Differences In Equipment By Global Region?

[Preytorien]

So I'm a Shimano-head.....they have websites that are different based on regions. Are the reels the same (other than unit measurements) from region to region, or are there differences? I can't imagine they make different products for alternative areas of the globe, but the sites don't always have the same features/specs on the same model of reel. I'm thinking of buying a reel from overseas (not China) as the dollar conversion makes it a bit cheaper, but the region's website lists slightly different specs.

 

Any ideas?

[Raul]

Same could be the same with a different name other times it´s not, a lot of times Shimano has the same base reel with different versions and those features are encoded in the reel model, take an example:

 

US Stradic = JP Biomaster

 

The catch here is that the Biomaster unlike the Stradic had three different speed versions ( PG= power gear, regular and HG=high gear ) plus two spool depths ( S=shallow, regular depth spool had no denomination ); that meant while Shimano US only offered only 4 different sizes Shimano Japan offered much more options: 4 sizes, 3 speeds and 2 spool depths, so you could en up with something like this: Shimano US Stradic 1000 while having a Shimano JP Biomaster 1000 PGS, the reel size is the same but the gearing and spool depth are completely different.

 

You may not imagine they make different products for alternative areas of the globe but they do.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Shimano has more diff bike component regions than they do reel regions ♡

[John G]

You're making this way more difficult than it needs to be. Just go to Japan Lure Shop or any of the other stores that sell JDM reels and buy the Shimano that you want and you are guaranteed to get a JDM Shimano. If you need a list of the JDM stores, just ask.

[coak]

I sir, would like a list.

[John G]

I know of

Japan Lure Shop

Digitaka

Japan Tackle

Japan Angler

Bass JP

Plat

Samurai Tackle

Ichiban Tackle

Hedgehog Studios for dress up and performance parts. Other sellers also sell dress up and performance parts.

There are JDM reel dealers on eBay too.

The guys over at Tackle Tour mention a place called Tackleberry but I believe that it is a lot different in that they do not ship to the U.S..

Last that I know of is Rakuten. Dwight Hottle told me that it is the Amazon of the Far East. The addy that you want to use is

global.rakuten.com/en

I have personally used Plat, Japan Tackle, Bass JP, Japan Lure Shop, Samurai Tackle and I have bought from various JDM sellers on eBay.

[tomustang]

Yes there's differences, most are slight and hard to notice, others are obvious.

Gear ratios and handle/knob sizes are two big differences that go unnoticed. Things like bearing counts and name of the products are very well seen.

So keep an eye on the details and specs

[coak]

I know of

Japan Lure Shop

Digitaka

Japan Tackle

Japan Angler

Bass JP

Plat

Samurai Tackle

Ichiban Tackle

Hedgehog Studios for dress up and performance parts. Other sellers also sell dress up and performance parts.

There are JDM reel dealers on eBay too.

The guys over at Tackle Tour mention a place called Tackleberry but I believe that it is a lot different in that they do not ship to the U.S..

Last that I know of is Rakuten. Dwight Hottle told me that it is the Amazon of the Far East. The addy that you want to use is

global.rakuten.com/en

I have personally used Plat, Japan Tackle, Bass JP, Japan Lure Shop, Samurai Tackle and I have bought from various JDM sellers on eBay.

Thanks for taking the time to provide a list, sir.

[John G]

Your welcome

[Preytorien]

Shimano has more diff bike component regions than they do reel regions ♡

 

I see that. I don't know why though, I've ordered plenty of XTR and Dura Ace 7900 parts from all over the globe and never had to worry about differing specs, sizes, or measurements. 

[hatrix]

I know of

Japan Lure Shop

Digitaka

Japan Tackle

Japan Angler

Bass JP

Plat

Samurai Tackle

Ichiban Tackle

Hedgehog Studios for dress up and performance parts. Other sellers also sell dress up and performance parts.

There are JDM reel dealers on eBay too.

The guys over at Tackle Tour mention a place called Tackleberry but I believe that it is a lot different in that they do not ship to the U.S..

Last that I know of is Rakuten. Dwight Hottle told me that it is the Amazon of the Far East. The addy that you want to use is

global.rakuten.com/en

I have personally used Plat, Japan Tackle, Bass JP, Japan Lure Shop, Samurai Tackle and I have bought from various JDM sellers on eBay.

Rakuten is not a Amazon type site. It's is basically just a buying search engine that only returns results for Japanese listings. It's ok but not great as it only searches a handful of different sites and only those sites. It doesn't always show every listing either. There are better engines and sites out there besides ones you listed.

To the OP they for sure make different reels ect depending on location. The JDM stuff is always so nice. The US get the garbage while they keep all the gems. Some reels can be the same though or just have a different name and color.

A great example is a Daiwa millionaire. If you are familiar with the US models they are relatively cheap. Starting digging through the Japanese ones and it all changes when you find ones that cost $500-600 and are some of the nicest reels you will ever see.

[Preytorien]

I just go to Shimano US, UK, AU, and while the model numbers are the same, the pages are just formatted differently and list features differently. I know the JDM versions are different, I'm not specifically talking about JDM, just mostly US vs AUS vs UK

If the model numbers are identical I would think the models are identical

[John G]

There are better engines and sites out there besides ones you listed.

Well if you know of a better site to buy JDM reels than Japan Lure Shop, why don't you do everyone here a favor and mention it.

[hatrix]

Well if you know of a better site to buy JDM reels than Japan Lure Shop, why don't you do everyone here a favor and mention it.

I really wish I could tell everyone some of these places. In all honesty way to many people come on this site and read stuff. Some places are to good and not easily found that's and a huge influx of peole would ruin it.

I am sorry

[John G]

I really wish I could tell everyone some of these places. In all honesty way to many people come on this site and read stuff. Some places are to good and not easily found that's and a huge influx of peole would ruin it.

I am sorry

LOL