Brand Loyalty...Good or Bad?

[Whets Lines]

I've been quietly sitting on the bank reading many of the posts. It is quite apparent to me that there is a lot of brand loyalty among members. If many of you are like me, if it works and you like it, use it.

All of my rods are St. Croix (Avids, LTs, Legend X). I've visited the factory and was treated like a very valued customer. I love how St. Croix's work. I also appreciate that the rods I use are made in the USA. I only use two brands of reels. I fish LH, so I've opted for Revo Winches for my two crankbait setups and I use Quantum PTs for everything else (Quantum doesn't offer slow/powerful LH model). They all work for me. However, I can't help but wonder how other rods & reels work. I've spent a lot on fishing gear. I don't really want to spend more trying out these other items. But I still wonder. Where I'm at in Southern Wisconsin, I don't fish with many people who use higher-end products like I do so I don't get the chance to try other rigs. About the only thing I'm not super attached to are the Quantums...

Tell me I'm not the only angler here who has perfectly green moss on my side of the boat but can't help looking at the other side to see if that moss is greener. Let me hear what you all think. I'm curious to hear why you use what you use.

Whets

8-)

[Hot n Tot]

I use mostly G. Loomis casting rods and St. Croix spinning rods. Although I have Loomis spinning and Croix casting as well.

I reels, I prefer Daiwa casting reels. I've tried Shimano and Abu, but personally prefer Daiwa. In spinning reels, I have all Shimano for no good reason. I have fished with a Daiwa that I really liked better than the Stradics, but saw no reason to get rid of them and buy Daiwa. Maybe some day.  Everyone seems to be biased toward what they own.

[Uncle Leo]

Simple, we earn our money and have the right to spend it the way we see fit. This plays into the equation more then anything. I use what I like and buy what I like and will not fault who does the same. 

[Big Tom]

I don't necessarily think brand loyalty is something that you can define with "good" or "bad".  The only time I have a problem with those who are brand loyal is when they use their brand to slam other brands.

I really enjoy trying new rods and reels.  I think there are a ton of great products out there from various manufacturers and its really hard for me to be loyal to just one brand.

If one particular brand really works for you or anyone else then that is fine too.   

[hmongkidBee]

I don't necessarily think brand loyalty is something that you can define with "good" or "bad". The only time I have a problem with those who are brand loyal is when they use their brand to slam other brands.

I really enjoy trying new rods and reels. I think there are a ton of great products out there from various manufacturers and its really hard for me to be loyal to just one brand.

If one particular brand really works for you or anyone else then that is fine too.

I'm in total agreement. 

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I couldn't agree more with what Uncle Leo and Big Tom stated.  Buy what you want to buy and enjoy it.  Some stuff works for some people, other stuff works just as well for other people.  It's not about what you fish with, but how much you enjoy what you fish with.

[b.Lee]

For me it follows as:

Most company have good reels and products, so when it comes to brand loyalty I look at what is aesthetically pleasing to me and what has a good price range. And also which rods and reel will I use more.

All of my gear is Abu Garcia Rods and Reels, Shimano Reels, and Gloomis Rods.

I am done buying my gear now, and from now will only purchase baits as I need them.

[NateFollmer]

Out of all the rods and reels I have tried, I liked Quantum the most. Have a used Abu Garcia yet? Nope, so they may be better, but at my current position, Quantum's are working for me, so I'll keep buying them.

I also like Diawa's products but felt that Quantum was a little better fit for me... I wouldn't say I'm 100% totally loyal, because if something completely awesome comes along, I'd buy it...but it hasn't happened yet.

[steezy]

I buy what I like. 

The definition of "I like" is:

1. feels good in my hands

2. works very well

3. looks good

4. good warranty/support

5. I can afford it and still pay my mortgage

[ChiCityBasser]

For me it's been a case of using what works and so far its been Quantums reels in both spinning and baitcasting models. I have a Daiwa/Cabelas Prodigy and just recently purchased a Daiwa Exceler to try since the Prodigy worked so well. My other baitcasting models are the Energy PT and the Accurist PT which both work well. On the spinning side I have a Shimano that works pretty good and a assortment of Quantum reels.

The rods have all been Cabelas and I have no complaints at all about the products or the warranty policy.

I've thought about changing but they are still catching fish and at this point I'm happy with the performance.

[Bronzefly]

Unless someone is being paid to use or endorse a particular product, unequivocal brand loyalty is a mystery to me.  There are quite a lot of quality fishing products out there these days and it's always fun to try out new gear.  I'm as guilty as the next guy about having my favorites, but I try not to close the door on something about which I have an interest until i've had a chance to review it for myself.

[zero limit]

I try to buy MADE IN THE USA products.

I buy St. croix rods. but reels you don't have any quality options, so it's shimnao, daiwa for me

[Whets Lines]

Unless someone is being paid to use or endorse a particular product, unequivocal brand loyalty is a mystery to me. There are quite a lot of quality fishing products out there these days and it's always fun to try out new gear. I'm as guilty as the next guy about having my favorites, but I try not to close the door on something about which I have an interest until i've had a chance to review it for myself.

For me, this is kind of what I needed to hear.

Thanks for all the responses.

I guess I'm kind of hard-headed when it comes to these things. I work in an industry where we try to push brand loyalty (Powersports). Also, I like the consistency of feel when it comes to my reels. Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Regardless of what we use, we are all in it for the fish.

Whets

8-)

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I don't necessarily think brand loyalty is something that you can define with "good" or "bad". The only time I have a problem with those who are brand loyal is when they use their brand to slam other brands.

I really enjoy trying new rods and reels. I think there are a ton of great products out there from various manufacturers and its really hard for me to be loyal to just one brand.

If one particular brand really works for you or anyone else then that is fine too.

I'm in total agreement.

me too....the moss may be greener but it all has bugs in it.

I like trying new gear too much to fish the same brand.  I have reels from most of the top reel makers and a selection of different rods.  I tend to buy in pairs so I usually have two of a certain brand or series of rods and reels and I like them all. 

Every now and then you'll see on here where someone buys one brand then sells it all to switch brands and then loads up on their products.  I just don't get that.

[dave]

For me it follows as:

Most company have good reels and products, so when it comes to brand loyalty I look at what is aesthetically pleasing to me and what has a good price range. And also which rods and reel will I use more.

All of my gear is Abu Garcia Rods and Reels, Shimano Reels, and Gloomis Rods.

I am done buying my gear now, and from now will only purchase baits as I need them.

Keep telling yourself that...

[Dave T.]

I don't mind spending the money on good equipment... but I don't like spending it two or three times to get the equipment I want.

I buy high end St. Croix rods, and higher end Shimano reels because they have the feature I want, and perform as expected. Would I be just as happy with Loomis rods and Diawa reels or some other good rods and reels... I'm sure I would, but what I have works extremely well for me, and I can spend the money I would spend experimenting on other equally important things... like my ATV.

Anyhow, if that makes me "biased" towards those brands... so be it. I'm quite sure I could become biased towards other brands if I had money to burn.

I sure won't bash other brands without hands on experience and good reason.

[TBendBassin]

its all personal preference.. and what you grew up around has alot to do with it also. for me its falcon rods and shimano reels(mainly cores and curados) i cant offer much input on spinning tackle because its really not that popular down hear other than drop shot rigs and crappie fishing. but i have tried most all brands and falcon rods are the best to me i even replaced some of my gloomis rods with falcon. as far as reels go i havent found a reel that will outperform a shimano core

[fishfordollars]

I am very brand loyal. Only certain reels and rods will do. As far as lures go I have four or five brands that I stick with. It ain't broke yet so I see no need to go around purchasing other things that i may or may not like.

[Diablos]

I hate to admit it but I'm the worst kind of brand snob.

I fish Powell, Dobyns, Airrus , All-Star, Abu, and Lamiglas rods; also Abu, Shimano, Diawa reels.

Other than that I hate everything else :)

[Dave T.]

I hate to admit it but I'm the worst kind of brand snob.

I fish Powell, Dobyns, Airrus , All-Star, Abu, and Lamiglas rods; also Abu, Shimano, Diawa reels.

Other than that I hate everything else :)

LOL  ;D

[MitchIsFishin]

Good thread, probably been done before, but what the heck. Like everyone here, I love fishing. Love catching. Don't love spending every available dime on gear. I love spinning gear. Have a couple of shimanos, abus, okumas and floogers. And daiwa & Abu baitcasters for my topwater stuff. Decent rods, highest being St. Croix, and I'm happy with what I have. To me, it's about fishing, not merely what I bought. My perception is it's more about fishing, the person behind the rod/reel & what he/she does. For those who play guitar, if I put a $50 pawnshop Stella in your hands, you'll sound great. If I drop a Collings Om-2hc in your lap, you'll sound great. Either way, I'll appreciate the effort.

[flippin and pitchin]

My loyalty is to me.  I buy and use anything that is a VALUE.  Value to me is defined: quality of manufacture  +  performance + durability + service and warranty divided by the cost of investment.  I want value for my hard earned income.  It's all good stuff.  Nothing wrong with telling someone you like what you use.  With this economy, we all look for value.

[burleytog]

Shimano and Stihl for me.  And Dr Pepper.

[Texas10Man]

I am brand loyal for better or worse. I use all Quantum rods and reels.

[bpNClgmouth]

Brand loyalty is good as long as it comes with confidence in what youre throwing.  As others have said if you believe in it, then you'll catch fish with it.  Personally I love looking for something different, especially on the heavy pressured places I fish around, trying something different makes all the difference at times.