Used Gear

[tbone1993]

What is your opinion on buying used gear? I know that sites like tackle warehouse or St. Croix sell partially used gear yet some do not come with warranties. Most reels only come with one year warranties and of those are void by the time you pick up the used reel. Do you think that buying used reels or rods is worth the risk? I know my friend is selling two quantum smoke reels that are a little under a year old but to me it just does not seem worth the risk. Even if the buyer is legitimate there is no telling how long the product will last in my opinion. What is your experience with used rods/reels?

[Quitlimpin]

I would estimate that 50% of my gear is used. Much of it has been bought right here in the flea market. I have yet to be burned by either a dishonest seller or a bad product. Also, it's a great way to get some higher end stuff that would be out of my price range if new.

[kickerfish1]

Like anything the buyer should be careful. One persons definition of good condition or an 8 out of 10 may not be the same to someone else. Buying new at discounted prices either via sales prices or closeout prices is my preferred means of buying rods or reels.

Also note that most rod warranties may not transfer over to a "new" owner. If you break the rod or it fails you may not be able to simply ship the rod and pay $60 for a new rod. For reels if the owner has properly maintained the reel internally and not abused the reel externally you can usually get some good deals. I would be more likely to buy a used reel from a trusted seller than buying a used high end rod simply from a warranty standpoint. Worst case scenario is that I have to pay $25 for a professional reel service shop to get it mechanically perfect.

One other thing is make sure you get pictures of the rods or reels. This will at least validate the cosmetic condition of the item.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy used but just be careful...

[Bluebasser86]

I've bought quite a bit of used gear from the guys in the flea market forum, I have no complaints about any of the gear I've got from anyone.

[SirSnookalot]

I'm not interested in buying anything used. I'm also not interested in selling anything used (except a trade in at a retail store), if I'm done with that gear I'll give it away to someone that needs it and can't afford it themselves. I've accomplished 2 things, making someone happy and not feeling responsible if the product fails.

[LgMouthGambler]

Ive bought a few reels used, no complaints, then again they are Shimanos. In all seriousness, as long as you see a picture of what the outside looks like, it can give you a general idea of how well the person takes care of their equipment.

[*Hootie]

The only time I would hesitate to buy used, is if it had been used by Mike Iaconelli.....lol

Hootie

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Bought plenty of used gear. On here and at a local flea market. When I first started fishing there was a guy selling used rods and reels. Some of my best deals came back then. Got a couple of pqs for $40 each and a Carbonlite rod for $20. All my transactions on this site have been good. Never a problem.

[new2BC4bass]

Of my 3 new-2-me spinning reels, 1 was purchased new (on sale). Of my 22 new-2-me b/c reels, 4 were purchased new (on closeout). Almost half of my rods were purchased new.....all but 2 on closeout or with a hefty discount. I didn't get to see or handle any of the reels before purchasing. I was not disappointed with any of them. I did get to see and handle 5 of the rods before purchasing. I have been disappointed with only one rod, and that had nothing to do with the rod's condition (which is like new), but with the rod's diameter. It may wind up being a first for me. First time ever selling any gear I've purchased. However, I have not had time to give it a fair shot yet with a few different reel/line combinations before making the decision to sell. Performance beats looks anytime in my book.

I've never been one to worry about warranties on used gear. I've yet to be burned by a seller in this hobby although I did get lied to with 1 product in another hobby. Most people are honest. True...not everyone will have the same opinion as to what constitutes an 8, but often it is better than my opinion of what an 8 looks like.

If you are getting the sense that I think used gear is normally a good buy, then you would be correct.

[Christian M]

I think selling/trading used gear is a good way to get some great deals on fishing gear and other much needed things. I recently traded a Quantum Code (newer design) reel to my buddy for some mechanical work on my car. He had a Code rod that he needed a reel for so I offered the reel and some cash for a brake job. I ordered my pads & rotors from a wholesale warehouse, saving about $120, and he did front & back brakes & rotors, plus bled my brake lines & compressed my calipers for $140 cash plus the lure. We both ended up happy, I got about $400 worth of work for half price & the reel was used once, I was trying to learn how to flip & pitch w/the opposite hand & just got frustrated lol. I'll eventually get around to it.

[tbone1993]

Like anything the buyer should be careful. One persons definition of good condition or an 8 out of 10 may not be the same to someone else. Buying new at discounted prices either via sales prices or closeout prices is my preferred means of buying rods or reels.

Also note that most rod warranties may not transfer over to a "new" owner. If you break the rod or it fails you may not be able to simply ship the rod and pay $60 for a new rod. For reels if the owner has properly maintained the reel internally and not abused the reel externally you can usually get some good deals. I would be more likely to buy a used reel from a trusted seller than buying a used high end rod simply from a warranty standpoint. Worst case scenario is that I have to pay $25 for a professional reel service shop to get it mechanically perfect.

One other thing is make sure you get pictures of the rods or reels. This will at least validate the cosmetic condition of the item.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy used but just be careful...

Some websites offer items that are discounted because they have been returned/ have slight cosmetic damage. Buying something used I always worry about how hard the item has been used. Most of my friends that fish tournaments use their reels a lot more frequently than your average fishermen. Some guys blow through reels because of the amount of usage they get. I trust them not to burn me on a sale but I feel like I would rather buy most things new or on sale.

[Bankbeater]

Three of my six reels are used. It all depends on who used the reel, how it was maintained, and how long it was used before you bought it. I am much more inclined to buy a reel from someone that fishes plastics 4 to 5 times a month than someone who will go out daily and throw crankbaits.

[ChiCityBasser]

I've purchased used rods and reels to get something I may feel I need or want at the time and have good results with them also. Never been burned by a seller and I agree that you should get as many pics of a product as you can and determine if the usage is something that you can deal with as far as the item.

[dam0007]

I recently bought a reel in 'good' condition from this sites flea market. I actually over paid him by $5 and told him throw in some extra bubble wrap. The reel was MINT, included everything as stated and he also threw in 3 new higher end crank baits. Not including the lures I saved $50-60 +/-.

Used COULD be the way to go. Unfortunately were also in a world full of losers just waiting to F someone over.

[Dave P]

Couple of reels (regular and fly). A couple of rods (regular and fly). No issues with either.

[thehooligan]

I havent bought any used gear yet, but ive sold a decent amount of rods/reels because i baby my gear. I know the buyer will be happy. I wouldnt hesitate to buyed used jdm gear cause thats the only way im going to afford it, lol.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Like anything the buyer should be careful. One persons definition of good condition or an 8 out of 10 may not be the same to someone else. Buying new at discounted prices either via sales prices or closeout prices is my preferred means of buying rods or reels.

This is what I like to do as well. One, I think you actually get better than used price and two, get warranty with the product.

Some of my purchases this year; New discounted rods. St Croix Legend Elite reg $330 got it for $130; LTB new $230 got it for $115; Shimano Cumara new $240 got it for $104. Lifetime warranties on all. Got a CAMO stick reg $140 for $30. Curado 50E new I got for $100. I havent seen any of these used asking for less than I paid.

[Brian Needham]

I buy most of my reels either used or reconditioned.......with reels I do not think it is a risk, as if something goes wrong down the road a guy like DVT can fix it.

rods I prefer to buy new, so I get all the warrentee that goes with proof of purchase.

[The Next KVD]

I buy most of my reels either used or reconditioned.......with reels I do not think it is a risk, as if something goes wrong down the road a guy like DVT can fix it.

rods I prefer to buy new, so I get all the warrentee that goes with proof of purchase.

x2 although I do like to buy reels new when I can get a good discount.

[Topwaterspook]

If you have an opportunity to look through one of Cabela's "bargain caves"......you can find some great deals on returned gear. Be very careful though when looking the stuff over. Most has been damaged in some fashion.

[tbone1993]

This is what I like to do as well. One, I think you actually get better than used price and two, get warranty with the product.

Some of my purchases this year; New discounted rods. St Croix Legend Elite reg $330 got it for $130; LTB new $230 got it for $115; Shimano Cumara new $240 got it for $104. Lifetime warranties on all. Got a CAMO stick reg $140 for $30. Curado 50E new I got for $100. I havent seen any of these used asking for less than I paid.

I tend to buy new on sale/ at a discount that way I do not have to worry about anything.

[tbone1993]

x2 although I do like to buy reels new when I can get a good discount.

I just cant buy reels used. I know I fish my reels pretty hard and when I saw they are heavily used it is different than what someone else may say is heavily used.

[A-Jay]

I'd say that any quality and well maintained fishing tackle is like any other equipment, it should last.

What's the difference if you use your gear for 6 years or you use it for three years and someone who takes care if it, uses it for three years ?

No difference for me. I have purchased both rods and reels used (mostly from established BR members) and I been pleasantly surprised by what I received every time.

A-Jay

[tbone1993]

I'd say that any quality and well maintained fishing tackle is like any other equipment, it should last.

What's the difference if you use your gear for 6 years or you use it for three years and someone who takes care if it, uses it for three years ?

No difference for me. I have purchased both rods and reels used (mostly from established BR members) and I been pleasantly surprised by what I received every time.

A-Jay

By this I mean not everyone is going to use their reels the same. Some guys might have a reel for a year or two and only use it on their monthly fishing trip. I have personally used reels for 20 hours in two days when pre fishing/ fishing a tournament. I do not feel that the weekend angler puts that same abuse on their reels. If you take care of your gear it will take care of you,