Page 1 of 1
Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which one?
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:42 am
by kliven
Which do you prefer? The Exo, Chronarch, or Helios? They seem to be discontinued this year, and I'm looking to get one while they're on sale!
I've heard nothing but good things about the Chronarch, and I feel like it'd be a solid buy, but the other reels are much lighter and pretty good too - I really can't decide!
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:15 am
by lape0019
Which Chronarch are you talking about? What will you be using this reel for?
You state discontinued so I am assuming you are talking about the 200E version of the Chronarch (The CI4+ would be too new to discontinue already). If that is the case, it is essentially the same reel as the Curado E which I have had for quite a few trouble free seasons.
I do not think you will find much love for Okuma on this board. I thought about grabbing one, but never did. Their braking system is a little different.
As for the EXO, I do not like the look but apparently it fishes quite well.
Out of the three you listed, I believe you would have the hardest time finding parts for the Helios. ShawnD is a Quantum aficionado and will probably pipe in on the EXO sooner or later but for me, it is Shimano all of the way out of the three listed.
I would add that If you wanted to look outside of those three, I would probably pick the new Curado I over the Chronarch. I like the new braking system and find the Curado I to be more refined that the Chronarch E.
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 11:34 am
by zeke13
lape0019 wrote:I would probably pick the new Curado I over the Chronarch. I like the new braking system and find the Curado I to be more refined that the Chronarch E.
But would you pick the new Chronarch Ci4+ over the Curado I ... is it worth 50% in cost?

Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 11:44 am
by lape0019
zeke13 wrote:lape0019 wrote:I would probably pick the new Curado I over the Chronarch. I like the new braking system and find the Curado I to be more refined that the Chronarch E.
But would you pick the new Chronarch Ci4+ over the Curado I ... is it worth 50% in cost?


this comment does not apply to you Andrew! But to answer your question, I would buy another CI4+ over the curado. It is worth it to me. It's more refined than the curado, casts easier, fits in my hand better and I like the open ended dial more than the hidden one on the Curado I. As we found out, some people have not even noticed it was there on the Curado I!

Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:19 pm
by StarTzar
99.9% of the members here will say "Get a Shimano".
The Quantum EXO always gets good reviews from those that use it.
I remember reading a review (They are fairly detailed) on the Tackle Tour site. It was very positive.
I can't direct you to that site from my work computer but will do so when I get home.
I would say get a Lew's Pro .... but that's just me.
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:24 pm
by StarTzar
I forgot to mention .... don't worry about the bells and whistles.
Determine just how much you want to spend for a new reel and go see Ed at Paddletales.
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:32 pm
by lape0019
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:35 pm
by StarTzar
Thank you Adam.
Ed does sell Lew's

Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:47 pm
by lape0019
That is correct. He also sells Abu ( I think he may still have some on special), Pflueger and Shimano.
I have owned all of these brands and now am left with only Shimano. I believe the same could be said about you other than you now own mostly Daiwa with a few Shimanos mixed in.
And yes Kliven, this bored seems to have a high volume of Shimano users.
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 1:06 pm
by ShawnD
I've used a lot of Quantums, just haven't used the Exos ..
The Smoke Speed freak is sweet and the MGtour gets a A+ from me.
But you can't go wrong with Shimano, I own a few.
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:53 pm
by cndbasshunter
no doubt chronarch...
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2015 6:08 pm
by kliven
Thanks everyone! Looks like everyone is in favour of the Chronarch! I've got a Curado G, and it's been serving me pretty well - I guess it's time to go for the "reel" deal! =)
Re: Quantum Exo, Shimano Chronarch, or Okuma Helios - which
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2015 6:40 pm
by lape0019
Good choice!
Doubt you will regret it.