Used Shimano

[GaterB]

Why does it seem that every brand EXCEPT Shimano seems to offer specials, discounts, or price reduction for used or older models of gear? As a young angler just beginning to get serious about bass fishing, I have been trying out different brands of baitcasters for the past couple of years now. I use or have used Lew's, Abu, Quantum, BPS, and Daiwa reels. Most of these I was able to acquire used or during a discount/sale. I do not like buying baitcasters at retail cost, because so many of them can be had for less if one takes the time to look around. I just graduated from college, so money is a concern for me at this point in my life. It has taken time to acquire my equipment, and I do not make a purchase carelessly. All of that being said, I have searched high and low for a Shimano Chronarch for around the $150-$160 mark. I got my Lew's Tournament Pro, and Quantum Smoke in that range, and a member here gave me a great deal on my Revo SX. The Chronarch was actually going to be my first higher end baitcaster when I started my collection, but I never was satisfied with a price. Part of that is my fault, because I just don't want to shell out the cash. However, I would think that EVENTUALLY a deal would come along that I could act on. One hasn't. So, this is a question to all: Does the bargain Chronarch exist, and if so where do I find it? I know that there are a lot of Shimano fans on this site, so I'm hoping someone will have an answer.

 

P.S. I am speaking about the E series Chronarchs that replaced the older Curados. I never was a fan of the green machine even though I always hear about how great they were/are.

[iabass8]

black friday sales will put them at 160 but not any lower through a few vendors but not all.

[Zimmer Man]

eBay is your friend. I bought a 50e for a little over 150$. With a little cleaning and lube it has been a great reel!

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Check your local yardsales...you can find lots goodies

[basshole8190]

I have a chronarch 200e5 in you're price range in the flea market

[GaterB]

I have a chronarch 200e5 in you're price range in the flea market

 

I appreciate it but at the moment I can't buy any more gear--gotta save as much as possible for gas and books. I hope you don't but if you still have it in a month or so you'll probably hear from me!

[Pavo]

I was told a by a fishing buddy of mine he found a old stock of chronarch D for 100 each and he snaged them and sold them locally but i know it was luck i think. but i cant find anything shimano wise for a about 140-160 that i want, but im waiting till black friday. if nothing i'll be yardsaling for a good shimano

[SirSnookalot]

It's the way Shminano is.  I've been wanting to buy some more Shimano waxwing lures, I have found no place that sells them less than MSRP.

[Sam]

Gator, be patient and wait for 1) the Black Friday sales after Thanksgiving Day at your local BPS or Cabela's; 2) Christmas sales; or 3) the spring sales in February and March.

 

Good luck and let us know if you find one in your price range and where you secured it.

[Bluebasser86]

Give it a year or two and Shimano will redo them and you can get them from stores at discontinued price, at least that's been my experience in the past. I have several E series Curados, I didn't pay more than $125 for any of them and they were all new when I bought them. 

[new2BC4bass]

Consider used then.  I've bought Chronarch 100A and 100B reels for $125 in very good shape.  None of them were green. 

[GaterB]

Thanks everybody. Makes me feel better that I'm not the only one who has noticed this. Hopefully soon I'll be able to give a Shimano a try, and find out why so many people won't use anything else!

[J Francho]

More than a year ago, I was able to pick up discontinued Curado E for around $70 and Citica E for $55.  I sold a dozen or so of each here, passing the savings on to members.  If you can't find deals, you aren't looking hard enough.  As for not using anything else, I have twice as many Daiwa reels as Shimano.  They both hold their resale value well, and are very durable.  Another nod will go to Pinnacle.  Where many companies have switched to nylon parts, Pinnacle uses metal, just like Shimano and Daiwa.  Their new middle and high end gear rivals both makers in quality and performance.  You can also find great deals on their gear.

[roadwarrior]

I recently bought a Pinnacle Optimus XLT from one of our members on the Flea Market.

The majority of my Shimanos were puchased from members as well.

[MediumHeavy]

More than a year ago, I was able to pick up discontinued Curado E for around $70 and Citica E for $55.  I sold a dozen or so of each here, passing the savings on to members.  If you can't find deals, you aren't looking hard enough.  As for not using anything else, I have twice as many Daiwa reels as Shimano.  They both hold their resale value well, and are very durable.  Another nod will go to Pinnacle.  Where many companies have switched to nylon parts, Pinnacle uses metal, just like Shimano and Daiwa.  Their new middle and high end gear rivals both makers in quality and performance.  You can also find great deals on their gear.

 

Shimano, like Daiwa, have built a reputation for quality and a solid fan base over many years for the reasons J Francho stated. The same can be said for Shimano's other product arenas, such as cycling parts. Once you get to a certain level, the $100 price point (like many other companies), the reels are typically pretty good. That's a generalization, not taking into account personal preference, of course. 

 

But, like everyone said, hit the right sales at the right times, the flea market here, ebay, and of course when they roll out new product lines to replace others, and you can get reels at a discount. I don't know if they're replacing any current line, but Shimano does have some new reels for the US market to be unveiled in October.