Tackle reviews

[Mobasser]

Years ago, before the internet was widely available it was different buying fishing tackle. A rod/ reel may have been recommended by someone or you bought it because it was a trusted brand. Tackle shops pushed the brand's they carried. Now, we can scrutinize every type of rod , reel, or bait available through the internet. I read reviews of products too. It's a way to learn more about them, before you fork out your hard earned cash. Last winter, I bought my grandson a Shimano Sienna spinning reel. For the most part reviews are good on this reel, but not all. One was extreme. Don't buy this, cheap junk, poor quality, not enough bearings, and on and on. I wonder how many times this guy actually used this product, or if he is just paid to give reviews, or really doesn't even know how to fish very well! Looking through our notes, Aiden landed 63 bass with that reel this summer. Not one problem. The reel will be good to go next year, with a clean and light oiling. I think it's much better to ask on this forum, or talk to someone who has actually used the products in all scenarios. And how long they actually used it, and how often. You can never really tell how a product will perform based on one fishing trip. Anyone else wonder about reviews? Are you skeptical of them?

[Hulkster]

esp. baitcasting reel reviews. it seems a lot of people have no idea what they are doing when it comes to casting and blame it on the reel. youtube is full of reviews like this.

 

no, your reel is fine. learn how to adjust it.

[Deleted account]

Yeah the person doing the review could be a 13 year old who's been fishing 3 months or a professional angler with 30+ years experience (or Kanye), and everything in between, so yeah,...

[Mobasser]

3 minutes ago, reason said:

Yeah the person doing the review could be a 13 year old who's been fishing 3 months or a professional angler with 30+ years experience (or Kanye), and everything in between, so yeah,...

I Agree

[Boogey Man]

It honestly depends on who's doing the review. If it looks like plan ol' John Doe just doing a review to share information, I might pay a little more attention. But if it's someone who stands to gain something or has some time of financial link to the product...not so much 

[LionHeart]

Nothing I enjoy more than reading (better yet watching) a thorough, objective review.  I find it interesting to see what the reviewer likes or dislikes and why.  A YouTube channel I love watching is "KeepingitReelFishing."

 

This guy gives some of the most honest and complete video reviews I've ever seen.

 

I get what you're saying though, about getting so many conflicting reviews on a product.  Try reading reviews about a dang washing machine.  It'll make you afraid to buy any of them.

[Russ E]

the reviews that I can't watch are rod and reel box opening reviews.

they open a box and rave about how good or bad it is, without even putting any line on it or casting it.

 

in my opinion a good review is someone abusing it in the field. Then showing the results.

[Backroad Angler]

The best thing you can do is get your hands on the product whether that's going to the store, or asking a friend/family member to test it out if they got it lol. But nowadays it's a gamble and you got a 50/50 shot when ordering online if you gonna like or not. Honestly I usually like finding reviews on tackletour as they do a pretty good job most of the time.

 

[Mobasser]

2 hours ago, Russ E said:

the reviews that I can't watch are rod and reel box opening reviews.

they open a box and rave about how good or bad it is, without even putting any line on it or casting it.

 

in my opinion a good review is someone abusing it in the field. Then showing the results.

These are my least favorite too. Can't prove anything by "un boxing".

8 hours ago, reason said:

Yeah the person doing the review could be a 13 year old who's been fishing 3 months or a professional angler with 30+ years experience (or Kanye), and everything in between, so yeah,...

He should start doing some reviews. That man knows everything!?

[Bluebasser86]

I agree about the unboxing videos, completely worthless. 

 

I like to hear from people I know for a fact have actually used a product and have some idea of what they're doing. Those factors combine to give what I consider a viable review of a product. One hour long trip at a neighborhood pond doesn't give an accurate review of a reel. Neither does me giving my Zillion TWS SV to someone who has no idea what they're doing and allowing them to backlash it again and again, of course they're going to think it's junk, they don't know what they're doing and it can't possibly be their fault. 

 

There's also a lot of very bias reviews out there and you can tell when they're either all positive or all negative. A real review is going to touch on the positive AND the negative, or at least what they'd like different about the item. If they go on and on about how great it is and have not one thing even slightly bad to say, I'm suspicious of the authenticity of their review. 

[soflabasser]

11 hours ago, Boogey Man said:

It honestly depends on who's doing the review. If it looks like plan ol' John Doe just doing a review to share information, I might pay a little more attention. But if it's someone who stands to gain something or has some time of financial link to the product...not so much 

Well said. I don't give much attention when I see some professional fisherman, pro staffer, guide, etc  saying something is great when I know they are getting paid by that company. I do pay attention to honest reviews from people who have nothing to gain and instead want to help people.

[Boomstick]

I'm skeptical of reviews, especially professional reviews where money is involved because you know they're not going to trash the product they're reviewing. Has anyone seen a professional review that said "this bait is overpriced junk that broke after my first cast when it hit the water and never caught a fish!"? What I will get from a professional review is what the product has to offer and maybe figure out what sort of conditions I would use that in. As far if it's junk or not, I wouldn't trust a paid review for that.

 

Instead, I prefer to talk to people and find out what they use and have success with instead. I also spend a lot of time following the BassResource Youtube channel because they tend to recommend what they use and have success with, clearly know what they're doing and usually try to recommend what they have success with all over the country (while they do often use other brands in their videos themselves). I picked up some lures they recommended and they all have produced rather well for me (although most of the rods and reels they use is out of my price range).

 

I also try to have a variety of certain lures on hand. With some, say swim jigs I really need about 4, a light and a dark one in 3/8oz and 1/2oz. Maybe a black or black and blue one for night, then backups. For baits like crankbaits, I'll have a lot more. I want a few medium and deep drivers, but since shallow divers see the most use I will want one with a wide wobble for spring and fall, some with a less wide wobble for summer, perhaps a tighter wobble for the spring, and then the same in a 2.5 size. Certain cranks have a unique wobble as well that can be worth trying as well.

[J Francho]

Who's paying for reviews?  I want in!  LOL!

 

We get all sorts of stuff for review, and I go out and use the stuff, and write up my impressions and results.  We're lucky here at BassResource.com that NONE of our sponsors are selling poor products.  Once in a while, we get a defective product, or find a manufacturing flaw.  It happens.  We go straight back to the company, and work with them to correct the issue.

 

My big take away from this exercise is that there isn't a ton of junk out there, even at the low end budget price points.

 

[OnthePotomac]

Wildest one I ever read on another popular fishing site was a guy who posted that he bought a Shimano Curado, used it twice and "it fell apart".  When others ask him to define "fell apart" he disappeared never to be heard from again on the site.

[Boomstick]

8 minutes ago, J Francho said:

My big take away from this exercise is that there isn't a ton of junk out there, even at the low end budget price points.

 

I generally agree with this as well. Gear and tackle has improved a long way in recent years.

[J Francho]

 

2 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

Wildest one I ever read on another popular fishing site was a guy who posted that he bought a Shimano Curado, used it twice and "it fell apart".  When others ask him to define "fell apart" he disappeared never to be heard from again on the site.

Yeah, we get similar stories here.  Bought a reel, broke first time out, never gonna buy from that company again.  Then come the excuses as to why they couldn't return their defective merchandise.  They're usually tall tales from people just looking for attention.

[Choporoz]

23 hours ago, Mobasser said:

Years ago, before the internet was widely available it was different buying fishing tackle. A rod/ reel may have been recommended by someone or you bought it because it was a trusted brand. Tackle shops pushed the brand's they carried. Now, we can scrutinize every type of rod , reel, or bait available through the internet. I read reviews of products too. It's a way to learn more about them, before you fork out your hard earned cash. Last winter, I bought my grandson a Shimano Sienna spinning reel. For the most part reviews are good on this reel, but not all. One was extreme. Don't buy this, cheap junk, poor quality, not enough bearings, and on and on. I wonder how many times this guy actually used this product, or if he is just paid to give reviews, or really doesn't even know how to fish very well! Looking through our notes, Aiden landed 63 bass with that reel this summer. Not one problem. The reel will be good to go next year, with a clean and light oiling. I think it's much better to ask on this forum, or talk to someone who has actually used the products in all scenarios. And how long they actually used it, and how often. You can never really tell how a product will perform based on one fishing trip. Anyone else wonder about reviews? Are you skeptical of them?

-So....with regards to your reel, the review 'system' apparently works, as you say most reviews were good, and your experience was positive.

-Your last question is most important.  I'm a huge fan of skepticism.  Usually across the border into cynicism.  Not just reviews, though.  The internet has made everyone a potential expert without need for credentials. 

-Reviews are still hugely important.  Ebay would never have existed without them....probably not Amazon, nor HomeAdvisor, nor much of our internet commerce.  But, as you suggest, a discriminating view is hugely important.   Real life experience with a product, should be evident in a review you trust.  And, its important to remember that every manufacturer turns out an occasional lemon...and some users aren't reasonably capable.

-Retail site reviews should be taken with a grain of salt and consider that most are written within a few days of receiving a new product -- and generally don't tell you much about experience after a few weeks, or years.   

-'Fake' reviews are a real, growing problem.  Both for and against products and services. And many of them are written well....be skeptical

-Even here there's always risk of reviews that aren't especially helpful.-- when asking for opinions, be specific as to what user experience you're looking for -- not just 'what's the best reel?'  If writing reviews and opinions here, please explain models, length/frequency of experience, conditions used (rives/lakes; SMB/LMB; etc.)

Skepticism is a good thing

 

[TOXIC]

For the most part sponsored anglers are paid to give those reviews.  But the flipside to that is why get sponsored with a product you don't use and like?  Some manufacturers flood the market with a lot of low dollar sponsorships just to create market share is why.  You get $10 off retail and get to be called prostaff as long as you create so many social media posts, write reviews on retailers, etc.  It pays to know a manufacturers sponsorship program.  

[Choporoz]

12 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

For the most part sponsored anglers are paid to give those reviews.  But the flipside to that is why get sponsored with a product you don't use and like?  Some manufacturers flood the market with a lot of low dollar sponsorships just to create market share is why.  You get $10 off retail and get to be called prostaff as long as you create so many social media posts, write reviews on retailers, etc.  It pays to know a manufacturers sponsorship program.  

Good points.  Sponsorship comes with it, some responsibility for honesty and transparency.  You are always very explicit that you are sponsored when you recommend products or give glowing reviews.  I wish all were the same...maybe it should be required in sponsorship contracts :)

[GReb]

It sucks that you can’t walk into most brick and mortar stores and hold the product anymore. The last time I went in Bass Pro they had about 6 baitcasting reels on display that weren’t their own brand. You really do have to buy blind. 

 

This is even more annoying with rods. I know what I’m getting when I order an Abu, Shimano, or daiwa reel. They generally feel the same generation to generation. However rods vary a lot. There are several rods on my shelf I would’ve never bought had they been available to handle in person 

[J Francho]

I know when I was sponsored (Wilderness Systems, AT Paddles) the policy was not to talk down about others' products, and get as much seat time in competitors' boats as possible.  This was to be able to not just be an expert in the product that sponsored you, but to be an all around expert and draw on your experiences in those other boats to make comparisons that were valid.  We were also instructed explicitly NOT to "pimp" our rides. 

[Mobasser]

I agree with all the above. They say you become more skeptical with age. Maybe that's what's going on with me! Either way- use the product - in real conditions, then post a review. I'll be a lot more apt to believe you

[J Francho]

20 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

I agree with all the above. They say you become more skeptical with age. Maybe that's what's going on with me! Either way- use the product - in real conditions, then post a review. I'll be a lot more apt to believe you

Working from this end of the forum, I've gotten REAL skeptical.  You would be surprised how many of those 10% Coupon code pro staffers' posts are removed.  They aren't here for the community or the camaraderie, just pushing up impressions for their discount.  First time post, "Ever try this bait..." posts a link to the website, lol.

[Mobasser]

1 minute ago, J Francho said:

Working from this end of the forum, I've gotten REAL skeptical.  You would be surprised how many of those 10% Coupon code pro staffers' posts are removed.  They aren't here for the community or the camaraderie, just pushing up impressions for their discount.  First time post, "Ever try this bait..." posts a link to the website, lol.

It pays to be skeptical!

[TOXIC]

2 hours ago, Choporoz said:

Good points.  Sponsorship comes with it, some responsibility for honesty and transparency.  You are always very explicit that you are sponsored when you recommend products or give glowing reviews.  I wish all were the same...maybe it should be required in sponsorship contracts

There's a very good reason for that.  EVERY company I ever approached for sponsorship was a product that I used and liked.  Yamamoto is a prime example.  I bought their baits at retail for many years.  I used them, I liked them, and I honestly believe they are the best plastic manufacturer on the market.  Is there a downside?  Sure there is and there are a lot of complaints as well.  Too expensive, too fragile.....etc.  I have dealt with those complaints for years.  I can help with rigging tips to make them last longer, I can't control the price.  Yamamoto actually wants me to use other baits and give them honest reviews.  This site doesn't like sponsor promotion so I keep it to a minimum but you can bet that if I go out and catch fish on a Senko, I'm going to say it was on a Senko.  Just like SPRO cranks.  I use them, I like them.  I have 2 other cranks in my boat.  1 Staycee and 2 Mann's Baby Minus ones.  The rest of my cranks are SPRO and I catch a lot of fish on them.  I have expressed my like for CastAway rods because I used them exclusively for years.  They were good sticks and still are.  Just to end what some may see as an endless plug....I have never been a discount prostaffer and I have never had a requirement in any of my contracts to make social media posts or write reviews.  Normally, I'll only talk about my sponsors when the subject is brought up on the baits themselves.