Time to buy JDM

[The Bassman]

US dollar /JPY exchange rate is as good as I can remember right now. For example a JDM Met is 260.00 at Digitaka.

[LCG]

I saw the Shimano SLX XT DC in 70 size with an MGL spool and I was like buy now!!! Then found out it was delayed until late November, no pre orders

[TBAG]

I wanted to try an XT DC as well, bummer.

 

 

[FishTank]

I always keep an eye out for it. I have picked up several reels this way. I have ordered a Shimano Antares 70A and a Daiwa Steez CT for around $450 each. My latest was this guy. It's mind blowing.  I am not sure why Daiwa doesn't offer this reel in the US. Its the lightest spinning reel I have ever used. 

 

[softwateronly]

2 hours ago, The Bassman said:

US dollar /JPY exchange rate is as good as I can remember right now. For example a JDM Met is 260.00 at Digitaka.

 

Hopefully, it holds out till the new Bantam.  Looking for a heavier reel.

 

scott

[QED]

Getting bargains due to exchange rates is always a good thing but the main reason to buy JDM is to source something that isn't available domestically.

[Tatulatard]

1 hour ago, QED said:

Getting bargains due to exchange rates is always a good thing but the main reason to buy JDM is to source something that isn't available domestically.

Exchange rate aside it just seems like Japanese sites or really, non American,

sites, like to more heavily discount reels.  I don't know what is going on in the US but not even Amazon has deals these days.  Its like everyone is Hank Hill and pays sticker.

[QED]

3 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

Exchange rate aside it just seems like Japanese sites or really, non American,

sites, like to more heavily discount reels.  I don't know what is going on in the US but not even Amazon has deals these days.  Its like everyone is Hank Hill and pays sticker.

Grey market goods may be cheaper but you usually lose warranty support, so factor that into the pricing decision.  Agreed that you might rationally accept that risk but don't agree that there isn't a downside risk when internationally shopping primarily by price.

[NorthernBasser]

14 hours ago, The Bassman said:

US dollar /JPY exchange rate is as good as I can remember right now. For example a JDM Met is 260.00 at Digitaka.

I've never bought JDM reels or straight from JDM sites. Is this exactly the same as there US Met? Or are there some differences?

 

How about the handle size? I know the Scorpion comes with a shorter handle than the US Curado. 

[Tatulatard]

3 hours ago, QED said:

Grey market goods may be cheaper but you usually lose warranty support, so factor that into the pricing decision.  Agreed that you might rationally accept that risk but don't agree that there isn't a downside risk when internationally shopping primarily by price.

The warranty issue is a concern from some for sure.  On some reels I don't think they can tell.  If I buy a Tatula Elite overseas for $80 less than msrp and I send it to a US Daiwa service center for warranty how can they tell it wasn't bought in the US?  Its the same reel.  

[jbsoonerfan]

15 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

The warranty issue is a concern from some for sure.  On some reels I don't think they can tell.  If I buy a Tatula Elite overseas for $80 less than msrp and I send it to a US Daiwa service center for warranty how can they tell it wasn't bought in the US?  Its the same reel.  

I don't know about Daiwa, but Shimano reels have Japan stamped on them on the underside of the reel. At least my Bantams did.

[NoBalanceAngler]

I have a brand new used once Steez Sv TW 1012sv Xhl in 8.1 for sale $460 shipped, received it on 3/17/2022 and as of 3/22/2022 it’s been up for sale

[JustJames]

59 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

The warranty issue is a concern from some for sure.  On some reels I don't think they can tell.  If I buy a Tatula Elite overseas for $80 less than msrp and I send it to a US Daiwa service center for warranty how can they tell it wasn't bought in the US?  Its the same reel.  

That why all manufacturers require proof of purchase when submitting for warranty, again you can still cheat the system but for how far and how long?

At one time I bought Curado 70 from authorized dealer in Thailand, sticker definitely different from US ones.

 

16 hours ago, The Bassman said:

US dollar /JPY exchange rate is as good as I can remember right now. For example a JDM Met is 260.00 at Digitaka.

Too bad my wife won’t let me buy anymore reels???. Anyway just convinced a guy ordered a reel from Japan for his very first time lol. 

[Tatulatard]

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

That why all manufacturers require proof of purchase when submitting for warranty, again you can still cheat the system but for how far and how long?

At one time I bought Curado 70 from authorized dealer in Thailand, sticker definitely different from US ones.

 

Too bad my wife won’t let me buy anymore reels???. Anyway just convinced a guy ordered a reel from Japan for his very first time lol. 

I always thought it was more of a issue with us repair centers not having parts for non us market reels rather than some arbitrary restriction placed on were reels were purchased.  If I buy a Tatula Elite for $176 from a chinease site on usd, Daiwa US won't warranty it because I didn't pay $250 usd for it from TW even though it is the same reel.  There might be some sticker on it that they will only honor the repair if I was chinease.  Sad but I belive it. 

[zell_pop1]

Just send the reel to DVT if it needs work,  I would not worry too much about the warranty.

[JustJames]

3 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

I always thought it was more of a issue with us repair centers not having parts for non us market reels rather than some arbitrary restriction placed on were reels were purchased.  If I buy a Tatula Elite for $176 from a chinease site on usd, Daiwa US won't warranty it because I didn't pay $250 usd for it from TW even though it is the same reel.  There might be some sticker on it that they will only honor the repair if I was chinease.  Sad but I belive it. 

When you decide to buy overseas reels especially the one that no base sell in US, you’d better prepare for whatever is coming especially getting more expensive parts ship from oversea. Luckily some of the world brand like Daiwa or Shimano, a lot of parts are interchangeable and not many lemons out there. Another reason I don’t buy off brand from oversea like those bfs reels. If you never clean or open up the reel before better stick with USDM reels.

[Derek1]

Is the order process the same. 

[Eric 26]

2 hours ago, Derek1 said:

Is the order process the same. 

@bulldog1935 buys overseas often and I’m sure he would help you if needed. I ordered a Tatula 80 on the recommendation from @Bassjam2000 on Japan lure and it couldn’t have been any easier. Ordered reel on Thursday evening, it’s set for delivery today, was supposed to be yesterday but delay on fed-ex end. Go to page 3 on notifications and @Bassjam2000 has the link you can click on it it takes you directly to the website.

[bulldog1935]

Note on Asian Portal that listed prices will not reflect the current exchange rate. 

AP lists the dollar price from the exchange rate the day they post the listing. 

However, they bill actual JPY, so the purchase will come in on your credit card or paypal at the day's exchange rate. 

e.g., when I bought my Steez, the actual price was 5% more than listed.  But when I bought my Vanquish, the invoiced price was more than 10% lower than the listed dollar price. 

 

@Eric 26 congrats on your new acquisition - post photos for us

[TNBankFishing]

I exclusively buy JDM Shimano and Daiwa reels. The handle sizes have never mattered, and paying 260 vs. 440 for a Met is a no brainer. Spinning and casting reels and rods have always shown up as advertised and I will continue to buy from JDM sites. 
 

I can have all my reels serviced through numerous repair shops if I choose not to do my own maintenance. Just find one who can handle JDM gear, it’s super simple.  
 

The fact Shimano so rigidly try’s to stick to MAP pricing means smart shoppers look elsewhere. There was a 20% sale this last weekend at Summerland in GA and even with the 20% hitting Shimano the Met was still more than $130 over the JDM. 
 

I also live in a state with 10% sales tax. So sites lie TW are rarely if ever a significant deal. 

[ajschn06]

On 3/28/2022 at 5:21 AM, The Bassman said:

US dollar /JPY exchange rate is as good as I can remember right now. For example a JDM Met is 260.00 at Digitaka.

 

Metanium has always been my dream reel, could never stomach the thought of $450 just for a reel though.  Saw it on Ebay last week for $270 from Asian portal so I picked one up with a new Expride for my jig rod ?

[TNBankFishing]

2 minutes ago, ajschn06 said:

 

Metanium has always been my dream reel, could never stomach the thought of $450 just for a reel though.  Saw it on Ebay last week for $270 from Asian portal so I picked one up with a new Expride for my jig rod ?

They are so smooth. Have the right amount of heft and just feel great in hand. You won’t be disappointed, just be aware if you didn’t get the XG speed the handle and knobs will be different than you’re used to. 

[RichF]

I'm having a hard time choosing right now.  Always wanted a Met but couldn't justify the $$.  I can def do $260 but I'm worried about the aluminum gears. I also want a Scorpion DC which is right around $235. Ugh decisions decisions.

[jigheadworm]

13 hours ago, RichF said:

I'm having a hard time choosing right now.  Always wanted a Met but couldn't justify the $$.  I can def do $260 but I'm worried about the aluminum gears. I also want a Scorpion DC which is right around $235. Ugh decisions decisions.

JDM Met has brass gears.

[jmb27]

On 3/28/2022 at 9:03 PM, NorthernBasser said:

I've never bought JDM reels or straight from JDM sites. Is this exactly the same as there US Met? Or are there some differences?

 

How about the handle size? I know the Scorpion comes with a shorter handle than the US Curado. 

 

The JDM Mets have a shallower spool and a shorter handle than the US counterparts.  That's it. 

 

For me personally, the smaller spool isn't a big deal as the JDM model has plenty of line capacity for bass fishing (mine are spooled w/12 lb. fluoro).  I have heard of some US users prefer the bigger handle size, but again, for me, it is fine. 

On 3/29/2022 at 4:33 PM, ajschn06 said:

 

Metanium has always been my dream reel, could never stomach the thought of $450 just for a reel though.  Saw it on Ebay last week for $270 from Asian portal so I picked one up with a new Expride for my jig rod ?

 

Congrats.  You'll love it.  And have little issue reselling if you don't. ?