Any bad experiences with purchasing JDM reels?

[DWS09]

I'm treating myself and want an Antares DC. Only hesitation is that I'm getting back into bass fishing and haven't bought from a Japan Tackle or Digitaka yet. Just need some assurances from others that the transactions are smooth. Thanks in advance. 

[FishTank]

None so far. I have only needed to order a few parts for an older 2012 Antares. I got them from Plat.

 

Only downside might be no warranty. Digitaka is great to work with though. I have not ordered from Japan Tackle. You might also look at Japan Lure Shop. 

[DWS09]

1 minute ago, FishTank said:

None so far. I have only needed to order a few parts for an older 2012 Antares. I got them from Plat.

 

Only downside might be no warranty. Digitaka is great to work with though. I have not ordered from Japan Tackle. You might also look at Japan Lure Shop. 

Thank you, I really appreciate it. 

[MeatHead1313]

I've only ordered from Digitaka, but had absolutely no problems with any of my orders or reels. Usually takes a few days for them to ship (in my experience), but when they do it's been at my door in a matter of days. 

[LrgmouthShad]

I trust Digitaka

[DWS09]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I appreciate it. 

[bulldog1935]

Never, for 20 years' worth.  

Once, DHL misdirected an ebay order for 3 lures that I charged back.  

[Darth-Baiter]

pay attention to shipping.  some dealers charge, some dont.  i went with a couple of the major players recommended here, and one charged me, one offered free shipping.

 

either way, i got both reels quickly.  

[garroyo130]

smoother than domestic tbh 

[NavyToad]

Nothing but good experiences with Digitaka.

[jejenkyns]

1 reel purchase here. Great experience, will do it again.

 

The way I see it if something is wrong with the reel it will likely be a faulty part and not that expensive to fix. You can order parts you need from Shimano, or digitakeven and do the work yourself if you feel like giving it a go.

 

Not sure I'd buy a rod though. I like the peace of mind a warranty offers. You never know though.

[Robin]

Ordered many times from Digitaka. Prices cannot be beat and the shipment always arrives lightning fast. Not sure how they do it, but the speed is amazing. Everything I have ordered

and received has been top notch as advertised. Highly recommended!

[Darth-Baiter]

Digitaka seems low on inventory these days.  it is what it is.  

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Another vote for Digitaka, bought three reels from them over the last year....every time it's the same uber fast shipping.

 

I just can't buy a reel that costs over $200 from anywhere else, the deals on the high end reels are unbeatable to say the least.

 

I went to a Shimano dealer's sample show this morning, $75k in inventory being "blown out".......all the prices on stuff like Antares, Mets, Bantams, etc. were still more than Digitaka/JDM pricing.   

[Dwight Hottle]

No worries I have purchased around 15 reels from Digitaka & Japan lure shop with all transactions smooth & quickly shipped. 

[Bass Rutten]

I've had some issues with Digitaka and Japan Lure Shop. Their shipping is faster than US retailers; I occasionally find extra stuff in there like high end chatterbaits and other nice lures; oh and fantastic & gracious customer service. If you don't mind those potential issues go for it.

[DWS09]

I appreciate it. The deals on the high end reels are pretty significant and now I feel like I can take advantage. Your feedback has been very helpful guys, thanks. 

[Tennessee Boy]

I’ve ordered from several JDM shops and have only positive things to say about them.  Frankly,  their devotion to customer service makes most American shops look pretty bad.

 

I guess I do have one complaint.  Japan Lure Shop threw a free Megabass Vision 110 in the box with one my reels.  Now I’m hooked on $20 jerkbaits.  😆

[LonnieP]

I’ve ordered JDM from Digitaka, Japan tackle, Japan Lure Shop and Amazon with no problems at all.

[Robin]

Digitaka is occasionally out of stock on some of their reels, but keep checking back and they most likely will show up again soon. I have purchased a number of Daiwa and Shimano BFS reels from them this year and have occasionally run into this problem. The current models do get restocked frequently so keep checking. 

 

I also enjoy the "free" stuff they throw in from time to time. You order a BFS reel and you may get a few BFS hard baits as a customer appreciation gesture. I usually order several lures to go with the reels to take advantage of the free shipping. Also enjoy not having to pay Texas sales tax (8.25%).

Texas has caught up with Tackle Warehouse along with Ebay so they are forced to charge Texas sales tax now.

[Choporoz]

Add Asian Fishing Portal to list of worry-free, fast shipping vendors.  Web site can make me crazy, but otherwise solid.

[fishwizzard]

I have bought a dozen or so reels with only one issue, a Zillion SV with a chipped main gear out of the box.  Cost me like a hundred bucks to fix, but overall I am still many many hundreds in the black from the cost savings over all the reels.  

[Eric 26]

@Darth-Baiter if you don’t mind sharing, who has the free shipping and is it only after a certain dollar amount?

[AlabamaSpothunter]

JPL charges shipping but gives a free premium JDM bait

 

Digitaka is free shipping on reels, no free gift though

 

If you like the gift, it's a wash which is cheaper, but I prefer to just save the money and buy my own JDM gift 😁

 

That's how I broke it down when I was doing all my research.

[MidwestBassAttack]

Surprised no one mentioned the one MAJOR problem with buying JDM reels….once you start, you won’t be able to stop 😎