Qualia Reel Schematics

Qualia Reel Schematics

Qualia Reels: Engineered for Performance and Durability

Qualia Fishing Reels has carved a niche in the angling world by focusing on high-quality construction and performance at competitive price points. Born from decades of experience in designing and building fishing reel components for renowned industry names, Qualia emphasizes durability, patented technology, and angler-driven innovation. The company, which established its service, sales, and marketing operations in 2015, is committed to providing robust reels built to withstand demanding fishing conditions.

A Foundation of Experience and Innovation

The driving force behind Qualia’s design philosophy is a rich history in reel component manufacturing. The founder, Jack Young, accumulated 43 years of experience working with major brands such as Abu Garcia, Penn, Zebco, Shakespeare, Avet, and Okuma. This deep understanding of reel mechanics and materials laid the groundwork for Qualia’s own product lines. Since its formal establishment for sales and service, the company has continued to evolve, introducing new models based on feedback from the fishing community. Qualia proudly notes that its staff have been granted over 35 patents for their reel designs.

Core Construction and Materials Philosophy

Qualia reels are engineered with a strong emphasis on material quality and protective treatments. Key aspects of their construction include:

  • High-Quality Metals: Many Qualia reels utilize aircraft-grade aluminum and 404 stainless steel. These materials are often heat-treated to enhance their strength and durability.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Recognizing the harsh environments fishing reels are exposed to, Qualia employs multiple processes to control electrolysis and provide corrosion protection for gears, shafts, stainless steel fasteners, and brass components. Their spinning reels often feature powder coating for a durable and long-lasting exterior finish, which is considered more resilient than standard anodizing.
  • Robust Gearing: Depending on the reel series, gears are machined from materials like stainless steel (sometimes heat-treated #404 stainless steel or 17-4 grade) or brass, designed for strength and wear resistance.
  • Drag Systems: Qualia incorporates carbon fiber drag washers in many of its reels. For larger reels designed for bigger game, high-temperature rated Teflon is also utilized, ensuring smooth and reliable drag performance under pressure. Some models, like the Cavalla lever drag reels (though Cavalla is an Okuma line, this information appeared in a general search about reel features, so caution is needed not to misattribute unless Qualia specifically uses this system), boast features like a “Carbonite drag system with Cal’s drag grease.” Qualia’s NLF spinning reels are noted for having spools with seven drag washers.
  • Bearings: Shielded stainless steel ball bearings are commonly used to ensure smooth operation and longevity. Some series, like the Advanz, feature “Tenex” shielded stainless steel bearings, touted for 10 times more corrosion resistance than regular stainless steel.

Key Reel Series and Technologies

Qualia offers a range of reels designed for various fishing applications, with notable series including:

  • NLF (No Load Fishing) Spinning Reels: This series is a cornerstone of Qualia’s spinning reel lineup. A key feature is the mainshaft design, engineered to resist bending, binding, or flexing under load, allowing anglers to fight fish harder and with less fatigue. NLF spinning reels often incorporate multiple patents, numerous sealed stainless steel ball bearings, and a powder-coated exterior. Their spools may feature a chrome lip to prevent braided lines from cutting into the material, and the oscillation system is designed for even line lay with monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braid. Specific models like the NLF 30, NLF 50, and NLF 70 have been highlighted, with features like infinite anti-reverse (NLF 30 & 50) or a multi-position anti-reverse cam system (NLF 70).
  • Advanz Conventional Reels: This series includes single-speed and two-speed models designed for strength and durability, excelling in demanding conditions.
    • Construction: Advanz reels often feature frames precision-cut from solid aluminum (or CNC billet-machined mainframes) and cold-forged aluminum side plates for maximum rigidity and parts alignment. Spools are typically machined from billet aluminum.
    • Gearing: They boast heat-treated stainless steel gearing for superior strength and corrosion resistance. Two-speed models offer fast and easy push-button shifting.
    • Anti-Reverse: Many Advanz reels incorporate a dual positive anti-reverse system for consistent and maximum stopping power.
    • Other Features: Stainless steel reel feet, cold-forged adjustable aluminum lever drags, ON/OFF spool clickers, and comfort-touch grips are common. The spool shafts are often sleeved to allow direct filling with braid without the risk of spool collapse.
  • High-Speed Reels: Qualia produces high-speed models like the Q14WAM, Q12HS-1, and Q16HS-1, specifically designed for applications such as kite fishing, jigging, and targeting fast-moving species like sailfish, kingfish, wahoo, and dolphin. These reels feature robust gears and transmissions capable of handling significant stress.
  • Deep Drop and Big Fish Reels: Models like the Q50-2 and Q80-2 (two-speed conventional reels) cater to anglers engaging in deep drop fishing or targeting very large fish, demanding substantial power and line capacity.
  • Level Wind Reels: The Qualia TLW 20 level wind reel, for example, is noted for its machined graphite body and end bells, machined aluminum spool, and stainless steel gears, shafts, and hardware. It’s presented as a versatile option for both freshwater and saltwater applications.

Target Applications and Angler Focus

Qualia reels are predominantly designed for saltwater angling, ranging from inshore to heavy offshore applications. Their product descriptions and model designations frequently mention:

  • Offshore Fishing: Targeting large and powerful species.
  • Inshore Fishing: Versatile reels for coastal species.
  • Specialized Techniques: Including deep drop fishing, kite fishing, jigging, and targeting species like sailfish, kingfish, and wahoo.

While the primary focus appears to be saltwater, some models, like certain level wind reels, are also suggested as suitable for freshwater fishing, targeting species such as salmon, trout, and snapper.

Commitment to Service

Qualia emphasizes its commitment to service, maintaining an extensive inventory of parts to service every reel sold since 2005. This dedication to after-sales support aims to ensure the longevity and continued performance of their products.

In summary, Qualia Fishing Reels positions itself as a manufacturer of robust, high-performance fishing reels that leverage extensive design experience and quality materials. With a strong focus on saltwater applications and a commitment to durability and patented features, Qualia aims to provide anglers with reliable tools to tackle a wide array of fishing challenges.