Shimano Japanese reels

[mac]

Hello guys i was wondering if somebody could clear up a few points for me with regards to the shimano japanese reels. A) Are the shimano japanese reels exactly the same as the other shimano reels just diferent names and colours if so can somebody tell me the equivalent of the chronarchs and the calais. If they are the same why are the japanese reels so coveted andwhy are they more expensive. i hoped i havent asked a tupid question i am a huge shimano fan and just wanted know if i am missing out on something.

[Raul]

A) Are the shimano japanese reels exactly the same as the other shimano reels

Mostly not, they are not the same in many aspects and in others they are the same.

if so can somebody tell me the equivalent of the chronarchs and the calais.

"equivalent" to the Chronarch Mg = Scorpion Mg

"equivalent" to the Chronarch = Metanium XT

Identical to the Calais 200 = Antares

Identical to the Calais 100 = Antares AR, the only difference here is that there 's no Calais 100 lefty while there 's Antares AR in lefty.

If they are the same why are the japanese reels so coveted and why are they more expensive.

So coveted because they offered characteristics the domestic versions didn 't have and in many cases they still offer them, there was no small size Chronarch Mg ( Metanium Mg JDM ), but there was the Scorpion 1000 Mg, but aside from having the external brake adjustment ( if having an external brake adjustment dial is what tickles your fancy ) it 's not better than the current Chronarch 50 Mg, I have both and like them both. The Scorpion 1000/1001 was a better reel than the old Curado 100B, nowdays the Curado 100D is a lot better reel than the Scorpion 1000/1001. The Metanium XT is an ounce lighter than the Chronarch and has clicking tension knob cap, but it 's painted ( not ion plated ) and it 's only available in one version while the Chronarch is available in 3 versions. If what you want is a lefty Calais 100 then you are scrwd, you want a lefty you have to go Japanese.

More expensive, not really, it 's a matter where you shop.

[mac]

Thank you very much Raul your reply has been very helpfull.

[Sam]

Mac,

May I suggest staying with the American reel styles and consider investing your hard earned money into Japanese baits?

I think you will be very happy with that decision.

[Boett43]

Hey Raul, Whats a couple of your favortie websites to order japanese reels from? im just a little skeptical about some of the sites i see. Thanks if you can help!

[Raul]

I 've dealt domestically with www.brooklynbillstackleshop.com, all I can say is that the man in charge is top notch, honest and extremely helpfull and doesn 't play around with you, the price you see in his site includes shipping. Another good place to purchase is www.japantackle.com, he has probably the most expensive prices but he also has stuff when nobody else has, excellent service too. www.bass.jp has good prices, good stuff and they are also very seroius about their business, very helpful and they can get you products even though not listed in their website. www.plat.co.jp is also an excellent place to shop, top notch service. I 've heard lots of good things and none bad from www.japanprofishing.com.  I 've never purchased reels from www.ichibantackle.com but I 've purchased baits from them and they also have very good service.

[bassripper2000]

I wonder if Japanese Anglers drool over our products and shell out more $$ to get US versions.  Probably not....

[NJAngler609]

where can you buy japanese tackle?

[rfrazier]

where can you buy japanese tackle?

I would go with ichibantackle.com , you can buy used baits for less which is a cool feature and lets you get more different baits. Only took 3 days to get to me in Oregon too! Crazy.

[The_Natural]

Be fully educated on it before you buy.  I enjoy several Japanese reels as well as their American counterparts.  A reel that comes to mind is the Daiwa Alphas.  It is identical to the Daiwa Sol...same dimensions, frame, etc., but the Alphas weighs more than a full ounce less.  Why?  Japanese anglers do not put the wear and tear on reels that U.S. anglers do.  Daiwa Japan felt it could get away with a main gear made of nylon, while Daiwa stateside felt the need for a Brass main gear.  Brass is substantially more durable and will last infinitely longer...but is it needed?  I'll let you know in a couple of years  .  I own a couple of each.

[Raul]

. Daiwa Japan felt it could get away with a main gear made of nylon, while Daiwa stateside felt the need for a Brass main gear.

No my friend, the main gear is not nylon, it 's aluminum alloy, not plastic.

[bassripper2000]

Has anyone heard of or have ordered from

http://yastrading.com/

They seem to have the lowest prices on the web for JDM Reels...  

Raul, have you?