Shimano anounced today that the JDM Anatares & Metanium will be available for sale thru US e-tailers & retailers this month. Retail prices at $599.99 & $419.99 respectively. That's a big change in previous policy.

I seen that on Zona's FB page. Yikes that's high!

I saw it earlier today on TT. I think that there is a market for those reels here. Unfortunately I can not play at that price range.

Dang it. I've been wanting an Antares. Now I have no excuse for not having one, except for being a cheap bastage.Been hoping a gently used one would show up someplace. Maybe that will happen now that these beauties are more readily available.

I saw them on TW's page.  They don't have them available yet but they will be here soon.  Too rich for my blood.

These the same metanium's you can get on ebay for $340?

Will BPS online have them?

These the same metanium's you can get on ebay for $340?

yes they're the same

That's a great change in policy - I wonder what else Shimano USA will bring in....

 

As was mentioned - these reels are available at lower prices on eBay and Rakuten (and other places). One thing holding back many folks from considering JDM equipment is the question of parts/service/warranty.  So, a question yet to be answered is if someone purchases a Met or Antares from Japan...and later needs warranty support, will they be able to get that from Shimano USA or will USA have a way of knowing what reels it imported and limit their support ONLY to those reels????

The internals aren't all that different from the US reels, I don't see parts as a problem. IMO the rarity of the JDM reels is what commands the higher prices.

I'm gonna have to get a couple.

I'm gonna have to get a couple.

Does that mean I get all your previous models cheap lol

Just Shimano's response to Abu selling those JDM Revo's don't you think?  Maybe Daiwa will do the same.

Just Shimano's response to Abu selling those JDM Revo's don't you think?  Maybe Daiwa will do the same.

Shimano's keeping them around. Abu is only a limited time thing.

Shimano's keeping them around. Abu is only a limited time thing.

Limited for now anyway, until they see how successful shimano sells. Granted shimano has a much broader following.

Rockchalk the Calcuttas are going away this winter for some cleaning and tuning, I'm not getting rid of them. I still have that Falcon Bag waiting for you too.

Rockchalk the Calcuttas are going away this winter for some cleaning and tuning, I'm not getting rid of them. I still have that Falcon Bag waiting for you too.

That's good to hear. I'll hit you up on that bag this week.

 

 

As was mentioned - these reels are available at lower prices on eBay and Rakuten (and other places). 

I have never even heard of Rakuten. That Site list a Antares HG for $412.20 plus shipping. Is this a reputable place to buy from?

Yes. They are the amazon of the Far East .

Yes. They are the amazon of the Far East .

Well thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank you! I just bought a Conquest 50, delivered today. I gave Japan Tackle $457.00 for it and I bought a handle nut retainer. Plus shipping it was close to $500.00

 

Rakuten has Conquest 50's for $376.87

 

I want a Antares HG but before I saw Rakuten, I was feeling a little guilt for wanting a $600.00 reel. It looks like my MBR844 will be sporting a Antares HG in a couple of weeks.