Anyone have experience buying these models that are from japan? Looking at one on Amazon and it seems legit but a little worried they aren’t the same quality
What say you?
( From wiki )
Shimano, Inc. is a Japanese multinational manufacturer of cycling components, fishing tackle, and rowing equipment. It produced golf supplies until 2005 and snowboarding gear until 2008.
Headquartered in Sakai, Japan, the company has 32 consolidated subsidiaries and 11 unconsolidated subsidiaries. Its primary manufacturing plants are in Kunshan, China; Malaysia; and Singapore.
Made in Japan? Seems as though you don’t have but a few other choices.
Don’t feel bad though there ain’t many (affordable) spinning reels not made in Asia. Oh the companies might be “headquartered” in the USA but their reels will probably be made in Asia. I use only Quantum spinning reels, yes made over there, with ZERO “0” issues with quality and performance. And between you and me I have had 2 Penns the past few years…got rid of both of them, just sayin’.
There are several reel manufacturers that will produce reels that are only “available” in Japan. Shimano and Daiwa are notorious for this. They will usually offer something very similar in the States, with a different name, minus a couple extra upgrades. However, the quality of the Japanese products are typically better than what they offer to us. Hope this helps.
If the reels are coming from Japan, I’ve read elsewheres on the Internet that you have to pay import taxes and outrageous shipping fees. Also the availability of parts can e an issue as no one around here would stock parts for reels that aren’t meant to be sold here. I’ve also heard of pretty good looking but bad quality knockoffs being sold online as the Japanese models. This is all coming from what I’ve read on other forums so don’t take it for gospel.
If you can’t get all the answers you need here, talk to this guy. He is a friend of mine and is quite knowledgeable in the subject of reels. He doesn’t sell, just repairs.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
I’ll second Rick, nice fella, quick service. I’ve got some new handles from him waiting for me in charleston right now.
you know what’s funny is that rick is servicing my other spheros as we speak!
thanks for the info guys, kind of what I expected to hear. probably will stick to a more normal model to be safe
“mr keys”
What model you looking at?
I have several "japanese’ model Shimano casting reels. Scorpions and others. They typically have advanced features or materials then models currently available in the US. They are generally prototypes for models that get to the US in a couple of years. Example is the CI4 spinning reel was sold as a Biomaster (or was it the TwinPower? in Japan more than 2 years before they got here. They are pricey. Daiwa does the same thing
I think there’s a difference in the warranties.
There are a few reputable shops. I would buy directly from them. With the Yen/dollar value, right now is a good time to buy overseas if you can find what you want.
www.digitaka.com - gets very high regards on 360tuna among the guys who only fish jig n pop stella / saltigas. A lot cheaper, but warranty won’t apply.
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I have bought a lot of reels, lures and rods from Japan in the past and never had a issue. It has been a few years but here a two that come to mind. I have bought both direct and through Ebay. Never bought anything from Japan through Amazon.