brand loyalty and the purchase decision

[grimlin]

Well you can see why companies take care of and like pro-staff. I can't believe 52% of purchases are based on advice from "more experienced" or who they think are better fishermen than they are. How dumb are people?

Almost 75% of the questions here are "what kind of *insert*(tackle,reel & rod) should i consider buying?".

I don't consider it dumb.If i didn't ask some of my questions I may have made some even dumber purchases on my own without any advice...  ;D

[SWMIBASSER]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

[midnighthrasher]

I agree that brand loyalty simplifies alot. I know that if im gonna buy a new reel or rod that its going to be shimano. Not only because they have never failed me and because i love them but also because i have a service center 15 minutes from my house which does over the counter excganges on waranteed products. As for lures i like yamamoto alot because i trust them. Generally their products never let me down. Power pro and Yo zuri also havent let me down yet. I am however always willing to try new things. I have 10000000000 bags of plastics and hundreds of crankbaits. I saw them somewhere and I NEEDED THEM.

So to me brand loyalty plays a big role for my main " go to " items but the baitmonkey makes sure that i have plenty of everything else

[midnighthrasher]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

FYI i have 2 curados and they kick total A#$. I dont care how a reel feels in a store i care how it does on the water with a lure at the end!!!! These reels get the business done. Not to mention the waranty. My buddies have tried all kinds of reels where i have been loyal to shimano and one by one they are coming to shimano. I guarantee that if you buy 1 curado and one BPS reel that in 10 years you will be fishing with your curando and your BPS reel will be nowhere to be found.

[Jake.]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

This seems unfair.... completely bashing a reel's performance based on fiddling with a display model that is abused daily. Maybe it's just an anti-Shimano bias?

[SWMIBASSER]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

This seems unfair.... completely bashing a reel's performance based on fiddling with a display model that is abused daily. Maybe it's just an anti-Shimano bias?

I actually tried two of each. The display and one from a box....Same story. The Curado was OK.....But was more like a $75-$100 reel.

I will give the Curado appearance points. I either like green or it's the best 'looking' reel made.

[bilgerat]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

Don't you know how this works around here ? It's ok to bash everyone elses reels but you crossed the line buddy > >.........

[SWMIBASSER]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

Don't you know how this works around here ? It's ok to bash everyone elses reels but you crossed the line buddy > >.........

Yep you are exactly right. I'm waiting for my comments on my view of these Shimano reels to magically disappear

[Glenn]

I think the point here is that - for whatever reason - some people prefer brand X over brand Y.  No big deal.  Why should everyone like the same brand anyway?  That would be....dull.

However, to the extent people get into a catfight over which is better is absurd. It is, after all, just fishing.

If you like brand Y, great!  Let's hear why you like it. But please refrain from bashing brand X in the process.

That's all I ask.

Thanks!

Glenn

[skunked_again]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

IMO one thing youre missing is:

How will this gear feel in 2 years after every day use?

[K_Mac]

I was going to hit the quote button to see if we could set a new record for number and length...

I think that sanother sitebasser and bilgerat have points. It is generally acceptable to bash some products while others seem to be more sacred than others. Why is it acceptable to say Quantum, BPS, and others make junk, yet if someone has the boldness to say he is not impressed with Shimano he is criticized for his opinion? We can say what we know, what we think, what we think we know, what we've heard, that's all cool. We need to be tolerent enough to let others do the same.

As usual Glenn is the voice of reason. "If you like brand Y, great! Let's hear why you like it. But please refrain from bashing brand X in the process."

[Tin]

WHOOPS!!!

I did not mean it like that, I appoligize. What I was referring to is shows and expos (I didn't even think of those who ask questions on this sight). The first thing that comes to mind is the demonstrations they do at things like the Berkley tank when they have 12 year olds showing people how to fish.

I think people should buy reels and rods that they have handled and had experience with. I see so many things in the flea market section that have been recommended and such. When I recommend something or get a recommendation I would go handle it at a BPS or store and tried or call up a friend that might have one to try out.

So this is what I meant. Sorry for the  insert foot in mouth comment.

[Catt]

One can go to Wal/Mart, Harbor Freight, or some other outlet store to buy mechanic, carpenter, electrician, machinist tools ect and these tools will work but they are not designed for industrial use. Yes these tools wills last the weekend guy a lifetime of light to medium use and serve him quite well.

Now look at it through my eyes I am a journeyman carpenter/mechanic my tools are what I make my livelihood with so I must depend on my tools to perform every single time I use them under extremely adverse conditions with limited failure.

Now relate this to bass fishing; when I hit the lake it will be from sunup to sunset, under extremely adverse conditions, and with full expectations of bass in excess of 6 pounds so any failure on the part of my tools is not accepted.

[NewKidInTown]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

BPS REEL?  ;D

[rubba bubba]

One can go to Wal/Mart, Harbor Freight, or some other outlet store to buy mechanic, carpenter, electrician, machinist tools ect and these tools will work but they are not designed for industrial use. Yes these tools wills last the weekend guy a lifetime of light to medium use and serve him quite well.

Now look at it through my eyes I am a journeyman carpenter/mechanic my tools are what I make my livelihood with so I must depend on my tools to perform every single time I use them under extremely adverse conditions with limited failure.

Now relate this to bass fishing; when I hit the lake it will be from sunup to sunset, under extremely adverse conditions, and with full expectations of bass in excess of 6 pounds so any failure on the part of my tools is not accepted.

Yes, but are you fishing every day sunup to sunset? Since your livelihood is as a carpenter/mechanic, not a basspro, the answer would be no, I presume. So this puts you in your own described "weekend guy" category, which means you'll get a lifetime out of use for most reels made today.

Very few on this board would fall into your carpenter category as very few on here fish for a living. There are some, for sure, just not many compared to the majority of members.

[Uncle Leo]

After looking over the green Curado and Citica 200e It's clearly obvious to me that there is a BUNCH of bandwagoning that happens in tackle selection.

Those two reels felt no better than a BPS reel that goes on sale for $50. The curado looked GREAT. It wasn't as smooth as reels costing 1/4 what it does. Not particularly light. Nothing special about the drag. Just another reel-albeit overpriced.

The citica was even worse.

Maybe they cast great? Other reels do too. And I couldn't take anyones word for it, because according to most, those reels are so super smooth and refined. Yet CLEARLY they are NOT

Overrated reels no doubt about it.

IMO one thing youre missing is:

How will this gear feel in 2 years after every day use?

The Shimano's will be smoother. There is something about Shimano and Abu reels that the longer you use them the smoother they get. I Own Shimano, Diawa, Abu, Plueger, Quantum and BPS reels. All where purchased for a particular use. My last 5 reels were Shimano as I learned something. Smoothness is nice but performance is much better in consideration for a purchase. I have found that based on my style casting Shimano fits my needs. This may not be the case for everyone thus brand loyalty. I believe the same goes for rods as I also have numerous manufacturer rods. Some cast better and some have better sensitivity. I guess to each their own, after-all most spend their own money.

[Catt]

One can go to Wal/Mart, Harbor Freight, or some other outlet store to buy mechanic, carpenter, electrician, machinist tools ect and these tools will work but they are not designed for industrial use. Yes these tools wills last the weekend guy a lifetime of light to medium use and serve him quite well.

Now look at it through my eyes I am a journeyman carpenter/mechanic my tools are what I make my livelihood with so I must depend on my tools to perform every single time I use them under extremely adverse conditions with limited failure.

Now relate this to bass fishing; when I hit the lake it will be from sunup to sunset, under extremely adverse conditions, and with full expectations of bass in excess of 6 pounds so any failure on the part of my tools is not accepted.

Yes, but are you fishing every day sunup to sunset? Since your livelihood is as a carpenter/mechanic, not a basspro, the answer would be no, I presume. So this puts you in your own described "weekend guy" category, which means you'll get a lifetime out of use for most reels made today.

Very few on this board would fall into your carpenter category as very few on here fish for a living. There are some, for sure, just not many compared to the majority of members.

Total Bass Caught 2009: 2223

Total days on the water: 158

Average daily catch: 14.07

Bass under 14: 482

Bass over 14: 1741

Bass over 5 lbs: 83

Bass over 6 lbs: 57

Bass over 7 lbs: 16

Bass over 8 lbs: 0

Bass over 9 lbs: 0

Bass over 10 lbs: 0

Largest: 7 lbs 8 ozs

Yelp that's puts me in the "weekend guy" category

[Uncle Leo]

Looks like you have been busy Catt. Wear out any gear?

[K_Mac]

Catt you make some great points. With your resume you have my respect and I value your opinion.

I made a living working with tools, mechanical and electrical, my entire working life (30+ years). I understand the value of quality equipment. When young and inexperienced I bought some Harbor Freight Quality tools. It did not take long to learn that if one is using tools everyday to make a living, cheap wasn't necessarily good. Most of my wrenches, sockets, and such ended up coming from a chain store-Sears. As the years went on much of my Craftsman stuff was upgraded to their Professional line, but still Sears merchandise. Most anyone who uses tools will tell you Craftsmen tools are not the best, but based on quality, price, warranty, and service they are hard to beat.

All of my pipe and tubing tools-Ridgid. My electrical tools, including screwdrivers-Klein. Meters-Fluke. I never found a better value in these tools, although I did try a few times.

I've never owned Snap-on tools. I've used them a few times, and would readily agree they are fine tools. I'm just not willing to spend that much for that little difference.

My point is we all make value judgments based on our own experience. Because I use Craftsmen tools or BPS reels does not mean I am inexperienced or unknowing. It simply means they work for me.

[bilgerat]

One can go to Wal/Mart, Harbor Freight, or some other outlet store to buy mechanic, carpenter, electrician, machinist tools ect and these tools will work but they are not designed for industrial use. Yes these tools wills last the weekend guy a lifetime of light to medium use and serve him quite well.

Now look at it through my eyes I am a journeyman carpenter/mechanic my tools are what I make my livelihood with so I must depend on my tools to perform every single time I use them under extremely adverse conditions with limited failure.

Now relate this to bass fishing; when I hit the lake it will be from sunup to sunset, under extremely adverse conditions, and with full expectations of bass in excess of 6 pounds so any failure on the part of my tools is not accepted.

I'm a journeyman diesel mechanic, so allow me to add my .02....Catt is right on when it comes to tools BUT there are suitable alternatives. You've all seen the Snap On trucks loaded with the high dollar tools. Over the years Snap On's service has deteriorated to the point most of the guys in our crew (myself included) won't deal with them anymore. Craftsman, Proto and S-K are a few that come to mind that are excellent tools. I can't have tools fail when I'm working on a tugboat out in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay and my Craftsman's have not let me down.

The point is there is more than one choice. If through experience you like brand X, fine. I've used all of the tools I've mentioned, have you extensively fished with all of the reels you bash* ?

*not directed at Catt. I quoted his response for the tool discussion.

[Hammer 4]

Different strokes, for different folks..

In the end, nobody I know was ever sorry they bought the best they could afford.

Shimmano bashing..?  Where's Muddy..lol ;D

I am also a carpenter, and have never bought cheap tools. There's usually a reason why better stuff cost's more.

[Catt]

Quality in a product is not what the manufacturer puts in...It is what the customer gets out and is willing to pay for.

[Catt]

Looks like you have been busy Catt. Wear out any gear?

Other than wearing out the occasional spinner bait or Trap it took 10 years for me to wear out the paw & worm gear on a Shimano Calcutta 50A but that was more my fault than the product since I have a bad habit of engaging the spool while the bait is still in the air. 

[Uncle Leo]

Looks like you have been busy Catt. Wear out any gear?

Other than wearing out the occasional spinner bait or Trap it took 10 years for me to wear out the paw & worm gear on a Shimano Calcutta 50A but that was more my fault than the product since I have a bad habit of engaging the spool while the bait is still in the air.

Sounds like that reel served you well, a little extra going in paid dividends it seems.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Looks like you have been busy Catt. Wear out any gear?

Other than wearing out the occasional spinner bait or Trap it took 10 years for me to wear out the paw & worm gear on a Shimano Calcutta 50A but that was more my fault than the product since I have a bad habit of engaging the spool while the bait is still in the air.

I have that same bad habit.  I haven't worn any gears out yet, but I don't get to fish nearly as much as you do.