Anyone has to be impressed with the technology that Quantum's put out the past few years – especially its relatively new ACS3 cast control.
ACS3 is third-generation cast-control technology that pushes the contemporary trend toward versatility. The cast-control assembly's actually tucked into the spool, and a control dial is found on the side of the reel. Use little to no cast control for pitching and flipping, or turn it way up to cast lighter baits into the wind.
Where ACS3 truly separates itself, though, is its selective use of brake shoes in regard to spool RPM. When the cast control is turned up, more shoes engage as the spool reaches maximum RPM, and fewer engage as the spool spins more slowly. This "smart" break system can greatly increase casting distance, since brake pressure is relative throughout the cast.
It also makes for a very versatile reel, important for folks like me who don't keep 12 combos on the deck at all times. It also helps when you're running banks and, say, winding a spinnerbait. If you come up to a dock it only takes a quick adjustment to pitch under the dock, then another quick adjustment once you're done.
Feature Overview
The ACS3 cast control is found on Quantum's top-of-the-line Tour Edition PTs, but the company's true flagship bass reel is its Tour KVD edition.
Where the Tour KVD differs from its Tour Edition brothers and sisters is spool size and gearing.
The Tour KVD frame is basically a 100-size frame that's compact and comfortable, but it utilizes a 200-size spool for more line capacity and more line pickup per turn. And available gear sizes are 7.3:1, 6.6:1 and 5.4:1, as opposed to 7.0:1 and 6.3:1 available on regular Tour Editions.
The result is basically a new class of reel termed "150-size" with three unique gear options. And the line pickup on the 7.3:1 "Burner" is smokin' at 34 inches per turn.
The Tour KVDs include other features worth noting:
My Thoughts
Whenever you get into the very top end of today's reels, differences can be subtle. I can say that in my tests the cast control on the Tour KVD lives up to its hype. I can't cast like KVD, but I'm good and most of my fishing involves long casting – jerkbaits, crankbaits, topwaters, swimbaits, Carolina-rigs.
I tested the Tour KVD "Burner" and found I could cast into the wind with significantly more confidence. And because the braking is relative, casts seem to go and go. A cast might be only be 20 yards farther, but that's a lot more distance when you're covering water. And the difference is especially notable with small topwaters like a Pop-R or Tiny Torpedo.
I purposely switched techniques quickly throughout several days of testing – pitching timber, then turning around to cast as far as I could. The ACS3 control makes the transition smoother and quicker than with other reels – you don't have to fiddle and dial everything back in.
The Burner model picks up an unbelievable amount of line per turn. (If you want a frog reel, take a real close look.) I didn't test the 5.4:1 power reel, but I'm confident it's an exceptional reel for deep cranking.
I have no hesitation in recommending this reel. It lives up to the hype and is a beautifully machined and engineered tool. The $299.95 MSRP is a tad steep, but right in line with the rest of today's ultra-high-end reels.
Notable
> For more about the reels, visit Quantum's Tour KVD page.
> The reels can be purchased at the Quantum site or through the BassFan Store, which offers free ground shipping.
