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An underrated spinning reel at an amazing price!
Introducing the Quantum Pulse line-up of spinning reels.

Data for Review

Date – May thru October, 2004
Type of reel – Spinning Reel
Manufacturer – Quantum
Reviewed by – Andrew Ragas


Despite being a reel that first came out during the spring of 2002, this is a very late review that is well worth the wait. In 2002, Quantum began a massive make-over with its line of spinning reels that included the Catalyst, Kinetic, Pulse and Icon series of reels. All of these were brand new, and out on the market, with the exception of the Energy low-profile casting reel. Quantum has tried to make their line of reels respectable and comparable to the import reels, known as Shimano and Daiwa. The technology is there and will continue to grow during the next several years. Let me take you on a tour to view this fine product.

 

The Quantum Pulse 30 spinning reel

Since these reels were released in 2002, they have been my go-to spinning reels for everything. I, myself own the entire Pulse line of reels except for the 40, from the small ultra-lite 10 all the way up to size 30 (10, 20, 30, 30). One major drawback for the Pulse line of reels, including the baitcaster is that the spinning reels are by far, more technologically advanced than the caster. They hold more features and are much more durable. The caster is known as an entry-level reel for beginners while the spinning reels are categorized as mid-range when it comes to price and features.

The Pulse 30 reel is very solid when it comes to construction and quality. The finish is very attractive. For those of you that don’t like flashy reels with absurd colors, take this reel into consideration.


An affordable reel for the cost-conscious angler.
 

Out on the Water (Casting, Retrieving, Drag System and Presentation)

During my 2004 fishing season, this reel was used everywhere, especially on a wide variety of rivers and lakes in Illinois and Wisconsin. I am not a professional fisherman by any means so please do not become confused with what you will see.

When I fished rivers in 2004 by wading, I spooled the reel with 6lb Trilene Sensation. I feel that with a capacity of 250 yards for 6lb line, you will achieve greater casting distance. This year while fishing rivers, I have used Mepps spinners (#2 – 4), small spinnerbaits, crankbaits & Rapalas, and jigs and twisters. For a reel not known for its casting abilities, casting distance fared very well when it went up against a fellow GF member, Mike (JUG) and his Shimano Sahara 2500 series reel in August on the Fox River. Shimano Sahara's and Quantum Pulse reels are very similar when it all comes down to the price factor and appearance. The presentation on that day was covering shoreline areas for Bass, and casting half-way across river. Mike's presentation was the same as mine. Casting distance on the Pulse was greater by as much as 25% while casting #2 Mepps Spinners.
 

The Author, with a nice August, 2004 Fox River Largemouth Bass


While on lakes, this reel is used for a wide variety of applications. I favor using 8lb P-Line CXXX (moss green). This year, I have used this set-up mainly for Bass fishing with plastics. The plastics were finesse worms, Yamamoto Senkos, Bearpaws Hand-poured Baits, tubes, and jerkbaits. This is a very versatile set-up and you can do almost anything with this reel when used properly.

With extended use over a period of time, this reel will never tire you out when used on the right sized rod. With the Pulse 30 series of reels, I prefer using a 6’6” medium action rod. This is perfectly balanced and will keep you comfortable when out on the water.

The retrieve is very smooth and there are no rough edges. The Tru-Balance rotor is smooth and prevents any wobble to occur. To make this reel last for extended periods and to prevent corriosion, buy yourself a tube of Quantum Hot Sauce and lubricate it inside the drag knob.

When I mentioned that the retrieve is smooth, the drag is equally impressive, though not the best while synchronizing, it can handle the pressure from a 5lb Largemouth Bass, or 10lb Pike. It’s basically good enough for anything that swims!


Special Features

Quantum has created a reel that what I call is “sexy” in its physical appearance. The reel features a foot-forward designed and is enriched by a ThinLine Aluminum Body and side cover.


 

Quantum ThinLine bodies are the most streamlined in the industry. They are built of aluminum to reduce weight with absolutely no flex.

The bail system is very unique. There is one major difference between the Pulse and the reel that’s one step higher. That is the Kinetic series. The Kinetics feature a Nickel-Titanium bail system which means that you can bend it all you want and it still won’t break! Both reels feature a magnetic bail system called TiMag II – “No springs, no breaks!” There is only a $10 difference between the Pulse and Kinetic and that difference is the nickel-titanium bait that’s found on the Kinetic. When opening and closing the bail, you will feel how smooth it really is. Believe me! The smoothness on the bail system is found on no other brands of spinning reels.

Another feature found on the reel is the rubber grip on the handle. This allows for easy retrieve and extra comfort. All Quantum reels feature a rubber grip on the handle.

The price is outstanding and you will get great value from it. When the Pulse reels came out in 2002, their retail was $60. Since then, I’ve seen the price range anywhere from $30 to $40. Not that these reels are poor, but they're just underrated.

In order to have a long-lasting reel like any other that’s out on the market, you must take care of it. Like I explained, it would never hurt to get yourself Quantum Hot Sauce and to lube it. My Pulse 30 Reels have been fished in rivers and have been through countless numbers of dunkings, and have taken many scratches and nicks in the boat. To this day, they still perform like brand new.

 

Construction & Quality - The Pulse 30 is an affordable reel that will suit anyone’s needs, whether you are an avid or novice angler. Most of this reel is made from light-weight aluminum and the thin-line body greatly enhances its looks. 4.5

On The Water Uses - The reel performed well each time while out on the water during its review period. It never showed any weaknesses. Great drag system, strong retrieves and long, accurate casts. 5

Design (ergonomics) - Features a balanced & stream-lined design. All of the basic and necessary features found on spinning reels will be found on the Pulse line of spinning reels. Reel is very light-weight, not too bulky and has a comfortable handle. One factor that separates this from other quality spinning reels is that no springs are found in the bail system. It’s all magnetic! 4.5

Presentation - Great for all applications that require a powerful and effective reel to get the job done. A great reel for working plastics and jerkbaits. Pulse reels are also able to handle light saltwater applications as well. 5

Price – This reel is very affordable and overlooked. Amazing in both performance and quality. 4.5
 

Total Score - - - 4.5
 

Positive

Great Price
Innovated bail system
Smooth retrieve
Excellent features considering price
Good shape & design


Negative

Drag could be better but it still handles anything that swims
Reel is not as popular as others on the market


There you have it folks, the very first LFM.com tackle review.

Since I first purchased my first Pulse reel (PL20) in the summer of 2003, I wish that these reels would be more popular. I have been fishing with them ever since and would never trade them in for anything else. Even though the Pulse reel is not as flashy as $200 Shimano and Daiwa reels, it thinks big when it comes to having as much quality and technology while staying in the affordable price range. Quantum has mastered that concept with trying to make all of their reels “technologically advanced” with affordable prices and to stay competitive with the likes of Daiwa and Shimano. Quantum is the American brand!