Quantum Smoke Speed Freak Spinning Reel review

This is one of the most technologically advanced and smoothest reels you will ever use with an extremely high gear ratio. When we finally took the plunge and invested in a nice reel, we had an eye opening experience.

First of all, it has a 6.2:1 gear ratio. With each full turn of the handle, you bring back 36 inches of fishing line on the 30 spool size model. We have the 25, 30, and 40 size spool. Our two favorite are the 25 and 30. The size 40 is just too big and isn’t useful for most of our applications.

We have these paired with medium heavy Ugly Stiks and medium heavy Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0. They are an excellent combo. We’ve used these for walleye fishing in icy cold conditions in the spring to summer, bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing throughout the summer months and into fall.

The reel is very lightweight. Almost weightless. The 30 model weighs only 7.9 ounces! When you pair it with a light weight rod, like the Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0, you feel like you aren’t carrying anything in your hands. You will never feel fatigued or tired.

The reel is a very premium reel made of top quality materials. All of the important parts are metal. You won’t feel like the reel is weak or under powered. We’ve been able to haul in 4-5 pound bass and walleye without any issues. We have had other reels lock up or stop working when we reeled in a 5 pounder.

In terms of looks, it has a very premium look. It has a nice matte black and red finish which looks very nice on any set up. Whether you use black rods or white rods, it looks great.

It has 10 ball bearings and 1 anti-reverse ball bearing which makes it silky smooth. It’s the smoothest reel we’ve had the pleasure of using.

In terms of casting distance, it really depends on what line you are using and your lure weight and the aerodynamics of your lure. We use 20 pound Spectra Power Pro braid in moss green color on everything. With heavy 3/4 oz or 1 oz spoons and lipless crankbaits, we were able to easily cast 50 yards into the wind. Without really trying very hard almost anyone can cast 30-40 yards. When we tried to cast far, we were hitting 50 yards easily. We were using the Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 in the 7 foot length in medium heavy. With a slightly longer and stiffer rod, we are confident that 60-70 yards casts, maybe even 80, are easily attainable.

It will run you about $180, and on eBay, you may find it for less. It’s an excellent addition to your arsenal for an all around great reel.

Whether you are out catching bluegill, crappie, bass or walleye, the Quantum Smoke Speed Freak spinning reel is an excellent premium reel to have. You will not regret it!

Note: We will continue to update our reviews as we learn more about each piece of equipment.

 

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Editor in Chief

Over 40 years of fishing experience! Began as a young boy at age 10, and slowly grew deeper and deeper into this hobby! Have been a writer and technology reviewer since 1990.