Quantum Merit Review: Is This The Most Affordable Saltwater Tough Reel?
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
- Found In: Product Reviews, Fishing Tips, Saltwater Fishing Reels
Quantum’s new saltwater reel called the Merit caught my attention at ICAST this year given that it appears to be the most affordable reel that has an impressive IPX6 rating.
What IPX6 means is that it can withstand high-pressure spray from all directions without letting water or dirt into the reel.
Below is a review of my first impression upon receiving this reel, and I hope you share anything you’ve found or heard about this reel in the comments section below so that all of us can be better informed about it.
Click here for Pricing on this Quantum Merit Reel
Quantum Merit Reel Specs
Below are the specs of each Model size of this reel so that you can see how they compare to one another as well as any other reels you are interested in:
Conclusion
The Quantum Merit spinning reel is the lowest-priced reel we’ve seen that has official IPX6 standards in terms of keeping salt/sand out.
That alone was enough to have us go ahead and add it to our online store knowing how many Insider members are in need of keeping reels protected from salt exposure.
I’ll be putting this reel through some tests to make sure all that we’ve heard about this reel is true.
Leave a comment below to mention any specific tests you’d like me to run on this reel.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The 2 core benefits we promise to Insider Club members is to be able to find and catch fish easier than ever before while saving money on fishing equipment.
So I am including links to the quickest ways to achieve each:
1) Finding Fish System
2) Insider Club’s Group Discounts
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
I bought the Quantum Strive 2500 about 2 months ago bc I heard that ownership had changed and the same you mentioned about the IPX6. So far I’m a fan, not as smooth as BGMQ but the price point is worth outfitting a few rods with them!
Look forward to your field testing Luke.
Definitely interested in how the 5000 does for surf fishing!
What might be of interest is a tear down and comparison with other similar reels. What is the quality? I looked into a $100 reel and found a blob of grease but it was not on the gears just next to it. A friend on a $150 reel found metal shavings inside after a year.
Thanks for making the time to submit the helpful suggestion James! Do you recall which particular reels had the misplaced grease or the metal shavings?
Thanks for providing the info. I’ll keep it in mind when I need to replace my surf reel
We’re glad to see that you enjoyed this review.
I never cared much for Quantum products, particularly their spinning reels. They always seemed to have a lot of play in the handle and did not seem to have the same build quality as Daiwa or Shimano. I haven’t checked one out in quite a while so maybe they have improved.
My Quantum Strive 2500 is solid with very little play in the spool and none discernible in the handle. A great buy in my opinion
I bought the new Quantum Cabo 4000 to use on the beach for active fishing where it will get splashed. The IPX8 for the price made sense to me. The first day with it was a joy. Yes, heavier than my inshore reels but lighter than the Penn’s I have been using on the beach.
Thanks for sharing your feedback on the new Cabo. We just got some of them in stock as well since they appear to be the lowest priced reel that has IPX8 sealing.
When will the Cabo go live on the site?
Nice little video on this product.. I would be interested in seeing field testing trials on this before making any for gone decisions and conclusions …. Thanks again Luke
Thanks Thomas
I wonder how the 6000 or 8000 would be as a budget Tarpon Rod? I know you like the BG 4500 in that category.
I wonder the same thing… from what I have be e heard so far, I do believe they could hold up to tarpon.
I look forward to y’all’s on water reviews.
Thanks James!