Jdm Reel Experts Help Please

[fishingman88]

So, I have been granted an awesome opportunity and will be visiting Japan in late January for about 8 days of vacation. I'll be in Tokyo most of the time and plan on visiting Sansui, Joshua, and basically whatever tackle shops are in the area.

 

Anyways, I basically want to get some advice on what 2 JDM baitcasters and what 2 JDM spinning reels I should end up purchasing while I'm there.  From what I've been told, the prices should be 20-25% lower than getting it from an online retailer who ships JDM reels to the US. 

 

In regards to the baitcasters, I'm thinking about getting 1 sub $250 baitcaster and then 1 high end baitcaster up to $500.

 

In regards to the spinning reel, I'm thinking about doing the same.

 

The high end baitcaster and spinning reel will probably be more for sentimental value (since I've always wanted to go to Japan and have a keepsake from there), but the two lower end spinning reel and baitcaster will definitely be getting their use.

 

I don't really have any missing gaps in my fishing gear right now, so I am basically just wanting an opinion on the best reel I can get in that price range

 

Thanks in advance guys!

 

Reels I'm considering: Metanium, Steez, Aldebaran, PX 68, Scorpion, Biomaster, Twin Power, another older Stella (Have a 2008 SW).

 

 

[Grantman83]

My higher end choices would be a DAIWA j-dream zillion or a t3 air. Those things look soooooo sweet.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Baitcasting: (metanium) Exsence DC, tatula 103 (if it is out by then)

Spinning: shimano twinpower 2500s, shimano complex

[Trey Harpel]

Depends what your looking to use them for..

I've got about 30 high end JDM reels so I might be able to help with dome more info..

Twin power is a very nice spinning reel.. Go that over he bio master..

Don't waste your time on the steez UNLESS it's the VERY rare ones..

Look for the megabass reels..

[JeziHogg]

Take a good look at the Shimano Aldebaran BFS

[roadwarrior]

Whatever you buy, fish it!

 

"Gently used" will hold it's value, but chances are you will love fishing the reels and never sell them.

 

 

 

 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Not an expert but youre going to Japan chance to buy a Japanese reel just make sure to get one that is "Made In Japan" not a Malaysia or Thailand made reel.

[Dwight Hottle]

I would look at an Antare or Metanium. Consider a diawa certate spinning reel along with your other spinning reel choices. 

[John G]

Shimano Conquest 50.

[baluga]

Yeah, what John said:  Conquest 50 or 100 if you need a larger capacity. 

[John G]

Isn't the Conquest lineup being discontinued?

[Dwight Hottle]

Isn't the Conquest lineup being discontinued?

 

I had not heard that. The conquest is still top of  the line in round reels.

[John G]

I had not heard that. The conquest is still top of  the line in round reels.

I read it on Tackletour. I think that I have maybe read more into it than I should have.

 

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimcalcutta12vsd.html

 

 

 

 

Yet even back then there was a Calcutta for the North American Market and one for Japan (The Calcutta XT). Earlier this year, Shimano Japan introduced the Calcutta 12. Gone was the “Conquest” name and in was a retro-looking, smaller form factor Calcutta borrowing on styling cues from the original, North American Market version of 20 years ago.

 

[bootytrain]

Lucky guy! I would get a Conquest 50DC and Vanquish, and a scorpion xt or maybe a revo ALT. But the conquest 50dc would be tops especially for the sentimental part.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Since I am in Japan now I can tell you that you will see a price decrease for JDM reels. Metaniums are currently Y26750 ($270) on sale for Christmas (yes they. Celebrate it just not for the same reason we do, or should, more just marketing buy stuff thing) scorpian xt Y15100 ($150) pixy 68r Y27650 ($270) and you can get almost any reel for $500. Here's a pic of a deps inspire diawa reel I took this past week end. Also check out these 2 stores while you are here. The second one has been extremely good to me price wise.

1. http://www.point-i.jp

2. http://www.tackleberry.co.jp

Tokyo May be different than where I am at ( southern region) but I think you will enjoy the culture and hospitality of the japanese people. Oh and the fishin gear ain't bad either. :-)

Here are some threads on my visits to the tackle stores here.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/116915-jdm-anyone-part-2/

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/127851-best-deal-yet/

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/116375-jdm-anyone/

[fishingman88]

Thanks for the input so far guys!

 

So it looks like in regards to spinning reels: Higher end reel: Twinpower  Lower end: ? Still

 

Baitcaster: I'm really liking the Conquest after doing more research on it.  I guess I am still trying to figure out whether the DC version is better. Some reviewers seemed to have preferred the non DC version, but that was not testing the DC+ version of the Conquest.  Other ones seem a little up in air, but thanks guys for the input so far.  Any more information or place I can find reviews would be much appreciated!

[Trey Harpel]

if you go conquest get the 50...Forget the DC...

If you want reels that are just plain sick..

 

Daiwa Td-ito

ANY of the Megabass IS reels

Type R+

IZE reels if you can find..

PX68 is a great reel..

[baluga]

What trey said.. Do not go for the DC... The DC is too finicky..  I got the CT 100 DC and I hardly use it.  The Conquest 50 and the Conquest 100 are a joy to use. 

[Hogsticker]

The Exsence DC is on my short list now that its available in a lefty! It would be cool if you ran across a NIB Zillion HLC

[Trey Harpel]

The Exsence DC is on my short list now that its available in a lefty! It would be cool if you ran across a NIB Zillion HLC

 

Ive got 2 HLCs is you want to pry them from my cold dead hands...LOL

[bootytrain]

All the reports from actual owners of the Conquest 50DC is that they love it. It should cast farther and have a stronger drag than the regular 50. Plus the DC whine.

[J Francho]

I didn't have any issues fishing with Maico's 50 DC, though he set it up.

 

As for the OP, I'd be looking for rare lefty models, for resale here in the US.

[fishingman88]

I didn't have any issues fishing with Maico's 50 DC, though he set it up.

 

As for the OP, I'd be looking for rare lefty models, for resale here in the US.

 

I'll be on the lookout for lefty models that might be good collector's items   Any recommendations? 

 

I'm still torn in between the non-DC and DC version of the Conquest though.  It seems that fishermen are half and half on whether they like the DC system or not.  I'm almost tempted to pick up both versions....

 

On the other hand, the Daiwa Zillion HLC...If I run across one, then I'll be sure to pick it up.  I'm fearful of walking into these tackle shops now....So tantalizing to just buy 10+ reels. 

 

I'll be doing some more research as time gets closer, but if anyone else has additional resources or input, it is much appreciated.

[bigreddog]

For spinning reels:

 

Higher End: Evergreen Opus-1 (or Opus-1 Nero for a slightly less expensive option)

Lower End: Shimano Cardiff CI4+ c2000ss

 

For baitcasters:

 

Higher End: Megabass LIN 10 (or Daiwa T3 Air if you want the ultimate finesse BC)

Lower End: Shimano Exsence DC 

[bootytrain]

Cardiff 50DC! Don't forget that one