.00(2002-2005
Retail)
$60-70(current
retail) |
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.
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Setups for the 2005
Season |
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Reel: |
Quantum Catalyst PTi 20 & 30 |
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Rod: |
6ft med. lite St. Croix
Premier/ 6.5ft Galyans HM54
rod |
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Line: |
6lb P-Line CXX X-Tra Strong |
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.
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!
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
- 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
- The reels
should have come with Quantum's Hot
sauce lubrication.
- Watch out
for the rubbing of gears (occasional
binding).
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