Josh Smith Posted June 28, 2014 Posted June 28, 2014 Hi Folks, I'd like to know if there's a list of these anywhere. I prefer to buy fishing items that are made in the country the company's in. I prefer my Abu Garcia reels, for example, to be made in Sweden. Rapala knives and lures must be made in Finland or I'm not buying 'em. The list goes on. I have several American and Swedish made reels, and the Chinese reels just don't compare in quality and feel. Function might be similar, but I'm wiling to pay more for better quality. I'd like to know which reels, especially baitcasting, are made in places OTHER THAN CHINA. Regards, Josh 1
Super User Maxximus Redneckus Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 Older baitcasters from the big 3 ..some are japan made high quality also .ardent used to make them here and i have quite a few plfeugers made in usa that still work perfect .(knuckle busters) 1
Super User aavery2 Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 Hi Folks, I'd like to know if there's a list of these anywhere. I prefer to buy fishing items that are made in the country the company's in. I prefer my Abu Garcia reels, for example, to be made in Sweden. Rapala knives and lures must be made in Finland or I'm not buying 'em. The list goes on. I have several American and Swedish made reels, and the Chinese reels just don't compare in quality and feel. Function might be similar, but I'm wiling to pay more for better quality. I'd like to know which reels, especially baitcasting, are made in places OTHER THAN CHINA. Regards, Josh What are some of the American made reels that you have?
Josh Smith Posted June 28, 2014 Author Posted June 28, 2014 What are some of the American made reels that you have? Heh, OLD, man. I'd have to look to be certain. One is a Bronson baitcasting. One is a Zebco 33. The two Abu Garcia 5000s and the one 5600MAG I have are Swedish. There's one green spincast that I think is a Bronson as well, but I'll have to look. It's in the other room and I'm lazy. The Bronson baitcaster feels more solid than a modern Quantum baitcaster. The USA-made 33 is definitely better made than Chinese-made 33s that I have handled and/or bought for others. The 5600 and 5000s are about as solid as one another, but make the Black Max 2 I own feel cheap. I enjoy getting my hands dirty and rebuilding reels, just like I do with guns and used to do with car engines. Still, having new reels sometimes feels good, and the 5600 is the newest non-Chinese reel I own. Josh
TorqueConverter Posted June 28, 2014 Posted June 28, 2014 Hi Folks, I'd like to know if there's a list of these anywhere. I prefer to buy fishing items that are made in the country the company's in. I prefer my Abu Garcia reels, for example, to be made in Sweden. Rapala knives and lures must be made in Finland or I'm not buying 'em. The list goes on. I have several American and Swedish made reels, and the Chinese reels just don't compare in quality and feel. Function might be similar, but I'm wiling to pay more for better quality. I'd like to know which reels, especially baitcasting, are made in places OTHER THAN CHINA. Regards, Josh Are American brand reels that are actually badge engineered Korean reels ok? I'm guessing not, so a made in Japan Shimano is and easy answer. You really aught to take a look at the *** reels. While they are manufactured in Korea, they are proprietary *** designs and NOT some badge engineered Korean OEM product. I wish they were American made, but they are a breath of fresh air and a step in the right direction IMO. My next reel will be a *** ***.
Super User aavery2 Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 Heh, OLD, man. I'd have to look to be certain. One is a Bronson baitcasting. One is a Zebco 33. The two Abu Garcia 5000s and the one 5600MAG I have are Swedish. There's one green spincast that I think is a Bronson as well, but I'll have to look. It's in the other room and I'm lazy. The Bronson baitcaster feels more solid than a modern Quantum baitcaster. The USA-made 33 is definitely better made than Chinese-made 33s that I have handled and/or bought for others. The 5600 and 5000s are about as solid as one another, but make the Black Max 2 I own feel cheap. I enjoy getting my hands dirty and rebuilding reels, just like I do with guns and used to do with car engines. Still, having new reels sometimes feels good, and the 5600 is the newest non-Chinese reel I own. Josh The Zebco 33 is an all time classic, if you were a kid and didn't have the opportunity to enjoy this reel, I feel like you missed an American Tradition, the 202 was not too bad either. You will have an almost impossible time finding any reel that is made in the USA, unless you can find some older Ardents. A majority of reels today are made overseas with many being made in Japan, Korea or China. It's debatable but the higher quality reels are often thought to be made in Japan.
wpwarhawk Posted June 28, 2014 Posted June 28, 2014 Daiwa Tatula - Thailand Daiwa Zillion - japan Daiwa T3 - Japan & Thailand
Super User WRB Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 Hi Folks, I'd like to know if there's a list of these anywhere. I prefer to buy fishing items that are made in the country the company's in. I prefer my Abu Garcia reels, for example, to be made in Sweden. Rapala knives and lures must be made in Finland or I'm not buying 'em. The list goes on. I have several American and Swedish made reels, and the Chinese reels just don't compare in quality and feel. Function might be similar, but I'm wiling to pay more for better quality. I'd like to know which reels, especially baitcasting, are made in places OTHER THAN CHINA. Regards, Josh If you bought a Abu reel since 2005, it's made in a China.Tom
Josh Smith Posted June 28, 2014 Author Posted June 28, 2014 If you bought a Abu reel since 2005, it's made in a China. Tom I haven't, but not necessarily. Some are made in China, but others are not. They'll say "Made in Sweden". This is why they have to be stamped one way or the other. Josh
Super User *Hootie Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 If you notice, some of the newer Ambassadeurs say, Swedish engineered, not made in Sweden. Hootie 1
Super User Tywithay Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 If you bought a Abu reel since 2005, it's made in a China. Tom The C3, C4, Record, Pro Rocket, and Morrum, are all still made in Sweden.
0119 Posted June 28, 2014 Posted June 28, 2014 If you bought a Abu reel since 2005, it's made in a China. Tom Wrong. Just most, not all 1
Super User Raul Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 . and the Chinese reels just don't compare in quality and feel. Function might be similar, but I'm wiling to pay more for better quality. What a bunch of nonsense. 3
Super User WRB Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 The C3, C4, Record, Pro Rocket, and Morrum, are all still made in Sweden.Abu is planning to re-launch making the above reels this year, 2014. There is a few Swedish made Abu reels, very, very difficult to get them, not for general public use and expensive.The OP said his reels are vintage models and they were made in Sweden. It's not easy to find fresh bass reels made in the US today, they are made China, Korea, Japan, etc. Diawa Tatula series reels are made in China, not Japan and are good solid reels. Like everyone else I would like to find a decent U S made bass reel, Ardent was but no longer. Tom
Super User Tywithay Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 Abu is planning to re-launch making the above reels this year, 2014. There is a few Swedish made Abu reels, very, very difficult to get them, not for general public use and expensive. The OP said his reels are vintage models and they were made in Sweden. It's not easy to find fresh bass reels made in the US today, they are made China, Korea, Japan, etc. Diawa Tatula series reels are made in China, not Japan and are good solid reels. Like everyone else I would like to find a decent U S made bass reel, Ardent was but no longer. Tom Tatula is made in Thailand. The newAbu reels made in Sweden are already available for purchase. Regardless of origin, I've found that quality is more directly related to design. You can make a crappy reel anywhere.
Super User Raul Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 You can make a crappy reel anywhere. Exactly.
Super User WRB Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 That is the 2nd time I made that mistake, think I would learn! The problem with China made products is materials used. I am sure the manufacturers are supplying certified metals, it getting the Chinese to use them. The difference between made in Sweden and some assembly in Sweden is a fine line. Whatever in today's world you never know what you are getting. Tom 1
Josh Smith Posted June 28, 2014 Author Posted June 28, 2014 Exactly. But you can't make a good reel just anywhere. Look, I take things apart. A lot. I have to see how they work. When I rebuilt the 5600 after it was damaged in a move, I was amazed at how well the guts were made. I looked on the sideplate and it said "Made in Sweden". It was a nice surprise for me. Likewise, the Ambassadeur 5000s. Both of them are all-metal except for one nylon gear that drives the levelwind. It appears they used nylon for this gear for a specific reason. The one truth I've found with all things made in America, Japan, and China: 1. America: It's a matter of pride. 2. Japan: It's a matter of honor. 3. China: It's a matter of making things as cheaply as possible without bathroom breaks. I might try to get some "made for Japan" models if they're not made in China. I'd like to see them. What I've found to be the differences in reels made in Sweden, the U.S., Japan, and China, is this: Sweden, Japan, and the U.S. use plastic parts if it's the best part for the job. China uses plastic parts if they can get away with it, then often paint these parts (if they can be viewed externally) to look like metal. The first time I used the Black Max thumb bar I wondered how long the thumb bar would last. The thumb bar on the 5600, on the other hand, is gray plastic, makes no pretense of being plastic, and is made very sturdy. No way it'll break. I would have nothing against stuff made in China if they would only use better parts. I would question the politics, but this is not a political forum and I'm only mentioning this because I have the same thoughts that were voiced previously. I just deleted a rant below the numbers about trade relations and wars. I'd ask that we stick to quality of reels in this discussion, though, and preferences with regard to where reels are made. So, my findings are that, taken as a group, inferior products, whatever they are, come from China. This does include fishing reels. I don't know if I've ever examined a Korean-made reel. I'd like to. The few items I've had that were made in Korea in the past were pretty acceptable to good quality. Kia started out junk, but they've been getting more impressive of late, for example. Just some thoughts. Josh 3
Josh Smith Posted June 28, 2014 Author Posted June 28, 2014 What a bunch of nonsense. I would welcome facts to back up the opinion, Sir. In fact, I would invite you to do so. For me, dissenting points-of-view are only learning opportunities, but I feel let down when the statement isn't backed up. Josh 1
Super User Scott F Posted June 28, 2014 Super User Posted June 28, 2014 China uses plastic parts if they can get away with it, then often paint these parts (if they can be viewed externally) to look like metal. The first time I used the Black Max thumb bar I wondered how long the thumb bar would last. The thumb bar on the 5600, on the other hand, is gray plastic, makes no pretense of being plastic, and is made very sturdy. No way it'll break. I own several Ambassadeur reels including a UC5600c that was made in Sweden. The only problem I ever had with any of them was a broken plastic thumb bar in that 5600 that was replaced while still under warranty.
0119 Posted June 29, 2014 Posted June 29, 2014 1. America: It's a matter of pride. 2. Japan: It's a matter of honor. 3. China: It's a matter of making things as cheaply as possible without bathroom breaks. Interesting that you mention honor. I wholeheartedly agree with you view here. Sadly in this politically correct nation, most will not agree, even if secretly they do! I wish in America, things were made with pride. I feel...feel like in my opinion..... that we here have not made anything with pride for the most part since the 60's. The very business ethic you mention China has, is modeled after America's. Sadly, with only 71 posts under your belt you probably don't know there are a few absolutes here. Never give your political view, never bad mouth shimano, never mention shopping at a none site sponsor! 4
bootytrain Posted June 29, 2014 Posted June 29, 2014 If a product is confined to a limited manufacturing price point it won't matter where its made. I've had a made in Sweden morrum zx, wasnt impressed with the build quality.
Super User Scott F Posted June 29, 2014 Super User Posted June 29, 2014 Interesting that you mention honor. I wholeheartedly agree with you view here. Sadly in this politically correct nation, most will not agree, even if secretly they do! I wish in America, things were made with pride. I feel...feel like in my opinion..... that we here have not made anything with pride for the most part since the 60's. The very business ethic you mention China has, is modeled after America's. Sadly, with only 71 posts under your belt you probably don't know there are a few absolutes here. Never give your political view, never bad mouth shimano, never mention shopping at a none site sponsor! As an American that works for a company that manufactures products here in the US and has for well over 100 years, I am insulted that you don't believe that we take great pride in the machines that we produce. Some people may not be proud of the work they do. But I've been working for the same company for 34 years and my co-workers and myself build and stand behind our products and will match them with anything made anywhere in the world.
Super User Maxximus Redneckus Posted June 29, 2014 Super User Posted June 29, 2014 Made in america is great id rather spend 150 on redwings that can be re-soled for about 8 yrs then spend 50 a yr on boots that last a yri
Super User WRB Posted June 29, 2014 Super User Posted June 29, 2014 Starting about 1980 the US shut down metal processing plants starting with steel mills, no steel is made in the US today. The Barry amendment requires stainless steel to be domestic or made in partnering countries in western Europe and Japan, if used in military products. does not apply to steel, brass or aluminum. The reason for the Berry amendment was product failures related to counterfeit SST metal. Engineering thermoplastics used in reels or any other product are no longer made in the US, they are off shore companies today. Fishing reels are not critical products, therefor no concern with what is used to manufacture them other than consumer pressure where price controls the market. If you think consumer products are US manufactured you are probably mistaken, possibly some assembly is domestic. Today's reels far exceed the legacy reels in design and performance, we are no longer in control of what we make or purchase regrading made in the USA. Tom
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