GERALD SWINDLE. . .THE NEED FOR SPEED
The quest for speed has driven mankind to some astonishing accomplishments. On October 14, 1947 Captain Chuck Yeager become the first recorded pilot to break the sound barrier. At the ’96 Olympic Games, Michael Johnson became known as the world’s fastest man after breaking the 200 meter world record.
The affects of this "need for speed” can be seen in every facet of today’s world. From the supersonic jet to the coaxial cable connecting your computer to wonderful world of cyberspace, man’s desire for speed is everywhere.
In the fishing world, speed is usually associated with horsepower and hull design…Quantum is changing that perception.
The Burner
In 2006, Quantum introduced their Tour Edition PT series of bait casting
reels featuring the Burner 7:1 gear ratio. These reels give the angler
unmatched speed in lure retrieval allowing for more flexibility in presentation
and quicker recovery time. The 7:1 gear ratio delivers 28.8 inches of
line to reel with just one turnoff the handle.
Professional angler and Quantum Pro staff member, Gerald Swindle is excited about the benefits of this new reel. "Whether it’s ripping a crankbait over grass, throwing a carolina rig or flipping heavy cover, this reel is going to be great,” he explained. "There are a lot of different ways to use this reel and you will see the benefits in each application.
"Right now, for me it has been flipping. When you set the hook on a fish, often times you can move him a couple of feet. Now, with one turn of the reel handle, you’re back in control. I caught a 12 pound bass in 30 foot of water using this reel. From the time I set the hook until I landed it, I never stopped turning the handle. I had the ultimate power.”
ACS Braking
The new Tour Edition reels are equipped with the infinitely adjustable
ACS braking system that provides absolute control on every cast. The
system gives the angler one-touch adjustability for every condition.
From completely off, to the use of nine braking weights, an angler can chose the exact setting for any situation. "Man, this reel is smooth,” Swindle said. "Whether it’s casting a jig in 30-foot of water or flipping a tube in heavy cover, I’m in control.
"I thought I would lose some feel with the higher gear ratio. Not with this reel.”
Housed in an aluminum alloy frame and weighing just 9.5 ounces, the Tour Edition PT reel is not only built for speed, it is built for comfort. "Throwing a heavy lipless crankbait and trying to keep it just above the grass is hard work,” Swindle said. "It takes a toll on someone trying to do that all day.
"With its new design and speed, this reel will make it a lot easier.”
