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Quantum Smoke S3 Spinning Reel Review

Improve your fishing game with the Quantum Smoke S3 Spinning Reel. Featuring 12 bearings, 6:1 gear ratio, and a max drag of 18 lbs, this reel is perfect for anglers of all levels. With its unibody frame and titanium bail, this mid-range reel is reliable, lightweight and durable – making it the perfect choice for any serious angler.
Rating
4.5/5
Quantum Smoke S3 Spinning Reel, on spinning rod.

Size: 25
Ball Bearings: 12
Anti Reverse Bearing: Yes
Max Drag: 18 lbs
Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
Spool Material: Composite
BraidReady: Yes
Handle Material: Rubberized
Brand Specific Technology: Reel Engine Design 2.0

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Our Thoughts

If you want to keep your tackle lightweight and reliable, the Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel is a smart choice. A sleek spinning reel engineered to provide one of the smoothest retrieves you’ll find in a reel at the mid-range price.

The Smoke S3 features a one-piece unibody frame and a 6:1 gear ratio that provides fluid line retrieval. The Smoke S3 is equipped with a titanium bail and 18 lbs of drag, making it a wise choice for anglers looking for a reliable mid-range spinning reel.

I’ve been using the Smoke S3 for about half a year or so, and even though this reel a quite a bit older than some of the other spinners I regularly use, the Smoke S3 is one of my favorite. It’s a very stable feeling reel that has thoroughly impressed me by its performance.

If you’re looking for a reliable spinning reel, the Quantum Smoke S3 is definitely worth checking out.

Ongoing fishing activity with the Quantum Smoke S3 Spinning Reel.

Reviewer Analysis

When I first opened the box for the Smoke S3, I wasn’t immediately wow’d. It looks like most other spinning reels on the market, but once I picked it up and held it in my hand, I immediately felt the difference. Quantum designed the Smoke S3’s core body out of a single mold of carbon infused aluminum and you can feel the difference when you hold the reel in your hands. It just feels solid.

The Smoke S3 spinning reel is a mid priced reel and it comes in 4 sizes. I decided to go with the SM25XPT, which comes with 12 bearings, 6:1 gear ratio, 18 lbs max drag, and weighs in just at 8 ounces.

The features and performance of the Smoke S3 are impressive. I took it out for a few months to really get a feel for how it performs under different fishing conditions. One of the first things I noticed was how smooth is it while retrieving the line. It casts fine, but can’t say it’s much different than my Shimano Stradic, but when reeling in the line, it feels buttery smooth.

The drag system also performs quite well. With one felt-like washer, the drag stack consists of carbon matrix and aluminum washers for a smooth and consistent performance.

Again, the casting feels pretty typical, though I will say the titanium bail is a nice upgrade over the typical flimsy bail many of the spinning reels use.

In terms of build quality, Quantum has done an excellent job with this reel. It has a one-piece unibody frame and a pretty standard looking spool topped off with an EVA foam knob for a decent level of comfort.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel to anyone looking for a reliable mid range priced spinning reel that can handle a good number of bass fishing rigs. It’s well built, light enough, and incredibly solid. And one of the best things about the reel is that it comes with an unheard of 3-year warranty.

Durable Quantum Smoke S3 Spinning Reel close up.

Features

Carbon Infused Aluminum for Maximum Strength and Minimal Flex

The Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel features a carbon infused aluminum frame for enhanced strength and minimal flex. This advanced technology utilizes a process where carbon fibers are injected into the aluminum to provide an extremely strong and lightweight material with excellent durability. This allows the reel to be much lighter than traditional reels, while still being strong enough to withstand the rigors of fishing conditions.

The main benefit of carbon infused aluminum is its extreme strength-to-weight ratio which makes it ideal for reel construction. It is much lighter than traditional materials such as steel or brass but still provides superior durability and rigidity when under pressure from fish strikes or other environmental factors associated with angling. Furthermore, this material helps reduce fatigue on anglers due to its light weight, while providing increased sensitivity so that bites can be felt more easily when using lighter lines. The carbon infusion adds corrosion resistance and helps increase the life span of your spinning reel by protecting it from harsh elements such as saltwater or UV rays from the sun.

Improved Performance Up to 22-Pounds of Max Drag

Max drag is the amount of force that a fishing reel can apply to the line when it is being spooled up. Max drag is measured in pounds and indicates how much pressure a reel can put on the line before it snaps or breaks. It is important to have a high max drag rating, as this will help you land bigger fish with less effort.

Having a higher max drag rating on your spinning reel means that you will be able to fight larger and stronger fish for longer periods of time without worrying about your line breaking or snapping. This makes for more exciting battles between angler and fish, as well as potentially bigger catches! It allows for more precise control when playing large gamefish, so that you don’t risk pulling them too hard into the boat and damaging their delicate mouths or gills.

The Quantum Smoke S3 provides up to 22-pounds of max drag, making it an ideal choice for anglers who want improved performance while fighting larger specimens. With its 12 ball bearings, Reel Engine Design 2.0 technology, and durable composite spool construction—the Smoke S3 offers smooth operation even under heavy load—allowing anglers to enjoy longer fights with big gamefish without worrying about their lines breaking or snapping.

Multi-Disk Drag System for Increased Reeling Power

The Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel is equipped with a multi-disk drag system, which consists of six disks and two bearings. This system applies tension to the line when it is pulled by a fish or external force, allowing you to control how much tension needs to be applied while reeling. The drag system allows the handle to spin freely when disengaged from the spool, which helps prevent any damage from occurring.

The multi-disk drag system on the Quantum Smoke S3 provides increased power for anglers who need greater control over their lines during fishing. With this feature, anglers have more precision when it comes to controlling their lines and can better adjust their reels for different kinds of fish or conditions. Additionally, this feature increases accuracy for casting as well as reduces fatigue due to its heavy duty construction and durability.

The Quantum Smoke S3 Reel performs exceptionally well under pressure and in challenging conditions due to its heavy duty components such as hardened aluminum alloy internal gears, 45mm handle, carbon matrix and aluminum washers in its drag stack. It is equipped with 11 ball bearings that increase smoothness and consistency while reeling in your catch. Additionally, it features an easy-to-open titanium bail that holds its open position throughout casting sessions without slipping off or losing power due to wear and tear over time.

High-Strength Aluminum Gearing for Unparalleled Durability

The Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel is equipped with high-strength aluminum gearing, which is a combination of hardened aluminum alloy and smooth ball bearings. This unique combination provides enhanced durability and performance during extended fishing trips. The reel’s internal gears are designed to be resistant to wear and tear, allowing for a longer lifespan of the reel.

High-strength aluminum gearing offers several benefits that make it an ideal choice for fishing applications. It’s lightweight yet highly durable, ensuring that your reel will last you for many years to come without sacrificing any performance or power. Additionally, this advanced technology allows anglers to cast further distances with greater accuracy than ever before due to its precision engineering and improved drag system.

The Quantum Smoke S3 has been tested in tough conditions and proven itself as one of the most reliable reels on the market today. Its robust construction makes it impervious to corrosion while its waterproof design ensures that your line will remain dry even when exposed to saltwater splashes or heavy downpours. Furthermore, its 12 ball bearings provide exceptional smoothness when reeling in large fish with minimal effort required on your part due to its low gear ratio (6:1). With a maximum drag power of 22lbs, this spinning reel guarantees powerful yet controlled retrieves every time you cast out into the water!

Aluminum Uni-Body Design & Durable Plasma Arc Ceramic Washers

The Smoke S3 spinning reel features a one-piece aluminum uni-body design. This design ensures that all of the internal components are held in place and protected from wear and tear due to vibration and shock. Additionally, it creates a robust reel that can handle heavier loads for extended periods of time without compromising on performance.

The benefits of an aluminum uni-body design on the Quantum Smoke S3 include enhanced durability, improved strength, light weight construction, superior corrosion resistance, and precise control during retrieve. Furthermore, this design ensures that the reel is both durable enough to withstand hard use while being light enough to comfortably cast with.

Plasma arc ceramic washers are used in fishing reels as part of their drag system. These washers create a smooth drag when releasing line or reeling in your catch by providing extra lubrication between moving parts while maintaining optimal performance under pressure. The superior material makes these washers more durable than traditional metal or plastic counterparts so they can handle heavier loads for longer periods of time without compromising on performance or reliability over time due to wear and tear.

On the Smoke S3, these plasma arc ceramic washers come standard as part of its drag stack which consists of carbon matrix and aluminum washers for smooth operation when casting or reeling in your catch with minimal effort from you as angler. This helps ensure consistent results each time you go out fishing so you can always rely on this reel’s top notch performance no matter what size fish you’re targeting!

Smooth & Precise Line Lay for Effortless Reel Casting

Line lay is an important feature for any spinning reel, as it determines how well the line spools onto the reel during a cast. The line lay of a reel is determined by its spool design and internal gearing. On the Smoke S3 spinning reel, each spool has a one-piece unibody frame that ensures that the line stays in place and lays evenly on top of the spool when casting.

When it comes to fishing with spinning reels, having a smooth and precise line lay can be incredibly beneficial. It helps reduce wind knots and other tangles that can occur when using light lines on your spinning wheel. In addition, it decreases line capacity on larger reels while helping to maximize distance when casting out lures or live bait.

The Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel features 11 ball bearings for smooth operation, along with hardened aluminum alloy internal gears for increased durability and strength. Additionally, its drag stack consists of carbon matrix and aluminum washers which provide excellent performance without compromising on consistency or control over your casts. To top it off, this model includes an easy-to-open titanium bail which holds its open position very well throughout each cast – making it easy for anglers of all levels to take advantage of this feature-packed model’s capabilities during their fishing adventures!

Smooth and Consistent Retrieve with 6.0:1 Gear Ratio

Gear ratio is the measure of how many times a spinning reel’s rotor will rotate with one full turn of the handle. A higher gear ratio provides more torque, meaning that it will bring in more line with each turn of the handle. The Quantum Smoke S3 features a 6.0:1 gear ratio, which means that the rotor will rotate 6 times for every full turn of the handle to retrieve 38 inches per turn.

A higher gear ratio on a spinning reel can help anglers when fishing bait out at distance or on bottom, as it provides additional cranking power and torque to bring in larger fish from deeper depths or further distances with less effort from the angler. Additionally, a higher gear speed helps reduce fatigue by allowing for an easier retrieval process when compared to lower ratios such as 5:1.

The Smoke S3 has been designed with precision engineering and craftsmanship to provide anglers with smooth and consistent retrieves every time they use it out on water. It features 11 bearings within its body along with an easy-to-open titanium bail and carbon matrix drag stack for added performance accuracy during casts and retrieves alike while its unibody frame ensures maximum strength while casting light lines up to 10 lb test mono filament lines like Sunline Super Natural nylon mono filament line.. Its rubberized handles offer comfortable grips so you can manage your reels all day long without fatigue setting in quickly, while its EVA foam knob adds extra control over your retrieves so you can have better control over your catch without any hassles or loss due to poor handling techniques

SCR Alloy Frame for Optimized Corrosion Resistance

The Smoke S3 features an SCR alloy frame, which stands for Stress Corrosion Resistant Alloy. This is a special material made from a combination of aluminum and other metals that help to optimize the corrosion resistance of the reel. The alloy frame is designed to be lightweight and durable, providing anglers with a reel that will last for years.

SCR alloy frames are designed to provide anglers with maximum corrosion resistance in freshwater and saltwater environments, enabling them to fish in any condition without worrying about their reel rusting or corroding over time. The lightweight design makes it easy for anglers to cast longer distances without feeling fatigued or weighed down. Additionally, the additional metals used in the framing provide extra durability so that your Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel will stand up against wear and tear from regular use over time.

The Quantum Smoke S3 Reel has been tested extensively and has proven itself as one of the most reliable reels on the market when it comes to corrosion prevention. With its superior quality build featuring an SCR alloy frame, you can trust that your reel won’t succumb to rust or deterioration even after extended use in harsh environments such as saltwater fishing grounds or areas with large amounts of moisture present in air temperatures below freezing point.

Super Soft Rubberized Handles for Comfort and Grip

The Smoke S3 features rubberized handles that provide superior comfort and grip. The soft rubber fabric helps to absorb shock, providing improved ergonomics for anglers of all sizes. Rubberized materials are resistant to abrasions and corrosion, making them perfect for use in saltwater environments. With a strong grip, the reel is easy to keep hold of during long casts or when fighting larger fish.

The Smoke S3 spinning reel’s handles are designed with comfort in mind. The handles feature an ergonomic design that contours to the user’s hand for comfortable use over extended periods of time. The material used is soft and lightweight yet durable, so it won’t cause fatigue even after hours of fishing by providing a secure grasp without being too stiff or uncomfortable on the hands. Additionally, these handles come with EVA foam knobs which adds extra cushioning and support while casting or retrieving lures or bait.

Anti-Corrosion & Saltguard Protection for Optimal Durability

Anti-corrosion and saltguard protection are two features that are designed to protect the Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel from rust and corrosion caused by exposure to salty water. The anti-corrosion feature helps to prevent salt from adhering to the metal components of the reel, while the Saltguard protection is a special coating applied to the reel’s exterior surfaces that provides an additional layer of corrosion resistance.

The benefits of having these features on a spinning reel include increased durability, longevity, and performance in harsh conditions such as saltwater fishing. This ensures that anglers can use their reels with confidence knowing they won’t be damaged by exposure to salty water or other environmental factors.

The Quantum Smoke S3 is designed with anti-corrosion technology and SaltGuard protection for optimal durability in even the harshest fishing conditions. The reel’s metal components are coated with a protective layer which prevents them from corroding or rusting due to exposure to saltwater or moisture. Additionally, its exterior surfaces have been treated with SaltGuard for enhanced corrosion resistance and improved performance under extreme conditions like high salinity levels or extreme temperatures.

Fishing with the Quantum Smoke S3 Spinning Reel on a lake.

FAQs

The Smoke S3 is available in four sizes (10, 25, 30, 40). The size you need depends on the type of fishing you plan to do and the type of line you plan to use. If you’re using lighter line for finesse fishing techniques, a smaller size would be better. If you’re using heavier line or planning to fish from a boat, then a larger size would be better.
The maximum drag is 22 lbs for the largest model size.
The gear ratio on the Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel is 6.0:1 which is ideal for retrieving lures slowly and steadily.
Yes, the reel has an anti-reverse bearing which helps to avoid line backlash and provide smooth operation.
Yes, the Quantum Smoke S3 Reel is braid-ready with its composite spool design.
The Quantum Smoke S3 spinning reel has 12 ball bearings for smooth operation and long-lasting performance.
Yes, the Smoke S3 spinning reel includes Reel Engine Design 2.0 which is an all-aluminum unibody construction with an impenetrable SCR Alloy and SaltGuard Protection.
The Quantum Smoke S3 has a rubberized handle for a comfortable grip and long lasting wear resistance.
The retrieve rate of the Smoke S3 is 38 IPT (inches per turn). This allows for efficient retrieves with minimal effort.
The Quantum Smoke S3 comes with an unheard of 3 year warranty against manufacturing defects.
The Quantum Smoke S3 Spinning Reel next to rod and fish.

Conclusion

Overall, the Quantum Smoke S3 Reel is an excellent mid-range spinning reel that provides reliable performance and features in a lightweight, durable construction. Its 12 bearing system, 6:1 gear ratio, and 18 lbs of max drag make it an ideal choice for anglers of all levels. With its three-year warranty and superior build quality, this reel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and dependable spinning reel.

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