JDM items help me understand

[Fishin' Fool]

Many of you guys have mentioned making purchases of JDM items (rods/reels) which as of yesterday I didn't understand stood for Japanese Domestic Market (or merchandise). What are the advantages of buying JDM? Is it cheaper? Is it better made? It sounds there are warranty issues when you go that route. 

[FloridaFishinFool]

JDM means two different things, but both related: JDM = Japan Domestic Market, and JDM = Japan Domestic Model.

From Wikipedia:

The term "Japanese domestic market" (JDM, also "Japanese domestic model") 

A Japan Domestic model is a product made for the Japan Domestic Market. But, non-Japan Domestic Models do make it into the Japan Domestic Market.

Generally speaking, a JDM fishing reel, or Japan Domestic Model costs more than non JDM reels. Usually there are fewer of them, and they are often believed to be manufactured to a higher standard of quality.

Another issue is that Japanese fishing reels made for sale in the USA have to conform to copyright protection laws, but the Japanese can and do make Japan domestic model products for themselves that include copyright protected features that they can not market in the USA.

So sometimes fishermen in the USA seek out the Japan Domestic Models especially if it has features not available on models the same company is shipping to the USA.

It is the same in the auto manufacturing as well. American versions of Japanese vehicles are tailored to American roads, needs, and wants, while JDM vehicles are tailored for Japan roads and market with softer suspension and smoother ride type of thing for an example.

My point to this post is to not confuse a Japan Domestic Model with all that is sold within the Japan Domestic Market because they do import and also out source a lot of their manufacturing.

There is a general belief that a JDM is actually made in Japan, but these days that simply is no longer the whole truth. As I recall, Japan has to adhere to a certain percentage of the parts in a product to declare it is still a JDM product. So even though you get a reel from Japan is no guarantee that it truly is a JDM. The gears and internal parts could have been made in Malaysia or Philippines.

[bassbassontherange]

Not trying to speak for everyone here, but the way I see it there are three main reasons to buy JDM.

1-Some reels aren't available in the USA, so if you want that reel, you have to buy it from Japan.

2-Some reels can be had cheaper if you buy from Japan because of the exchange rate.

3-Some models, like the US Curado and the JDM Scorpion are very similar, almost identical. BUT, the Scorpion sure looks cool, doesn't it? Enthusiasts, like myself, buy fishing stuff because it's just cool sometimes. There's no practical reason to buy a Scorpion over a Curado if they're both easily available, I just... want one, or five.

As far as warranty goes, you're not going to be covered buy a warranty in the US if you buy JDM. That's fine with me since I take decent care of my stuff and have never had a single issue. If it's parts you need, you can still get them. Most Shimano reels are popular enough you won't have a problem with that.

[Logan S]

With the exchange rate, it can be significantly cheaper to buy from Japan...Especially on the higher end stuff.  Plus there is the 'cool' factor of having something not many others have.  The Japanese retailers have excellent shipping service, packages via EMS are typically at your door in 3 or 4 days at the most.  Some sites offer that shipping for free, others charge anywhere from $12-$20 depending on what you buy.  

Look at the price of a Metanium or other high end reel on TW and then look at the price on Digitaka or Japan Lure Shop....Easy to see why many are going the Japan route.  

[dave]

A few years ago,  I owned a Shimano Castaic (USDM) and Scorpion Quickfire (JDM).   The Scorpion just felt smoother and more refined.  I did not go into looking up the tolerances.  The JDM just had a nicer feel to it.  It wasn't just me,  when I let friends fish with them,  they said the same thing.

I also have a JDM Calcutta 100D.  It has an easily accessible side plate for brake adjustments that the USDM doesn't.

[Maico1]

In a nut shell the Japanese have a tendency to keep the best for themselves , if you compare a JDM model reel to a USA model you will see what I mean. Not to confuse you but there are reels coming over now that are the same (i.e.13 Shimano Antares). So to some regard you have to watch and see what will come over and what will not like the new Antares DC for example. The best thing you can do is google JDM Fishing and start to educate yourself and ask questions about things you do not understand. Believe me it can be a fun trip to take while you learn more about their approach to our shared sport of fishing . 

The other big thing to me is lures/baits of all kinds hard to soft , crank baits , topwater, bugs you get my point. Check them out and you will be amazed to see what is available . Color is a big thing to me as over the years I have found that JDM color schemes work best for me. And again they keep the best for themselves so have some fun checking it out and see if it is for you. 

[Maico1]

2 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Many of you guys have mentioned making purchases of JDM items (rods/reels) which as of yesterday I didn't understand stood for Japanese Domestic Market (or merchandise). What are the advantages of buying JDM? Is it cheaper? Is it better made? It sounds there are warranty issues when you go that route. 

Sent you a PM......

[Fishin' Fool]

5 minutes ago, Maico1 said:

Sent you a PM......

Thanks for the information.  I really appreciate it.

[David Whitaker]

Welcome to the dark side Fishin' Fool.. The JDM side. Once you go JDM there's no looking back..

[Fishin' Fool]

1 minute ago, David Whitaker said:

Welcome to the dark side Fishin' Fool.. The JDM side. Once you go JDM there's no looking back..

I'm afraid!!  I've spent too much money this offseason as it is. 

[David Whitaker]

Just now, Fishin' Fool said:

I'm afraid!!  I've spent too much money this offseason as it is. 

That's why it's the dark side! I love JDM to death. It screams quality and it is. The price tag ain't pretty but it's so worth it. 

[FloridaFishinFool]

5 minutes ago, David Whitaker said:

Welcome to the dark side Fishin' Fool.. The JDM side. Once you go JDM there's no looking back..

Yep! You are crossing over to the dark side! 

 

 

[Fishin' Fool]

Lol!  

I almost blew my Coke out of my nose looking at that post.

[Raul]

Not always JDM is "better" than USDM so you better really check out when on the look of that theoretically "uber" stuff.

[EllisJuan]

Buying a JDM reel is just the first step down a slippery slope.  Wait until you start looking around http://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/ .  I have almost as much in upgrades and bling on my Metanium as I paid for the reel...lol.  

But seriously, how hot is this???

[Fishin' Fool]

17 minutes ago, EllisJuan said:

Buying a JDM reel is just the first step down a slippery slope.  Wait until you start looking around http://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/ .  I have almost as much in upgrades and bling on my Metanium as I paid for the reel...lol.  

But seriously, how hot is this???

EllisJuan I could totally see you hosting "Pimp my reel".

[David Whitaker]

21 hours ago, EllisJuan said:

Buying a JDM reel is just the first step down a slippery slope.  Wait until you start looking around http://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/ 

I can't wait to get my Cork and EVA slim knobs from hedgehog ? I love both materials for handles rather than stock for any reel. And I'm kind of a freak when it comes to color matching (and material matching) so I'm gonna match the material of the reel knob to the handle of my Rod. On the reels on my Loomis rods I'm gonna put cork knobs and on my reels on my Zodias rods I'm using EVA. Also color matching the knob cap ? I'm looking at the "Yumeta" and the "Avail" brand knobs.