RyneB Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 Everytime i bring up the words Abu Garcia around a Shimano fan, they look at me like im an idiot. My uncle has 20+ shimano setups and he tells me im an idiot for having all Abus. I just want to know why Shimano users and fans talk like its the only real made and that everyone should use one. I have had 2 Shimanos over the years and hated them, thats why im an Abu Garcia guy. But if someone talks up there Shimano, i dont degrade them. I have been in the car show and racing scene for awhile, and BMW owners act this same way. Is it a sense of entitlement that they have a Shimano? Sorry for the rant, and sorry if the moderators erase this. Im just baffled on why these grown men act like children when it comes to a fishing reel. I have seen it at boat shows, fishing shows, on here, at the ramp, on the lake. Its really annoying. I asked a guy at a outdoor show who was making fun of my Abu Garcia sweatshirt, he said "its a Shimano thing". 1
Diggy Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 pm this user LgMouthGambler He will answer your question 2
Super User clayton86 Posted July 6, 2012 Super User Posted July 6, 2012 I agree and it is quite annoying I to am a Abu Garcia fan I own 1 shimano and will probably be trying to trade it on the flea market when I get back stateside for a revo s. I dont talk bad about shimanos as I haven't had an issue with them my citica is flawless I like it actually I just want all abu set ups now. The only reels I truly hate are Quantums. 1
Super User rockchalk06 Posted July 6, 2012 Super User Posted July 6, 2012 Ford v's Chevy v's Mopar debate. I have used them and while they are fantastic reels, for the money I can't see spending it
hike4steel Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 It's the only way they can justify spending more and getting less. 3
Ima Bass Ninja Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 It's the only way they can justify spending more and getting less. haha that's a great response right there!!
baluga Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 You should get one the shimano high end reel like the conquest 100, calcutta te100GT or the core 50, then if you don't like it at least you would not get annoyed when they make fun of your abu reels since you feel that abu is far more better than what they have. As they say " if you can't beat them, joint them "
Super User smalljaw67 Posted July 6, 2012 Super User Posted July 6, 2012 It's the only way they can justify spending more and getting less. Like $300 dollars for a 5 ball bearing reel...But it is the quality of the bearings. Actually I have reels from all other manufacturers except Shimano as my Symetre spinnig reels broke and the customer service got me a little upset but I will admit their higher end reels are good solid reels. I have a Pflueger Supreme casting reel that was discontinued in '08 and it performs well. A Revo SX that is super solid, 2 Okuma reels, a V system and an Induron both casting reels and both solid. A Team Diawa X that still performs like the day I bought it, a Cabelas Prodigy, the Diawa advantage model of the prodigy which now discontinued. And 4 Quantum reels, 2 Smoke, a Kinetic, a Catalyst, and a Kinitic spinnig reel along with a Diawa Tierra spinning reel. My next Reel will likely be a Lews Tourney Pro but you never know, anyway, those are the reels I have that get used on a regular basis and it shows I'm far from brand loyal. I tend to lean toward Quantum reels just because I never had any trouble and they perform for me not to mention I get the same features as other reels costing 100 bucks more like and aluminum reel that is less than 7oz. I had a bad experience with Shimano and there are those who had bad experiences with other manufacturers and so you hear good and bad from all.
tnriverluver Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 I have to agree with the O.P on this. I have (had) 6 Shimano reels and all have broken. They were not the top of the line but not bottom barrell either. I have 10 Garcia Ambassadors that cost much less with some being over 20 yrs old. All still work like they did when new!! I have many other brands also including BPS and they have all outperformed Shimano. I have the same luck with Sony electronics also however so others mileage may vary.
0119 Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 Thats the American way of business now spread world wide. Planned obsolescence to convince you that you need the latest improvements combined with limited time engineering to insure you have to buy a replacement soon enough to assure their continued profit. Thats why old Abu Ambassadeurs keep going. They were made by a nation that at the time had a honor and pride instilled work ethic. Sadly they were bought by the mothership Pure Fishing a.k.a. Jarden who owns a large piece of the outdoors business pie.
JunkYard814 Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 I agree with the O.P. I have a few Shimano reels that I like, but that doesn't mean I like all their reels. I also have had a few Quantum reels that I like, but I in no way like every reel they make. I think a lot of it stems back from years ago when Shimano really blew all the other reels out of the water. Since then, the times have changed and many competitors have caught up. I think many people use Shimanos with tunnel vision and scoff at reels like Abu, Quantum, Diawa and Lews, without even trying them
BassinNY Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 It's the flock trait that the general public has now a days. Take Toyota for instance no matter what they do or the what problems they have people are diehard defenders of them. I've owned a Toyota and still own a Shimano, the Toyota was nice but I feel it wasn't the best in its class. As far as Shimano, they make nice stuff (I own a Core 50,) but they also make products that are not the best in class. Fish the best that you can afford and what feels comfortable to you. It's a great time to be a consumer in the bass fishing hobby. There are some great quality buys at many different price points these days, not just Shimano.
Capt.Bob Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 I own mostly Shimano, I don't think there are any better spinning reels than the Stradic and Sustain, for there price period, THERE IS NOTHING SMOTHER WITH A BETTER DRAG OR MORE DURABLE, they were made to last! Stella simply has NO EQUAL PERIOD, at any price!! maybe others as well as me don't need the performance it gives but to say it is overpriced when there is no other reel that comes close to its quality, performance or reliability meaning lifetime durability!! would be a ludicrous. if you want to compare Saros Symetre and Sahara, you may find reels from others that will give the same performance and price equivalent. But that is about it. I am sorry but the same goes for the round reels, in the sizes they are made in, no one can match the performance or durability of the higher end Calcuttas! they are the leaders in their catagory and the reels you always hear others comparing all other round reels to, for a reason, they are the best. I would put a 3 bearing calcutta against any other 3 bearing round baitcast reel any day they are smoother cast as well and the drag system is as good as it gets. Same for the 10 or 11 bearing Calcuttas, they are true top of the line in their category. It may not be worth the price to some for that level of performance, but if you want that level, there is only one way to get it. The low profile market is closing in on them, they realize it and have looked for ways to cut cost and compete with the market and the many new low profile baitcasting reel manufacturers that are squeezing their market hold. The fact that on forums everywhere the crying we are hearing about the curado chronarch core citica and others being poorer quality than they were once known for is a true fact that Shimano is loosing that ground. that comes from Shimano owners that have owned and used them for years with many different year models, the ones that won't admit it have not owned or used enough equipment to no the difference and think they are using the best, which at one time I believe was the best, but as Bob Dillon put it,,,, THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN!!!!! As for there other lines of Saltwater gear I wont comment as I have very limited experience with it, what I have had was good, but there is little I can compare it to so I will not comment on those lines.
NoBassPro Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 I I am sorry but the same goes for the round reels, in the sizes they are made in, no one can match the performance or durability of the higher end Calcuttas! they are the leaders in their catagory and the reels you always hear others comparing all other round reels to, for a reason, they are the best. I would put a 3 bearing calcutta against any other 3 bearing round baitcast reel any day they are smoother cast as well and the drag system is as good as it gets. Same for the 10 or 11 bearing Calcuttas, they are true top of the line in their category. It may not be worth the price to some for that level of performance, but if you want that level, there is only one way to get it. The one issue I have had with the Calcuttas, and to me it was a big one, was if I took my thumb off the thumbar on a hard cast the reel had a tendency to engage. I have heard of others with the same issue. Being used to Ambassadeurs, I just didn't like it, I expected more out of a $300 reel. On the other hand, they were much smoother and easier to use with say, deep diving cranks, than the ABu even with the power handle on. Both drags have been smooth and reliable for me. When it comes to spinning reels, I have both Shimanos and Daiwas and can't complain about either one.
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted July 7, 2012 Super User Posted July 7, 2012 Times are changing for all companies. It doesnt make sense to make a reel that will last forever, because what would be a selling point in the future. The same has happened with everything from cars, to TV's, boats, etc. I still stick to the whole "bearing wars" deal. You dont need 11 bearings to make a reel perform optimal. Just put then where it counts. Yes there is the whole Shimano vs well.....everyone else debate, but lets face it, it will never end. Th truth is there are many companies that are trying to get the upper hand in the market, and its going to take certiain things to persuade a customer to buy into their product. As for me, I have been using Shimano since my 1st Curado when I was 11, and have used many products since. Maybe its just that they have never done me wrong, and have always had good luck/results with their products. I will stick with them all the way through. People that are just getting into the sport may be captured by the new companies offering what they see in their eyes as "the latest and greatest", and it may also be those who have been in the game for a long time who are taken by the new products. Its a lifestyle, some are loyal, and some are open. I was open, and it didnt work for me, so I stuck to my brand. Some do, some dont, thats what makes us who we are. It would be no fun if we were all the same. Thats what makes it soo much fun, right Hootie? What Im trying to say is........cant we all just get along?LOL.
Basswhippa Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 The mid to upper level Shimanos are made of quality components, are well engineered, and if you stockpile the right parts in the event they quit making those parts, will last your entire lifetime. I just put a new set of gears for a grand total of $15 in a Curado 200B and it feels brand new. I got the reel at a pawn shop and expect it to last at least a decade, if not longer. I kind of bond with my trusty equipment, so I like it to go and go and go. The Swedish ABU Garcias are really sweet. I have several. 4600, countless 5500's of all makes, a 5600, several 5000's, and a prized Morrum and 5500CS Mag Elite that will cast 200 yards. They are all great. That said, REVO's are throw away reels. They work great, sometimes for a very long time, but when they break, they are done. You can't get parts for them. What is to like about that? REVO's, BPS, Pflueger, Lews are all throw away reels. You use them til they break and then you buy another. I've got 40 year old ABU's I can still get parts for. But if you are out of warranty on your $180 REVO, you can throw it in the trash. Diawa is good, but I hear they charge excessively high prices if you need a part. I hear Quantum is pretty good and own one. At least you can get parts for a good long time if you fall in love with one of their reels. Again, I like Shimano because most of them are very good quality reels, they last a long time, and you can get parts with a simple call to Shimano in the event something does wear out. What's not to like about that? I don't trash peoples throw away reels. If you are the type of person who likes to get a new reel regularly, they are for you. Break it and trash it. I like the fact I can get parts for my nearly 20 year old Shimano Calcuttas and make them feel brand new. I have a lot of good memories with those reels! They will compete with Korean reels and I'm never outreeled by a throw away and mine are almost 20 years old. I also bonded well with my 5500 CL3 that I hotrodded and caught my personal best 9.5 pounder this past winter out of Okeechobee. I caught a 6, a 7 and a 9.5 on back to back casts with that reel. I love that hot rod of a reel and will keep it going for the rest of my life. It isn't my personality to have it break and then just take it to the dump or put it in a box for sentimental reasons. That would be the case if it were a Winch. Break it and chunk it. That doesn't get it for me.
Super User K_Mac Posted July 7, 2012 Super User Posted July 7, 2012 Basswhippa I think Shimano makes fine stuff. Your argument though that,"if you stockpile the right parts in the event they quit making those parts, will last your entire lifetime", is no more valid for Shimano than it is for any other quality reel. That includes Revos, BPS, Pflueger, Lews, etc. Your "throw away reels" statement does exemplify the attitude that the OP is talking about. Well done. 2
Jake P Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 pm this user LgMouthGambler He will answer your question LOL! Everytime i see the word Shimano on here i think of you LgMouthGambler. If Shimano was responsible for the holocaust you would still be reppin' the Curado. More power to you brutha, love what you love! To the OP, I wonder the same thing. Most people are happy with their reels and manufactuers but Shimano guys let the world know. It bothersme sometimes but i usually just laugh it off. What i dont like is when someone asks about a reel for 80 bucks and you get someone telling them to spend the extra cash and get a citica because it will last longer cause its a Shimano. Or when someone asks for a review of the Pro Qualifier and you get replies suggesting buying a Curado. IMO Shimano guys= NY Yankee fans
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted July 7, 2012 Global Moderator Posted July 7, 2012 I fish mainly Shimano and I do like them but I have no problem trying something else. I've got a Revo S I like pretty well and a couple Pfluegar Supreme spinning reels that I love. I've had lots of reels and I just keep coming back to Shimano because they've been good to me, but I don't consider myself one of the posse because I'm not going to argue with someone about how Shimano is better than all the rest.
Super User NorcalBassin Posted July 7, 2012 Super User Posted July 7, 2012 IMO Shimano guys= NY Yankee fans That really hurts. Huge Shimano and Red Sox fan here.
Basswhippa Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 Quantum, ABU Garcia C3's, Shimanos, Diawas, are some examples of reels that you can get parts from for a very long time. I think I've heard that Okuma does a decent job with parts. These are the makers of the good stuff, and ABU Garcia makes some very fine products that are not throw away reels. The Korean made reels are the throw aways, from what I read. I haven't owned them and know they are pretty good for a while, but when something breaks, you chunk it. There are few parts available except maybe for the very most popular, such as the Pro Qualifier. When you go to rebuild the Johnny Morris in 10 years (assuming it makes it past the warranty date at all) and see how many parts you will find. One tackle guy keeps a box full of the Korean thow aways so he can get parts when he needs them. He can't get them from the throw away manufacturers. Me, well I just put in a call to Shimano and got a bunch of Curado 200B parts on a pawn shop find and it has been discontinued for 7 or so years. LOL It's kind of sad. We have a lot of throw away products nowadays. Appliances, guns, etc. Yeah they are cheap initially, some will even last a while, but when it breaks, you chunk it. My inlaws got a refrigerator that was made in the early 60's and it is in perfect working order. Go get one of those at Home Depot or Lowes today. ROFL My hard earned money goes to companies that support their product for more than the 1 year warranty they offer even if it costs a little more initially.
Jake P Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 That really hurts. Huge Shimano and Red Sox fan here. Lol, sorry about that buddy. From a Texas perspective Yankees are loud, arrogant and obnoxious. Much like a Shimano homer.....JK haha.
Jim_M Posted July 7, 2012 Posted July 7, 2012 Got to love topics (any topic) that deals with things that are completely subjective. It matters none. Just fish. Well...there's another chunk of bandwidth we'll never get back... 1
Super User SirSnookalot Posted July 7, 2012 Super User Posted July 7, 2012 There is a disease that runs rampant on this site, it's being narrow minded , it's of epidemic proportions. I can only address spinning gear, I don't use anything else. I do own Shimanos, my 2 stradics are excellent and my 2 sheperos are, lets just say I have better reels in that price range. For my freshwater fishing my 3 supremes are more than adequate, they last, smooth as any other reel and handle anything in freshwater I'm going to catch. Spending money for a stradic, sustain or stella would be a waste of my money for bluegills, bass, perch or wallyeye, none of those fish on average are big and are not the most formidable fighters. Saltwater, where I do most of my fishing, is another story, reels need to be well made to function properly to handle both the salt conditions as well as the fish. For some reason Shimano does not seem to be as popular down here and my saltwater forum as some other brands, both spinning and conventional. I do like my stradics, but like my other brands just as well. I will say this, if I made my living from fishing I would consider replacing my 15-18 saltwater reels with stellas, but at $900 a pop, it's prohibitive. My own personal opinion, it's much important in knowing how to land fish than the rods, reels and line one is using.
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