I have served my country in the U.S Army and I consider myself to be very patriotic. I have used Shimano baitcasters since I was 12 or 13 years old (I am 45 now) and if a company started producing a baitcaster in America that really gave Shimano a run for their money, I doubt that I would change reels as long as Shimano continued doing what they are doing. I do love Zoom Baits and I have not bought a rod other than Loomis in a long time. It's about using what you like and can afford and personally, I don't feel that I am obligated to buy American just so that I can consider myself patriotic.