Product Review – Tairyo Nano & Quantum Smoke by Brett Freshwater

Mark | Posted on 15/07/2013 |

Tairyo/SAS Braid/Quantum Smoke Review

A little while ago I dropped into see my good friends down at Tackle Land Sandgate in search of a new combo. I’ve quite a few light combos now after finding the magical world of soft plastics and hard body lures and it was time again to upgrade, much to the frustration of my wife.

After looking at a number rods and reels I’d decided on what wanted. Then stepped in Ian, ‘here have a look at this he says and try this on it’.

From that point I was hooked; I’d walked away with a Tairyo Nano Speed Gen 2 rod (1-3kg) and a Quantum Smoke 2500 series reel. This feel of this combo loaded with 8lb SAS Braid together is unbelievable. You don’t even the feel the weight of the reel in the reel seat such is the lightweight of the reel.

I first used this combo on Scarborough Reef and it didn’t let me down; you are able to cast good distances with very little effort. I have found that the best knot to use was the FG knot as tied correctly to the leader allows a smooth ride through the guides.

With in the first 5 minutes a solid Jewie was landed off a newly located bommie. The feel of this rod fully loaded and the smooth drag system of the Quantum reel allowed the SAS braid to easily takecare of this beautiful specimen.

On the same day I had the opportunity to use the same combo but the next size up; Tairyo Nano (6-8kg) and the Quantum Smoke 3500 series loaded with 15lb SAS Braid. This combo landed 3 good shallow water Snapper up to 60cm and again the rod fully loaded with smooth drag of the reel easily accounted for these fish.

I’ve now used this combo to account for big Bream off of the Tangalooma jetty easily guiding these fish around and away from the pylons at their disposal. It has also accounted for many big lizards and tailor.