Shimano Guys Have A Few Questions

[rockchalk06]

Hey guys. Over the last few months, have I slowly switched everything I have (reel wise) over to Shimano. I am by no means an expert on the company or why they do things, but I thought maybe someone here would.

 

For starters, just about every other company has bent handles and bent stars on their reels now. I like the look and the way it feels. Why have they not jumped on it yet?

 

EVA knobs. That seems to be the norm on higher end stuff now. I would like to see them on the Shimano line up.

 

Lastly, why no promotions? Abu has the hoodie freebie deal as well as several other companies. Ive never seen one with Shimano.

 

Thanks in advance

[MrSwimJig]

Those are some really good questions. Be anxious to see what kind of responses you get.

[derekxec]

i never see any promotions on shimano except for the power pro line goes on sale at dicks sometimes... also the handles on the trinidads and such are supposed to be ergonomic 

[21farms]

shimano and daiwa are fierce rivals in japan, with each trying to position themself as the leader in innovation. bent handles are a daiwa innovation which other companies quickly copied for themselves. shimano probably doesn't want to give a tip of the cap to daiwa, although the new JDM shimano metanium features a new ever-so-slightly curved handle which they don't say anything about in the sales literature.

 

shimano has their own proprietary knob material called septon, the most unique thing about is that it remains tacky even when wet. the only advantages of EVA foam are that it is light and inexpensive and some people like the way it looks but it does not wear well and looks terrible after exposure to salt. shimano's "thing" has never really been about weight...rather smoothness and reliability.

 

why no sales or promos? marketing position and pereception, mainly. top tier companies work hard to build their image and to maintain their premium status and don't often have sales or promos because that dilutes their their brand and their ability to charge premium prices. yamamoto baits is another company that has done an excellent job with this...in the face of hundreds of copycats, they're still able to sell a ton of senkos at top-tier prices.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

Rockchalk, why did you switch everything over? Weren't you really impressed with the new revo lineup? What do you like better about the shimanos now that you've switched?

Sorry, I don't have an answer for the op.

[Hooligan]

I'll start with the bent handles. It has nothing to do with Daiwa- they had nothing to do with inventing it. The bent handles move the center of mass of the reel inward, as well as torque, and change the drag star clearance. Shimano doesn't need to do any of these because of the configuration, therefor there is no need of the bent handle.

EVA knobs would be far less durable, or comfortable, than the septon grips that Shimano uses already.

Shimano does utilize promotions from time to time, however, a large part of the reason those promotions are run are to get people to buy the product for the free stuff you're giving away. When you are already one of the top selling mfrs in a category, people are already familiar with the product and there usually isn't great need to sweeten the deal, if you will, to make people take the plunge. Yes they could gain a small marketshare by doing so, but the benefit would far be outweighed by the cost. Secondly, Shimano fishing operates wholly on its own, when compared to Pure Fishing's brand umbrella. Yes, the performance of the individual is considered, but the umbrella of profi is the driving force behind Pure Fishing. It covers the entire sector, so to speak.

[South FLA]

Hey guys. Over the last few months, have I slowly switched everything I have (reel wise) over to Shimano. I am by no means an expert on the company or why they do things, but I thought maybe someone here would.

 

For starters, just about every other company has bent handles and bent stars on their reels now. I like the look and the way it feels. Why have they not jumped on it yet?

 

EVA knobs. That seems to be the norm on higher end stuff now. I would like to see them on the Shimano line up.

 

Lastly, why no promotions? Abu has the hoodie freebie deal as well as several other companies. Ive never seen one with Shimano.

 

Thanks in advance

 

They have in the JDM look at the 1:35 of the video below:

 

EVA foam higher end? Don't think so all the ones I have tried have left me unimpressed especially Quantum's Smoke series EVA handles. Septon is superior to it hands down.

 

Promotional deals work to drive demand for product, when you are Shimano and have the majority of market share, then you don't need to drive demand.

 

In my opinion variety is the spice of life, so why limit yourself to just Shimano, but it is a good choice nevertheless.

[rockchalk06]

shimano and daiwa are fierce rivals in japan, with each trying to position themself as the leader in innovation. bent handles are a daiwa innovation which other companies quickly copied for themselves. shimano probably doesn't want to give a tip of the cap to daiwa, although the new JDM shimano metanium features a new ever-so-slightly curved handle which they don't say anything about in the sales literature.

 

shimano has their own proprietary knob material called septon, the most unique thing about is that it remains tacky even when wet. the only advantages of EVA foam are that it is light and inexpensive and some people like the way it looks but it does not wear well and looks terrible after exposure to salt. shimano's "thing" has never really been about weight...rather smoothness and reliability.

 

why no sales or promos? marketing position and pereception, mainly. top tier companies work hard to build their image and to maintain their premium status and don't often have sales or promos because that dilutes their their brand and their ability to charge premium prices. yamamoto baits is another company that has done an excellent job with this...in the face of hundreds of copycats, they're still able to sell a ton of senkos at top-tier prices.

Gotcha. Thanks

[rockchalk06]

Rockchalk, why did you switch everything over? Weren't you really impressed with the new revo lineup? What do you like better about the shimanos now that you've switched?

Sorry, I don't have an answer for the op.

I had some issues with a Lews, and eventually every Abu I had either went back to Pure fishing or back to Bass Pro for an exchange. I loved all my Abu products, I just hated that every single one of them had some little quirk I couldn't love with.

Main thing I like better is the noise. Or lack there of it. All of my newer gen Abu's were too noisy on the cast. I'm very anal about stuff breaking. I lost faith in my Abu's and didn't enjoy fishing them near as much.

[rockchalk06]

I'll start with the bent handles. It has nothing to do with Daiwa- they had nothing to do with inventing it. The bent handles move the center of mass of the reel inward, as well as torque, and change the drag star clearance. Shimano doesn't need to do any of these because of the configuration, therefor there is no need of the bent handle.

EVA knobs would be far less durable, or comfortable, than the septon grips that Shimano uses already.

Shimano does utilize promotions from time to time, however, a large part of the reason those promotions are run are to get people to buy the product for the free stuff you're giving away. When you are already one of the top selling mfrs in a category, people are already familiar with the product and there usually isn't great need to sweeten the deal, if you will, to make people take the plunge. Yes they could gain a small marketshare by doing so, but the benefit would far be outweighed by the cost. Secondly, Shimano fishing operates wholly on its own, when compared to Pure Fishing's brand umbrella. Yes, the performance of the individual is considered, but the umbrella of profi is the driving force behind Pure Fishing. It covers the entire sector, so to speak.

Gotcha. I didn't realize that about the EVA handles.

I see your point on the promo's now.

[rockchalk06]

They have in the JDM look at the 1:35 of the video below:

 

EVA foam higher end? Don't think so all the ones I have tried have left me unimpressed especially Quantum's Smoke series EVA handles. Septon is superior to it hands down.

 

Promotional deals work to drive demand for product, when you are Shimano and have the majority of market share, then you don't need to drive demand.

 

In my opinion variety is the spice of life, so why limit yourself to just Shimano, but it is a good choice nevertheless.

Thanks for the video.

I tried a little bit of variety, just got burnt with doing it.

[skeletor6]

I'll start with the bent handles. It has nothing to do with Daiwa- they had nothing to do with inventing it. The bent handles move the center of mass of the reel inward, as well as torque, and change the drag star clearance. Shimano doesn't need to do any of these because of the configuration, therefor there is no need of the bent handle.

EVA knobs would be far less durable, or comfortable, than the septon grips that Shimano uses already.

Shimano does utilize promotions from time to time, however, a large part of the reason those promotions are run are to get people to buy the product for the free stuff you're giving away. When you are already one of the top selling mfrs in a category, people are already familiar with the product and there usually isn't great need to sweeten the deal, if you will, to make people take the plunge. Yes they could gain a small marketshare by doing so, but the benefit would far be outweighed by the cost. Secondly, Shimano fishing operates wholly on its own, when compared to Pure Fishing's brand umbrella. Yes, the performance of the individual is considered, but the umbrella of profi is the driving force behind Pure Fishing. It covers the entire sector, so to speak.

 

Great analysis. Why give out promos and T-shirts if you don't need to. I would rather have a nice reel than a t-shirt that promotes my reel.

[War Eagle 44]

Great analysis. Why give out promos and T-shirts if you don't need to. I would rather have a nice reel than a t-shirt that promotes my reel.

I agree 100%.

 

 

 

 

EVA knobs. That seems to be the norm on higher end stuff now. I would like to see them on the Shimano line up.

 

 

I know every guy has small things he likes or dislikes about different products but this one surprised me. Shimano's Septon grips are one of the the things I really like about their reels, but of course I'm an all Shimano reel guy myself so... I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice to go all Shimano as well, good luck.

 

Oh and sorry I didn't answer any of your original questions with my reply.

[SirSnookalot]

If I'm buying a rod or reel I'm not looking for a giveaway, although in the case of Penn and Pflueger an item was available and I took advantage, and got some great reels to use too.  Being strictly a spinning user, I don't care for any reel that has a round knob, that's a deal breaker for me.  I like my Shimano's and the best thing I can say about them is I don't get wind knots when using them, but 3 of the 4 I own have needed repairs, I have stradics and spheros all used in saltwater.  Of all the brands I own only my Pluegers have never needed any kind of repair or service, used in saltwater too, as far as smoothness they are at or near the top of the list.

Would I buy another Shimano, I might, but I might buy a Lexa instead.

[TNBassin']

I'm an Abu guy still, but I've debated on picking up a chronarch. My Abus are tanks though, especially my Revo S. If the Chronarch surpasses my STX I will be surprised. Bps has their 6 Pay deal right now so I may take a peek.

[MarkH024]

I'm an Abu guy still, but I've debated on picking up a chronarch. My Abus are tanks though, especially my Revo S. If the Chronarch surpasses my STX I will be surprised. Bps has their 6 Pay deal right now so I may take a peek.

Be like Nike. Just do it. I think you will be very happy.

[rockchalk06]

I'm an Abu guy still, but I've debated on picking up a chronarch. My Abus are tanks though, especially my Revo S. If the Chronarch surpasses my STX I will be surprised. Bps has their 6 Pay deal right now so I may take a peek.

I think it's heavier than the STX. Runs 7.6 ounces and no mag breaks. For me I didn't like em.

I think you will really like it. If you look at one, make see to fondle the 50E Chronarch. That sucker is itty bitty and light!

[*Hootie]

I loved all my Abu products, I just hated that every single one of them had some little quirk I couldn't love with.

I just fish with mine. Loving with them just seems a little kinky to me. Oh well, to each his own....lol.

Hootie

[TNBassin']

I really like the dual brakes on my STX though. Especially when it's windy and I need to do a little more fine tuning. It's hard to pull the trigger when I'm happy with my Revos, but I kind of wanna see if they live up to the hype. I'm looking at the e6 if I get one. Weight isn't a huge issue to me, as I think my S is 7.4oz. I may try to sell off my new SX and Vendetta 2 combo, and if I do, I may give the Chronarch a look though I hate that stupid handle. Bend it already lol!

[rockchalk06]

I just fish with mine. Loving with them just seems a little kinky to me. Oh well, to each his own....lol.

Hootie

My iPhone is developing a case of CRS typo lol

[rockchalk06]

I really like the dual brakes on my STX though. Especially when it's windy and I need to do a little more fine tuning. It's hard to pull the trigger when I'm happy with my Revos, but I kind of wanna see if they live up to the hype. I'm looking at the e6 if I get one. Weight isn't a huge issue to me, as I think my S is 7.4oz. I may try to sell off my new SX and Vendetta 2 combo, and if I do, I may give the Chronarch a look though I hate that stupid handle. Bend it already lol!

I was always the exact opposite, I couldn't stand the mag breaks. I just switch from 3 to 4 breaks when I'm casting into the wind

[TNBassin']

So what's the difference between the 200e6 and the 201e6? On BPS' site, the specs are the same. EDIT: Never mind. Guess it's retrieve options?

[deep]

^^ 200 is the right-hand retrieve reel. 201 is a lefty.

[rockchalk06]

Deeps right. Evens are rightys and odds are lefties. The 7 is a burner, 6 med and 5 for cranking.

Your a south paw correct? I'f so it would be 201E6

[21farms]

I'll start with the bent handles. It has nothing to do with Daiwa- they had nothing to do with inventing it.

????????

 

daiwa introduced them to US consumers on a few of their reels starting in june 2007, calling it a 'swept' handle. swept handles first appeared in the first JDM zillions in late 2006. daiwa claims it is their innovation, TT acknowledges daiwa introduced it and i remember when they first came out.