Shimano reels, quality not what it used to be?

[Strangey]

Was wondering if people can give me their thoughts on this topic.
I have always been a fan of shimano gear and in no way think that their quality has dropped off. But the other day I was told something that if true is a concern.
I am looking to buy a Speedmaster overhead (great medium spinning and trolling reel IMO), to be a Mackrell set up, identical to one I already own. I have had the Speed master for over 5 years and it hasn't missed a beat and am very happy with it. That is why I wanted another one.
When I talked to my local tackle store about getting one, they said "what do you want one of them for" and proceeded to tell me how the internal parts of Shimano reels are now made somewhere different and the quality is now crap. Has anyone else heard of this? Is it true? I understand that not all Shimano reels are made in Japan anymore, but does this mean they are not as good? In buying another Speedmaster I would hope and expect it to be of the same quality of the one I already own.
I am dubious of their comments as they then went on to try and sell me a reel made by Diawa, which was more money for the equivalent product.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Ben.

[timddo]

Was he a Daiwa dealer was he.

I went into a local tackle shop and asked for a TSS4. The store told me. They are old technology and slow and you should buy a daiwa reel $170 and $270. ( TSS$130).
I walked

[Strangey]

He sells both, but is always pushing Diawa. Used the exact same words about the Speedmaster, "old technology". People still want Alvey's and they aren't exactly cutting edge.

[frankgrimes]

He sells both, but is always pushing Diawa. Used the exact same words about the Speedmaster, "old technology". People still want Alvey's and they aren't exactly cutting edge.

Probably make more on Daiwa v Shimano...i.e. If you could make 15 points on Daiwa, but only 5 points on Shimano, what would you be pushing(Hypothetical numbers of course)

Mick

[roydsy]

I have sold all my shimano reels bar one.... all Daiwa now, better quality product IMHO. I will be replacing my chronarch with a zillion soon though.

Daiwa seem to be better made, and last longer. Just my 2 cents, each to their own.

[Strangey]

I've got diawa reels as well and like them a lot. But for the type of reel the Speedmaster is it wins hands down to the Diawa equivalent.
IMO Diawa are better in the light gear and Shimano better in the offshore stuff.

[Bennywise]

I have sold all my shimano reels bar one.... all Daiwa now, better quality product IMHO. I will be replacing my chronarch with a zillion soon though.

Daiwa seem to be better made, and last longer. Just my 2 cents, each to their own.

Interesting different oppinions out there. I went to a tackle store the other day looking at a new BC for Barra fishing. Was looking at Zillions as I all my other reels are Daiwa. I was told the drags on the Daiwa's aren't the best out of the box and was told I was better off going for the Chronarch.... Cheaper too...

I have to admitt, the drag on my Alphas from day 1 was not all that smooth. I see alot of guys on this site upgrading drags on their Daiwa BC. Haven't seen many done to the shimanos.

Not having a go at people who do this, I'm sure they get alot of personal satisfaction out of it. But why pay $450+ for a real then pull it appart and change the drag? Would I thought the mid to high end reel would come with a suitable drag.

There's my 3 cents

Ben

[roydsy]

Yes definitely in spin gear, Daiwa have there nose in front and you could be right on the money there when referring to overhead game reels.

IMO Diawa are better in the light gear and Shimano better in the offshore stuff.

[reggy]

He sells both, but is always pushing Diawa. Used the exact same words about the Speedmaster, "old technology". People still want Alvey's and they aren't exactly cutting edge.

Mate, stick with your Speedmaster. They are one of the best value reels available.
I have a TLD star20/40 reel, which is a slower speed version of the Speedmaster.

I also own a Torium and regard the 20/40 as a better reel, and also regard it as a better reel than the Daiwa Saltist. WHY?
Because the Speedmaster and the TLD Star 20/40 have a better anti reverse system, a better gear train(stainless steel), and a one piece corrosion proof frame.and are lighter.
Have a look at Alan Tani`s review of these reels.
Reggy

[Strangey]

Cheers Reggy

[Steve B]

Mate.

I have a TSS4 for sale in the reel etc section.!!

They are OK...actually they are a speed of their own....thousands swear by them and have for years....I just dont use mine living inland and fishing the fresh stuff.

PM me if interested....if not it, its on EBAY and finishes in about 16hrs.

cheers Steve

[whatscracken]

I like Diawa's baitcaster's over Shimano but I have half a dozen Shimano spin and offshore overheads that have never missed a beat. Can't fault either brand so far.

[Silent Assassin]

Mate typical salesmanship, rods and reels are personal choice. Daiwa is quality, don't get me wrong. They jus have a job to do.

[I GOT CRABS]

i love my abu garcias, cheap and easy to fix

[sleepygreg]

from the sales side of things.....a shop would always try to sell you Daiwa over Shimano.....as they make bugger all on a shimano reel (in the range we are talking). Daiwa at least offer their dealers a fair return on their investment...and a reasonably level playing field. As for the quality of the product...they are all quality products....but you get what you pay for....and you have to compare apples with apples. smaller baitcasters and spin reels IMO Daiwa are bettter .....game reels...shimano all the way.......depwater jigging...daiwa....soft placcies.....even money (ford v holden).

I might just add...you are comparing the two companies who lead the world when it it comes to fishing tackle....none of their stuff is crap (in the areas we are talking)....it comes down to personal choice.

Greg