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Data for Review

Date – March thru July, 2007
Manufacturer – Quantum
Reviewed by - Andrew

Midway through the 2006 fishing season, I had the pleasure of using and reviewing my first-ever Quantum "Performance Tuned" bait-casting reel. This year, 2007, I had the pleasure of reviewing an even better fishing reel, Quantum's flag-ship casting reel, the Tour Edition.

The Quantum Tour Edition series of reels were introduced in 2006 as Quantum's highest-end baitcasting reel, whose purpose was to compliment the world's best Bass anglers who have a preference for "power fishing". This style of fishing is associated with covering water at quicker rates than usual, fishing your lures at increased speeds, and quickly searching for active, aggressive fish.

Covering water with spinnerbaits is just what the doctor ordered.

Impressions:

I received my TE1170 casting reel as a Christmas gift. Throughout the winter, I was salivating over it because I was dying to catch Bass with it!

When compared to the similar-style, but cheaper priced Energy PT reels, the Tour Edition PT features a similar, but not as colorful nor flashy titanium deposition coating. In addition, the Tour Edition PT is available in the same speeds as the Energy PT, and comes with a similar spool, and four extra bearings. As Quantum's flag-ship casting reels, these "Burner" models feature the latest offerings in Quantum's technology. Such offerings are all-metal components, infinite ACS cast control, polymer stainless bearings, and is lubricated with Quantum's very own Hot Sauce.

On the water uses (Casting, Durability, and Presentation)

To test the TE1170PT Burner for this review, I decided to concentrate my efforts on what this reel was built for: Power fishing and fishing for Bass aggressively!

The waters I fished with the reel were the lakes and rivers in Wisconsin and Illinois. In both states, the TE Burner was fished fast and caught fish of all sizes.

Casting & Retrieving.

My review was first centered on how well the Tour Edition casts. To analyze the casting of the reel, I had to examine the reel's externally controlled ACS system. The Burner offers anglers an "Infinite ACS" system which allows us to set the speed and rotation of the spool to an infinite number of casting settings, ranging from free-spool to full-force with 9 weights.

Infinite ACS is adjusted with the knob found on the side-plate. This knob can be turned up and down to match the weight of the lure, and the settings at which you prefer casting in.

As you make your long, easy and flawless casts with the Burner, the reel will emit a whirring noise, which sounds like a low-pitched, yet beautiful sounding, "VROOOOM". This sound signifies the reel's unique ACS system as the casting weights come into contact with the friction shield.

Once your lure has been launched into the water with its beautiful sound, it is time to use the Burner to what it was made for: Fishing with speed and power! With a 7.0:1 gear ratio, the reel is perfect for ripping fast-moving rattlebaits past Bass, burning buzzbaits over the surface, and running spinnerbaits under the surface.

The ability to quickly fish with lures gives the angler an advantage with covering distance on the water, and eliminating the time you spend while working the spots.

Durability.

The Tour Edition casting reel is an on-the-water powerhouse. It is a well-built fishing reel that features a power handle, a remarkably strong ceramic drag system, and a scratch-resistant coating. Although the scratch-resistant coating on the reel is vacuum deposition, it does not mean that the reel is entirely scratch-proof. So far, midway through the 2007 season, the reel's entire side-plate looks mutilated with scratches resulting from boat-rash, banging into other rods & reels, and from simple on-the-water abuse.

Despite the blunders with the scratched side-plate, this reel is a well-built trooper and it will take the abuse and negligence that you may give it.

The Burner has seen all kinds of water and has been fished everywhere so far this season.

To this day, it still fishes like brand new.

Presentation.

My favorite methods for fishing with the Tour Edition Burner was for fishing fast-moving lures for aggressively-feeding Bass, and covering large expanses water.

My lure selections with the Tour Edition were broken down into four lure classes: Buzzbait, Spinnerbait, Crankbait, and Vibrating Rattlebait. When either of these lures were presented with the Tour Edition, the reel was used at its peak.

Out of these four classes of lures, my utmost favorites with the reel were spinnerbaits and rattlebaits. Whether you fish the rattlebaits for Bass during early season, or in the middle of a cold-front, the only action that is needed is a long cast, and a fast reeling pace. Search for the reaction bite and hope for a bite. The same can also be said for working the shorelines or weedbeds with the spinnerbait. Cast and let 'em rip!

This personal-best Smallmouth Bass was taken while burning a spinnerbait along shoreline structure.

Construction & Quality:  A well-built casting reel designed with using power in mind. The construction is made from durable materials that will handle abuse from the weather and from the owner.  5/5

On The Water Uses:  Best when applied to fishing quickly with rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, or if you want to cover water. This is the best reel for the job - so far.   5/5

Design (ergonomics):  Perfect for its uses. 5/5

Presentation:  Work your baits quickly and aggressively with this reel. Otherwise, spend your $240 on something else.  5/5

Price:  No complaints. A great top-of-the-line fishing reel designed by Quantum.   5/5

Total Score - - - 5/5

BEST CASTING REEL I HAVE EVER OWNED!

 

Positive:

- Numerous "infinite" number of casting settings.

- Power handle with oversized grips.

- Smooth ceramic drag system.

- Titanium Vacuum deposition coating.

- Fished well with speed and power.

- Makes awesome noise when cast is engaged.

Negative:

- Coating is scratch resistant, but side-plate will get scratched in no-time!

- Weight is a little heavy, but who cares.
 

An 18-inch football Smallmouth Bass taken while working a spinnerbait through wood cover on the Wisconsin River.