New baitcaster?

[bigstick56]

Looking at purchasing a new baitcaster this year and have pretty much narrowed it down between 3 of them, I want your guys thoughts, likes / dislikes on them. The 3 I have narrowed it down to are the top end Lews, Pflueger Patriarch, and the new quantum smoke. Leaning towards the smoke personally but they all felt good, any of you guys run these models? Thanks

[kt]

I don't have any of those reels, but I can vouch for another reel in that price range. I have 6 shimano curados, both older and new versions and it is by far my favorite baitcaster. In my opinion there isn't a better reel in that price range than the curado. Actually i think the 200 size runs a little cheaper than the patriarch or the smoke. The 50e is the same price.

[AwesomZZ]

I've got the smoke. Before purchasing, it was either going to be the Lew's or the smoke. The smoke was a tad lighter and smoother.

In my opinion, the smoke is not a very good first bait caster if you've never owned one before. Its very sensitive to the untrained fisherman and they probably wouldn't be able to make it go very far without screwing up the cast. However, if you aint no noob to baitcasters, like me, this reel will outcast all other bait caster, aint no lie. Its super smooth, light and easy to palm. I've got it on the 7ft MH smoke rod. This combo is awesome and hard to beat. Me personally, before all the Shimano guys start posting, I honestly think its the best value for the price. You should check out the reviews on tackletour.com.

[bemidjibasser]

If there comes a time that your reel needs repair, it will be far easier to get parts for the Quantum than either of the other two options listed.

[slipperybob]

Lew's, Pfleuger, and Abu's have basically the same reel body.

The Smoke 100 weighs in at 6.2 oz. Select models of Pfleuger Patriarch are on sale on Tacklewarehouse. The Patriarch XT is the light weight model at 6.8 oz. I just purchased a 6.7 oz. Lew's Tournament Pro TP1SH from Joe's at $50 less than what I've seen it retails for. The best Lew's reel, Team Speed Spool sells for about $250 retail. That's bringing the price up to the Patriarch XT or considering a Revo Premiere. Then that makes the Smoke an even better deal at the $200 price point.

[Nick Kuhn]

I will say that the Smoke looks pretty awesome.

[Superduty]

Given your list, I would pick the Quantum Smoke hands down. Given your price range, I would go with a Curado or Chronarch.

[Gardiner14]

+1 on the smoke, but take a look at the abu's. The Revo STX is bout in that price range.

[Ufatz]

Been burned by ABU too many times. Quantum prolly okay BUT why mess around when you can buy Shimano Curado? We have a virtual PILE of bait casting reels around our compound, being used by guys with over 50-years experience and you know what?...almost every outfit IN USE has a Curada of Chronarch on it. No troubles, sturdy, dependable. What else do you need?

I think you probably KNOW which one is the best.

[griggs19]

I have a Quantum Tour Edition TE1170PT Baitcaster Reel for sale.

I love the reel itself, I just can't get use to reeling in with my right hand.

[TonkaBass]

I have heard good things about the Quantum Smoke, but haven't ever fished with one. I do know its the lightest aluminum frame out there