Years ago, before the internet was widely available it was different buying fishing tackle. A rod/ reel may have been recommended by someone or you bought it because it was a trusted brand. Tackle shops pushed the brand's they carried. Now, we can scrutinize every type of rod , reel, or bait available through the internet. I read reviews of products too. It's a way to learn more about them, before you fork out your hard earned cash. Last winter, I bought my grandson a Shimano Sienna spinning reel. For the most part reviews are good on this reel, but not all. One was extreme. Don't buy this, cheap junk, poor quality, not enough bearings, and on and on. I wonder how many times this guy actually used this product, or if he is just paid to give reviews, or really doesn't even know how to fish very well! Looking through our notes, Aiden landed 63 bass with that reel this summer. Not one problem. The reel will be good to go next year, with a clean and light oiling. I think it's much better to ask on this forum, or talk to someone who has actually used the products in all scenarios. And how long they actually used it, and how often. You can never really tell how a product will perform based on one fishing trip. Anyone else wonder about reviews? Are you skeptical of them?
