"Reel" Difficult Decision

[Moose Eyes]

Thanks for the input, guys.  I know the old Curados are good reels because I have used one for several years.  I also have an older Quantum Acurist that I like.  And I own a Quantum Cabo and a couple of the PT spinning reels, all of which perform just fine.  If I wasn't happy with my Curado or the Quantums I own, the decision would be much easier.  But like I said, they are all great reels, IMO.

Dropped into Sportsman's Warehouse (Lacey) this afternoon to do a little side by side comparison.  They didn't have either reel.    I will be working up north tomorrow so I will drop into Outdoor Emporium to see if JD is working and look at their selection.  That's right - I have returned to shopping at OE since they recently made a long overdue personnel change! 

[MJParnel]

BigCoho,  no hard feelings man.  I know some of our older stuff wasn't as good as it should have been.  That's why I was asking... because our newer stuff has been quite good, and if you were having problems with more recent gear, I'd want to have it sent back for evaluation.  As it is, you may be able to trade-up to some better gear.  Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do personally for you (believe me I would) but if you call our customer service department and ask them if you can trade/exchange what you have they should be able to do something for you.  We have an excellent customer service crew.  They can be reached Mon-Fri 8-4 central time at 1-800-588-9030.

Moose, I'm not sure you're going to find the Quantum at OE.  They're not my account, a co-worker calls on them, but I know he's been meeting some resistance from the buyer at OE to put in much of our PT product line.  If you can, I'd recommend stopping-in to Auburn Sports.  I KNOW then have both.

[Brian]

The second was a Quantum Magnum Gears 1311MG Baitcasting Reel [circa 2001].  I have always had trouble with the drag on this reel.  I would set it to where I liked it and it would always go "loose" on me.  I would continue to tighten it a little more about every 20 to 30 minutes, as it would continue to "slip".  After awhile it was completely tight with no drag at all, or completely loose with no drag at all [nothing in between].  I also still have this reel [in one piece] in the original box it came in.

Tom, if your interested in getting rid of this reel, i'll galdly take it off your hands. These are my favorites and I have had very few problems with them.

Brian

[BigCohoTom]

Sure.  Got anything you might want to trade ?

[Chum Man]

you guys all know what my recommendation will be, so i'll quietly stay out of this thread...

[Moose Eyes]

Went to Auburn Sports this afternoon and played with both reels.  Both are very nice and I will own each eventually.  But I will own the Quantum a little sooner.  Just ordered it through Cabela's.  I liked the feel a little better than the Curado. 

The reel was $180 but I went ahead and picked up the combo that included a 10' Cabela's Fish Eagle XML 8-15# rod.  The combo price was $240.  So I got a rod for $60 that usually goes for $140. 

Thanks for everyone's help!  If you are interested in trying the reel out for yourself, let's go fishing some time!  Be glad to let you play with it for a day.

Matt, the guy at Auburn Sports said he didn't even know they made the Energy in a 7.0:1!  He wasn't the guy you normally deal with though.  Thanks for your input.  So does this one qualify me as a pro staffer yet?! 

[KGF]

You could've stopped by the sportsmans warehouse in federal way we have both reels ..... LoL... alittle late now though .... but something to keep in mind.

[dardevle]

Mooses Eyes!  Congrats on the new reel.

  Just one point I would encourage us all to ponder.  I manage a small golf equipment retail shop and the competition from the BIG retailers is brutal.  Sometimes the big stores get a discount for volume so I am getting a smaller margin when I try to compete.  I would encourage us all to buy from the shop that lets you play with the equipment and gives you information to help make your decision.  Why is it so important to save a few bucks??  The information you got from Auburn Sports and the ability to feel the reel must be worth some dollar amount.  I constantly give people demo drivers to take out and try on the course and inform them on the pros and cons with all the confusing choices.  I take them to the driving range and watch how they hit the different models.  It makes me feel slighted when someone uses all my service and info just to turn around and buy it online for a savings of 2%.  If you get great service from a big retailer I'm cool with you giving them the business.  If you get lousy service from any store regardless of the size I have no problem with you refusing to give them the business.  I worry that if everyone feels the equipment out and gets the info from the local stores and then buys online, our chances to squeeze a rod in a store before buying it will be a thing of the past when the smaller stores go out of business.  Not trying to pick on you but just giving you another perspective.  In the future, I'm hoping to have more choices, more knowledgable staff, and better service than having to get everything from Costco.

P.S. Moose Sounds like you got a great deel especially if you were looking for a good rod with the reel.  I don't blame you for buying with Cabelas.  I do understand that some deals are just too good to pass up.  Have fun with your new equipment.

[Moose Eyes]

I undersatand where you are coming from, Dardevle.  It can bevery difficult for the small local retailer in this day and age.

In my case, my main reason for shopping Cabela's was because of the gift cards I had.  Also, I couldn't have bought the reel from the two stores I visited because neither had one (although I am sure either would have gladly ordered one for me - or sent me to see Keith in Federal Way ).  Most of my research was done online.  I only spent a couple minutes of the stores' time looking at reels so I don't feel bad about that, especially since I am a regular shopper of many other items at both stores.  Cabela's isn't known for it's discount prices so saving $40 (20%) on the reel was significant, IMO.  Finally, Cabela's has treated me very well over the years and doesn't hestitate to take things back that I have purchased and tried and decided I didn't want.  Not many local vendors will do the same.   

Your points are valid.  But I feel mine are too. 

I know you weren't trying to make an example of me, Dardevle.  I hope you and everyone else understands I don't feel put on the spot.  Nor do I feel like I need to defend my actions.  You made some good points so I thought I would share some of the thought process I go through when I choose to support someone other than the local guy. 

Peace!

[dardevle]

That's way cool Mooses Eye!!!  Trust me I've done plenty of online shopping, Cabelas, Ebay etc.  I just wanted to remind folks that it helps us all to help some of the smaller retailers out there, especially if they really try to help us.  I feel over sensitive at times because some people that effect my business have a "save money at all costs attitude".  I've been to many shops when I'm out of town and I don't know squat about the fishery; when they give me a few hints  I always feel compelled to buy something I need. 

I will say, in the fishing world, many of these shops hire people who are good fisherman and the service sucks.  I'm an avid fisherman, yet I can't believe how many places I go to  and noone ever asks me "how's fishing been" or "have you been doing any good lately"  just anything to make me feel important.  Some of my best service has been from the part timers trying to get a employee discount that have a serious passion for all of us fisherman.  One of the best guys that I've come in contact is actually at one of big discount stores(sportco).  His name is Randy, and he always asks me what's up and how he can help me etc.  The guys at Ace hardware in Lynden are fanatics and equally awesome!  H & H in Bellingham has done some special orders for me and promptly called me when they arrived.  In fact I sent a Loomis rod in for repair(from my work address) and the UPS guy shipped it to this shop.  Someone took the effort to look my name up in the phone book and personally call me.  If it wasn't for that great service I may never have found this rod.

Good luck Moose, and have fun with your new gear!

[dardevle]

One more story!    I was at Yeager's(a small independent store) in B'Ham and looking at reels.  Almost all their display models were gone.  I'd been there before and saw a good selection.  I wanted to palm a Quantum Cabo and he dug into a new boxed reel.  The other person working the counter asked this guy why aren't any of the display reels out.  He said "way too often someone will try the reel and try to negotiate a discount on a semi-used reel".  I think the vender is making the wrong move but I know that situation.  I bring in demo golf clubs in the spring and immediately someone will like one and want to buy the demo at a discount.  Dude, I have 10 brand new ones in the back room that I need to sell.  If I sell the demo I will have to simply make one of the new ones a demo.  That's my line until October, when it's good to unload the demos cheap!  Retail and good customer service are tougher than most people think!

PS- I did buy the reel!!

[KGF]

Oh and for the record I believe we sell them for 149.99 or 159.99 I forgot which ....... LoL... but your cabelas card wouldnt have done you much good at our store.