Quantum introduces new EXO

Amid an annual flood of fishing industry product launches, there is one reel that is turning heads the most – and surprising the hands of those that hold it – EXO from Quantum. For sure, EXO is one of the biggest, lightest things to hit the fishing reel market in years.

EXO’s cutting-edge looks are obvious. But pick it up, and certainly, you’ll know you’re holding something very different. Mostly because of what’s not there. At only 5.9 ounces – the exoskeletal aluminum frame and side covers provide a reel that is almost 40 percent lighter than the most popular baitcasting reels fished with just five years ago.

Veteran Quantum marketing man, Bob Bagby said, “We took a very close look at what’s not needed in a baitcasting reel’s frame – and we took it out. But the biggest thing to note is that we didn’t lose strength and function in the process. In fact, we maintained the hardy 150-sized gears in a smaller, sleeker 100-sized frame when we built EXO.”

Bagby, a straight-shooting personality with an engineering degree, took a see-for-myself approach to EXO. After engineers put it through the rigors of Quantum’s exclusive PT Test Lab, Bagby took EXO prototypes to the parking lot outside his office door and purposely ran over it with his pickup truck. No failure. Nothing bent. Toughness test passed. See for yourself at www.quantumfishing.com/EXO.

Speaking of cast control, a 7-position internal cast control dial allows anglers to select the exact amount of braking they desire to match exact casting conditions.

EXO is offered in super-fast 7.3:1 ratio, as well as a mid-range 6.6:1, and Kevin VanDam’s favorite 5.3:1 crankbait setup. EXO retails for around $249.