Brand Loyalty

[Darren.]

Loyal to an extent. I was loyal to Shimano rods and reels, until I tried St. Croix rods. I became somewhat enamored with certain Daiwa reels (Lexa).

 

Perhaps I really like Japanese-made reels, not sure. Money is limited for me, so when I've been able to jump on a Chronarch, or an Avid, I did. Those are premium, and worth every penny, IMO.

[flyfisher]

When it comes to fly rods i am pretty brand loyal with Sage and i do own a couple St Croix as well.  As far as fly reels, i have my likes but no real loyalty and have owned or currently own, Ross, Galvan, Lamson. SA and Sage.

 

For conventional gear i have kind of settled mostly with shimano reels and St Croix and Kistler rods.  Mainly because i know what i am getting and the warranty is pretty good.

 

There are certain rods i won't even consider because of previous experiences.

[RyneB]

i usually stick with Abu reels. But I own a Daiwa and 2 Shimanos. I just prefer Abus. As far as rods, I have several different brands. Kistler, Phenix, Skeets, Abus, Ducketts, BPS, and St. Croix. I like them all for different reasons.

[Scott F]

I've bought nothing but Quantum spinning reels for the last 10 years. Now that they changed a couple of (to me) important features, I won't be buying Quantums anymore.

[SirSnookalot]

I've yet to own a stradic that hasn't needed some kind of repair, but I still think it's about the best reel in it's class and I'm sure I'll buy another.

The Daiwa lexa 3000 has got me thinking, it may fit my bill for my next purchase, the price is attractive I did see it on Amazon for $99 and my tierra is a nice reel.

For some unexplanable reason both my tierra and stradics seem to develop a line stacking problem after the 2nd or 3 rd respool, nothing overly serious, I've shimmed the heck out of the stadics.

[0119]

Snook, Ive found the Lexa 2500 and 3000 Spinners to be as smooth as the more expensive Stradics.  The finish is much more durable.  I think you'll be happy.

[Sam]

Yes, I would buy the other brand and have done so in the past.

 

This is why I have a nice collection of various manufacturers' rods.

[Greeneye8181]

I love Shimano reels but the rods don't do it for me.

Love Daiwa reels but never used a Daiwa rod. I like Abu reels but never used a rod.

I like Kistler rods especially the KLX. I used to spend 200-300 on a rod but now I try to stay under 200. I personally think the KLX is a game changer when it comes to pricing rods.

St.Croix is awesome. I have a Xtreme and it's the best rod I've ever used. GLoomis is great too but I feel it's a littler overrated. That pretty much sums it up for me.

[thehooligan]

Im pretty loyal to shimano for rods & reels. I've tried other companies but shimano always seems to work the best for me. I have considered trying megabass rods in the future. I'm a little open to other baitcasters, specifically daiwa, but for spinners only shimano. From the stradic to the Stella, there the best reels made.

[kickerfish1]

Im pretty loyal to shimano for rods & reels. I've tried other companies but shimano always seems to work the best for me. I have considered trying megabass rods in the future. I'm a little open to other baitcasters, specifically daiwa, but for spinners only shimano. From the stradic to the Stella, there the best reels made.

Megabass rods are really nice but its the versatility that makes them even more special. Recentaly acquired a new Orochi XX rod and it is stellar for the pricepoint. The casting distance is better than any rod I have fished and the sensitivity is on par with rods in its class if not better. Throw in the looks, attention to detail and unique blanks and they are among the best availableto anglers today. I know you enjoy your spinning rods but if you ever explore a few casting rods give me a shout. I maybe able to help a bit...

[thehooligan]

Megabass rods are really nice but its the versatility that makes them even more special. Recentaly acquired a new Orochi XX rod and it is stellar for the pricepoint. The casting distance is better than any rod I have fished and the sensitivity is on par with rods in its class if not better. Throw in the looks, attention to detail and unique blanks and they are among the best availableto anglers today. I know you enjoy your spinning rods but if you ever explore a few casting rods give me a shout. I maybe able to help a bit...

 

Only thing holding me back from the orochi is the cork, im an eva fan. 

 

Two rods ive been looking forever for is the 6'10 mh cumulus casting and 6'10 ml cumulus spinning rod. These two are almost impossible to find anymore. 

 

If i got those two id probally sell off some of my shimanos im not using. I have two 6'5 cumulus rods, and my 6'3 cumara and elite tech smallie rod. These guys have been sitting on the rack. All ive used this season so far have been my 4 6'8 cumaras. I love these rods.

[kickerfish1]

I have (4) 1st generation cumara rods. Two spinning and 2 casting. They were purchased new for well under $200 and a few were right at $100. These are rods that I will never part with as they are some of the finest rods I have used all things considered. Haven't fished any of the 6'8 models as mine are all 7'2 but I would imagine they would balance even better with some of today's lighter weight reels.

I also have the 6'10 casting model of the cumulus. I haven't fished the spinning rod equivalent, but I am sure it is an impressive rod.

The only way I would get a new cumara is if something happened to one of mine. I prefer the looks and handles over the latest offerings.

[thehooligan]

I have (4) 1st generation cumara rods. Two spinning and 2 casting. They were purchased new for well under $200 and a few were right at $100. These are rods that I will never part with as they are some of the finest rods I have used all things considered. Haven't fished any of the 6'8 models as mine are all 7'2 but I would imagine they would balance even better with some of today's lighter weight reels.

I also have the 6'10 casting model of the cumulus. I haven't fished the spinning rod equivalent, but I am sure it is an impressive rod.

The only way I would get a new cumara is if something happened to one of mine. I prefer the looks and handles over the latest offerings.

 

Yea, i like the looks of the first gen better. But the new one is a bit lighter and i actually like the reel seat better. Not sure about the micros yet though. Does look really nice with the new ci4+ on there though, lol.

 

I have two first gen casting, the 6'8 m & 6'8 m x-fast. Then two 6'8 spinning. A 1st gen 6'8 m, and 2nd gen 6'8 mh. If i pick up the new chronarch then ill have 4 combos to play with and might sell off all my other rods.... Just scared if i let my cumulus rods go that ill be able to find the models i want in the future....

[mikeeasttn]

I used Shimano Crucial Rods and still do my older ones. When they went to the split handle(not full cork) I went to custom built rods when I wanted or needed a new rod.

The custom rods are great but would go back to Shimano in a second if they would only start putting full cork on their swimbait rods and crank rods once again.

As to reels started out with the Ambassedeur round reels and now and using Shimano reels up to the point of having a Calais 100 and 200.

Recently have started using Daiwa reels and am starting to buy more of them. I like the Zillions for swimbaits with braid line and P-Line for crankbaits. Have noticed I am using the Daiwa's more and more.

[WiregrassRiverRat]

I dont know that I am brand specific so much as I know what I dont want... There are a bunch of brand Xs that I wouldnt buy based off of track record and review.. and feel.. and components etc.. doesnt make me closed minded.. just like durable tested and smooth 

[DaveT63]

I love my St Croix rods, and they are generally what I use most.  But I have had no problem buying and fishing other brands like Loomis, Falcon, or Powell when I find a good deal on one.  90% of my rods I've bought used from this or another forum at great prices.  If I want something, I just check the boards.  It will pop up sooner or later at a price I can afford.  This helps combat brand loyalty!

[lmbfisherman]

Only thing holding me back from the orochi is the cork, im an eva fan. 

 

Two rods ive been looking forever for is the 6'10 mh cumulus casting and 6'10 ml cumulus spinning rod. These two are almost impossible to find anymore. 

 

If i got those two id probally sell off some of my shimanos im not using. I have two 6'5 cumulus rods, and my 6'3 cumara and elite tech smallie rod. These guys have been sitting on the rack. All ive used this season so far have been my 4 6'8 cumaras. I love these rods.

I found the 6'10 ML two Friday's ago, had it in hand....I almost pulled the trigger, but stopped myself as I was purchasing a CI4+ and Cumulus MH/XF 7'1 to match with it, it was on clearance too.  I probably should've just nabbed it.  ($219)

[BassinLou]

I am also a St. Croix fan, however in the past when I get a nice new reel, my budget does not allow me to get higher end St. Croix, so I have settled on Carbon-lites, to complete the set. They are nice rods.

[lmbfisherman]

I'm not sure I'm "Brand Loyal", but I own a lot of Shimano products.  I'm also finding I enjoy the Fenwick lines a lot, I've decided between Shimano/G Loomis and Fenwick, between both manufacturers, I find they offer Power/Action that I like to fish with.  However, I will never give up that 1 Avid - 6'6" M/F, for some reason I find this rod to be my favorite Topwater/Jerkbait rod.  Don't know what it is, but to me it fishes these two techniques perfectly. 

 

Here's the breakdown of my current arsenal:

 

Rods - 11 Shimano - 2 Crucials, 3 Compres, 2 Cumaras, 1 Cumulus, 1 Clarus, 1 V Rod, Bob Izumi Edition Rod

           5 G Loomis - 3 GLX, 1 GL2 and 1 Custom

           4 Fenwick - 2 Elite Tech Smallmouth 2 Aetos

           1 St Croix - Avid

           I own 1 of each - Daiwa (T Rod), Abu Garcia (Veritas), Airrus (Ultra XL), BPS Pro Qualifier Tournament

 

(After posting, I'm thinking it's time to sell or get rid of the odds and ends!)

 

Reels - 15 Shimanos

            2 Abu Garcia

            4 BPS 

            2 Daiwa Lexa

           1 Quantum Energy

 

I'm definitely a Shimano guy when it comes to reels.

[thehooligan]

I found the 6'10 ML two Friday's ago, had it in hand....I almost pulled the trigger, but stopped myself as I was purchasing a CI4+ and Cumulus MH/XF 7'1 to match with it, it was on clearance too. I probably should've just nabbed it. ($219)

Could you give me the name of the shop that has that cumulus, thanks

[lmbfisherman]

Could you give me the name of the shop that has that cumulus, thanks

It is a local shop up here in Ontario, Canada.  Did you still want the info?  If so, I will pm you. 

[thehooligan]

It is a local shop up here in Ontario, Canada. Did you still want the info? If so, I will pm you.

Sure, I'd be interested to know if they would ship down here. Thanks

[Mitch G.]

I've been doing this as long as most of you, and after yrs and yrs. I have settled w/ St. Croix Rods.....These rods are definately,imo, the best rods around for the price, fishability, and great customer service in case of any problems/replacements......The versatility of the rods as well makes these an excellent choice for my needs.....And I have chosen Quantum for my reels.....I know alot of you are thinking, "Really, they suck", but I guess I'm lucky....I maintain all my reels during the off and throughout thefishing year....I fish hard, often and am not the careful w/ my stuff...in other words, I beat my stuff up pretty good, and besides replacing the bail springs once in a while and maybe a bent bail, these reels have done me good.......

 

I have used my buddies Shimanos and also Pinnacles and these are great reels as well....his Pinnacle casting reel(not sure which one) casts a MILE!!!

[Capt.Bob]

I am not brand loyal, I am loyal to the brand that offers the most and takes care of their customers the best. After nearly 50 years trying and using everything out there and working with most Customer Service Dept, of most,,,,,,,there are a few I would never buy again!! Most have been great and if they offered anything special I would try it in an instant. I don't buy anything anymore just because the price is cheaper. The product has to be better, my 3 sons are raised and have been gone for some time now and it's time to smell the roses.

 

There are Exceptions,,,,, St. Croix would be the only rod company I would turn to for a few reasons,,,,no one offers more variety for any situation, if I wanted a rod they don't make, I assure you they a have a blank to cover that, and I have a very good custom builder that makes owning the best available very inexpensive, then there is their CS,,,,,,none better anywhere,,,,,,plus no one offers more options to upgrade or replace there older models, and I have used most everything out their and found nothing more durable with close to the same sensitivity!!!

 

Reels for almost 25 I have found no one offering more for close to the same money than Shimano, a little over 2 years ago, I found what,,,,I feel was more reel for less money after trying a couple new low profile baitcasters,  when it comes to spinning gear, many seem close when new but 4 or 5 years down the road, the difference is obvious, if that changes I will, but right now there are none. 

[Grantman83]

I entered into fishing pretty recently and in my OCD fanaticism bought alittle of every rod and reel company.  Rod wise I have become totally loyal to Dobyns not only because I love their rods but because any issues I have had were promptly handled with no cost to me.  I chipped some guides on some of their rods from loading them into my car.  Each time I called, I got Richard and was promptly shipped guides for free, no questions asked.  I have never broken their rods but if I do, $60 will cover me. 

 

That being said, I do have 2 zillion rods and 1 veritas which just work for what I want them too.  Dobyns doesn't have any short rods and the 6'3 medium zillion I have is perfect for what I use it for.  Loyalty to Dobyns has given them several thousand dollars but that doesn't mean I won't get something that may fit a particular need, especially if I can get a deal.  I got those zillions for 50 bucks each.  As for the other rods I tried, I never had a serious issue with any company and I have had a few of each.  I feel there is a multitude of good, quality product out there which lends itself to every angler. 

 

Reels wise, I am much more open.  Again, there are a wide variety of companies which offer good things.  I have been lucky enough to delve into some of the higher cost stuff and as such Daiwa has more options.  However, they don't have my "loyalty" because I am the one who has spent the money.  I haven't had any issues with their products however.  As for a lower cost but great value, Lew's is where its at.  I have 3 of their reels and owned many more.  If I were ever forced to sell my higher stuff, it would be Lew's I would go to again.  I have had some shimanos and sold them.  Not that they weren't good, they just weren't what I preferred.  However, I have a Chronarch D which is probably my favorite reel.

 

The main idea is to keep it open and find what works for you