Shimano Spinning reels made in Malaysia?!

[The_Natural]

I just purchased a new Sustain from Cabelas, and it says it is made in Malaysia.  Previously, all Shimano's were made in Japan (my Cores are made in Japan).  Japan generally has the highest skilled workers with unmatched build quality, granted this labor doesn't come cheap.  Malaysia on the other hand,  is on par with China.  When did they make this change?

[Fishing Doug]

I noticed the same thing when I received my Stradic FI's. I then went back and looked at the boxes for a couple Symetre's that I have had for a couple years and the were made in Malaysia as well.

How do you like the Sustain? I have to say, I am not that impressed with the Stradic FI's. I have only had them out twice so I will give them more usage before giving too much of a review.

FD

[The_Natural]

I noticed the same thing when I received my Stradic FI's. I then went back and looked at the boxes for a couple Symetre's that I have had for a couple years and the were made in Malaysia as well.

How do you like the Sustain?  I have to say, I am not that impressed with the Stradic FI's.  I have only had them out twice so I will give them more usage before giving too much of a review.

FD

I haven't had it on the water yet.  I purchased a Sustain 2500 and two Fuego 2000's on Wednesday via Cabelas Bargain Cave.  I didn't need a spinning reel, but I bought them right.  The Sustain is not as smooth nor as quiet as the Fuego.  It makes an audible noise when cranked.  Not a grinding noise or anything, and it isn't rough, just isn't that quiet.  The Sustain is however, very Solid and feels quality...it's a beautiful reel.  It just seems like the drivetrain isn't as fluid/smooth as it should be.  Very impressed with the Fuego...very fluid, smooth, and silent.  I am VERY impressed with my Daiwa Advantage spinning reel as well.  This reel is seriously blowing me away.  I may just stick with my Advantage and sell the others...I haven't decided.

[roadwarrior]

Buying reels from Cabela's bargin bin is a

gamble. Many (most) of them are "returned" items.

I suspect the Sustain you purchased was returned for a reason.

:

[Pencil Pusher]

I read on another site that the only Shimano spinning reels that are still made in Japan are the Stella's. Also, The Citica's (other than the 100's) are made in Malaysia.

I too was surprised when I bought my Stradic 2500i that it was made in Malaysia since I had previously bought a couple of 4000H's on closeout and they were made in Japan. However, Shimano does own the plant in Malaysia so I am not really worried about the quality.

[Ballistik]

I read on another site that the only Shimano spinning reels that are still made in Japan are the Stella's. Also, The Citica's (other than the 100's) are made in Malaysia.

.

All of my citicas 100's are stamped in Japan.

[Pencil Pusher]

That's what I said: "other than the 100"s. The Malaysia plant does not have the tooling for the 100 size reels (from a Shimano rep.).

I will bet that when the New Curado comes out, it will have very minor changes and will be built in Malaysia.

[.dsaavedra.]

yeah my citica 200D has a Malaysia sticker on it, but my 100DSV is stamped JAPAN.

[0119]

The probability that the new Curado will be made off shore of Japan has been confirmed by rep on tackletour I believe.  Its sad to see the Sustain is also considering the high dollar amount it costs.

[The_Natural]

Buying reels from Cabela's bargin bin is a

gamble. Many (most) of them are "returned" items.

I suspect the Sustain you purchased was returned for a reason.

:

Oh definitely could be...that was just a response to another poster; not the point of the thread.  

[Micro]

Many Shimanos have been made in Malaysia for as long as I can remember.   I think the only spinning reel made in Japan anymore is the Stella.  I wouldn't worry about it. As long as quality control is monitored, South Koreans, Chinese and Malaysians build as good as anyone.  IMO, the next quality giant will be South Korea, and that may have already occurred.

 

[The Next KVD]

as long as their not made in china, i don't worry about it.

[shimanogloomis man]

i have the new sustain 2500 and i must admit it blows away my white stadic, much smother , casts awsome ,drag is so smooth when reeling sounds about the same as my straic i cant complain

[fathom]

the stella is the only us market shimano spinner presently made in japan.

the new model sustain and stradic are the first of those models to be made elsewhere.

[JKay]

Malaysia is capable of producing extremely good products.  Many circuit board manufacturers and computer parts manufacturers have built plants in Malaysia, Singapore and other countries in Asia and SE Asia.  These are major names that have done this.  I put less emphasis nowadays on where something is made outside of the US.  I just try to look for quality and what's proven.  Having said all that, when possible I will give preference to things made in the US.  If the quality is there, functionality if what you're looking for and price is competitive, go American  Every once in a while when fishing, I still notice the USA at the bottom of my St. Croix rod.  Makes me pause for a split second and think about it every time.

I own a few Symetres and they are great reels for the price!