Absolutely they are the benchmark others in the U.S. market are compared to. Why? Technology. In the JDM Daiwa is light years ahead of them and stand as the benchmark. Especially those from the Evergreen and MegaBass ProShops. Again why? Technology. But just how much technology do you need to catch a dink bass? Heck a fraction of that technology isnt even needed to catch serious fish that can kick your butt. The typical bass angler is dragging a bass across the surface with a mindset to avoid a fight. Or worse yet, a typical modern male cries if he's holding 8oz of reel in his hand...its too heavy. Daiwa has even acknowledged that the technology comes with a price of less durability and longevity.

I didn't say this...............but I agree with it. I've got $29 shakephere's and abu's that not only have caught 100's of bass for years, they are as smooth as the day they were bought, never suffering any kind of failure and basically made out of plastic. IMO you just don't need all that much to pull in a bass or perch, I really have no need for superior technology for something I can handle with ease. Before I get bashed I fish bass because it's fun, no other reason and for the record supremes fit my bill for my freshwater target.

I've also been fishing everyday, I've been catching 50" barracuda and a 43" also, snook maybe 20-25#, several commonplace 10 pounders and don't think for second these fish come in easy, you don't tail drag these puppies in. Have i used shiman, yeps a stradic for the snook, but my cudas are caught on a Plueger 18 oz medalist (has less drag than the 4000 stradic). Bottom line, it doesn't make a difference what you are using, bigger fish are landed on talent, not gear. Just saying, my medalist is older than my stradics and it's in better shape too.

Ok, several members have essentially expressed how annoyed they are with this thread, and how seemingly pointless it is. So it's time to say "G'Night Irene"