I have been looking for a shimano spinning reel, I have a Sahara and love it, have had a few others and have always been great!

My question is what's with the packing, is there a difference from the one in the box vs. the one in the plastic?

I ask because it seems the tackle shops have the box version, but larger retailers like Walmart carry the plastic package.

By the way my Sahara was in a box... Better quality? That's the question I pose?!

A lot of the cheaper reels are just in plastic whereas the pricier ones tend to come in boxes. It probably has to do with cost

The quality of say a Sahara in box vs plastic packaging should be the same. Typically reels that are higher up the chain will come in boxes rather than the see through clear plastic packaging.

When a shimano casting reel is sold in a box typically it will include reel oil, paperwork/schematic and reel brake tabs and a tool for handle dissasembly.

Spinning reels are similar with the schematic and paperwork plus it has some sort of spacers I think. I can't recall whether oil is included with these.

Note: Reel oil is sometimes included and other times not included with a reel purchased in a box. Didn't receive it with a stradic FJ or core 50 mg. Maybe it is random or some other factor.

My Saros in the box came with a spare spool. Not sure if they still do this...

Marketing.

 

Lower end reels will display easier and sell faster when hanging up in a plastic container.

 

Higher end reels need to be placed on a short rod for display which takes up a lot of room or they are displayed in a showcase.

 

The actual reels you purchase are in their original boxes behind the counter where they are safe from shoplifters.

 

Experienced bass fishermen will look for the higher end models; new bass fishermen will usually go for the reels in the plastic containers.

 

It really makes no difference. A good manufacturer will produce a good reel and then decide the best way to market it for maximum sales.

 

And some experienced bass fishermen will purchase the lower end models and use them until they break, throw them away, and buy another reel housed in plastic.

Marketing.

 

Lower end reels will display easier and sell faster when hanging up in a plastic container.

 

Higher end reels need to be placed on a short rod for display which takes up a lot of room or they are displayed in a showcase.

 

The actual reels you purchase are in their original boxes behind the counter where they are safe from shoplifters.

 

Experienced bass fishermen will look for the higher end models; new bass fishermen will usually go for the reels in the plastic containers.

 

It really makes no difference. A good manufacturer will produce a good reel and then decide the best way to market it for maximum sales.

 

And some experienced bass fishermen will purchase the lower end models and use them until they break, throw them away, and buy another reel housed in plastic.

 

 

Not so sure that it's bad idea.  Some of the very inexpensive spinning reels perform quite well.  Case in point I own a Shakespere agility I got for my gr son, he never fished so I use it.  I don't use it often but when I do it's my worm and jig outfit, the reel is exceptionally smooth, drag certainly not the best and not very precise, but for bass fishing it does me just me just fine.  Totally disposable and costs around 30-35 bux,  fine for the once in a while fisherman, as a primary reel I'd look for better quality.

A legit question..... I bought a $100 Abu spinning reel out of the blister pack that didn't come with a spare spool (the box version does). Abu customer service stepped up and I had one free of charge in 3 days.

I bought a Pflueger President in the box and another in a blister pack. It was the same reel both times. No difference.

I have been looking for a shimano spinning reel, I have a Sahara and love it, have had a few others and have always been great!

My question is what's with the packing, is there a difference from the one in the box vs. the one in the plastic?

I ask because it seems the tackle shops have the box version, but larger retailers like Walmart carry the plastic package.

By the way my Sahara was in a box... Better quality? That's the question I pose?!

There is no difference, it's the same reel