Way back in the day, when I spent my summers scooping minnows and selling crab trabs at Fin-Atic’s Marine Supply in Ocean City, we saw a lot of customers looking for reliable saltwater spinning reels for the back bay and inshore fisheries around Southern New Jersey. By far, the most recommended reel by the senior staff back then was the Quantum Cabo. The smooth drag and durable construction made it a shop favorite, and it was the reel that my bosses at the time, Ed Bronstein, John Gryzmko, and Bill Wiggins, used on their days off.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since my first summer behind a tackle shop counter, but while much has changed in our fisheries and the tackle, one thing that hasn’t is the reliability of the Quantum Cabo.
Quantum has just announced the fourth generation of the Cabo, but this update is more of a full-on evolution.
The reel is sealed to IPX8 standards (Quantum’s Sealoq 8 technology) to keep water, salt, and sand out of critical components—even when dunked or splashed in the surf. Inside, GEARTEQ machined gearing delivers smooth power and long gear life, ideal for cranking against blackfish bulldogging for the wreck or stripers running with heavy current. The CFX200 Carbon Fiber Drag System provides stopping power with a consistent curve.
The CASTEQ slow oscillation system improves line lay, giving anglers an edge with casting distance and reducing wind knots. Plus, a new lightweight design and rigid aluminum frame and sideplate keep everything perfectly aligned under pressure.
I got a sneak peek at the new Cabo on a recent trip to Florida, and pitted it against, snook, jacks, and jumped a couple tarpon with it. I can’t wait to get one out on the waters up here in the Northeast this fall.
The Cabo will be adding to Quantum’s existing lineup of saltwater spinning reels, the Benchmark and the Strive this winter. Here’s the full press release from the folks at Quantum:
The Quantum® Cabo® Reel, now in its 4th generation, redefines saltwater performance for more than 20 years of dependability with cutting-edge innovation. Originally debuted in 2003, the Cabo family has built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-performing reels, and this latest iteration continues that tradition while introducing significant upgrades. The Cabo is sealed to IPX8 standards with the advanced Sealoq™ 8 system, offering unparalleled protection from water, salt, and sand, ensuring consistent functionality even in the harshest environments. It features GEARTEQ™ Machined Gearing, delivering a smooth and precise gear feel, exceptional cranking power, and extended gear life, surpassing traditional gear designs. For maximum stopping power, the CFX200™ Carbon Fiber Extreme Drag System provides best-in-class max drags and an unmatched drag curve, making it the ideal choice for anglers battling big fish. The CASTEQ slow oscillation design enhances line management and allows for improved casting distance, particularly with braided lines, giving anglers greater control and efficiency with every cast. Built with a high-strength aluminum frame and sideplate, the Cabo ensures perfect alignment of gears, bearings, and seals, maintaining integrity under intense drag pressures without compromising durability. This generation is significantly lighter than previous generations, more efficiently sealed, equipped with slow oscillation, and offers industry-leading max drag capabilities, making it the most advanced Cabo design ever. For those who previously relied on Cabo reels, this upgraded model is sure to exceed expectations. Combining superior sealing, unmatched drag performance, and enhanced line management, the Quantum Cabo Reel stands out as the ultimate tool for saltwater anglers who demand the best.
Features:
• SEALED TO IPX8 STANDARDS – Sealoq™ 8 – keeps water, salt, and sand from entering the gear
box and drag system.
• GEARTEQ™ MACHINED GEARING provides a smooth gear feel, extreme cranking power, and
longer gear life than traditional gear designs.
• CFX200 ™ – CARBON FIBER EXTREME DRAG SYSTEM, for best in class max drags and a superior
drag curve.
• CASTEQ – slow oscillation design for superior line management and improved casting distance
with braided lines.
• ALUMINUM FRAME AND SIDEPLATE- high strength under heavy drag pressure, and keeps gears,
bearings, and seals in perfect alignment.
