Being a shimano man I found it hard to ever look at anything else...until I bought a Quantum Ion for the wife. All I can say is wow for the price it was as nice as the symetre I have which is much more expensive. Last spring I needed a new combo to replace the symetre and went with the Quantum pTi 8 bearing, it is as nice as any of my high end shimano's. The ceramic drag, flexible bail and ultra smooth reel action is amongest the nicest features I have seen and used all without breaking the bank. I would have no problems buying a quantum, it has handled 45lb lakers down to perch with ease. Go for it, I bet you'll be extremely impressed with the quantum.

Now if only they made a baitcaster like the calcutta, I might be a changed man