I'm close to pulling the trigger on a couple JDM reels. In your experience, what is the most reputable site to use?

Japantackle is the only one I've used. Had my package four days after shipping.

Hootie

Japan lure shop is reputable as well. Add digitaka and plat to that list.

Jeff

Sent you a PM.

Japan lure shop is my favorite, but jp angler and digitaka both get great reviews as well. 

I've only used digitaka but my experience with them was smooth and would do business with them again.

I think all of your main JDM sights are going to be reputable but they do have pluses and minuses.

Japan Tackle in my experience has the best communication before and after the sale but they are also the most expensive that I have seen.

BassJP was a good experience overall for me but they were a little late with the communications but I did get a tracking number.

My favorite is Japan Lure Shop. I think their communication sucks but they have some of the lowest prices and they usually ship very fast. I just bought a Conquest 50DC from them. I paid for it on the morning of Tues March 3 and I did not get it until lunchtime on the 10th. I have gotten spoiled by fast shipping from JDM sites and I really expected the reel to be here on the 6th or 7th. If you buy from Japan Lure Shop, my advice is to create an account with them because I believe that is the best way to get your tracking info. I did not create an account with them after they changed their site and because of that, I did not get a tracking number. I ended up using a trick that good ole Goose posted about to get my tracking info.

I think all of your main JDM sights are going to be reputable but they do have pluses and minuses. 

 

Japan Tackle in my experience has the best communication before and after the sale but they are also the most expensive that I have seen.

 

BassJP was a good experience overall for me but they were a little late with the communications but I did get a tracking number.

 

My favorite is Japan Lure Shop. I think their communication sucks but they have some of the lowest prices and they usually ship very fast. I just bought a Conquest 50DC from them. I paid for it on the morning of Tues March 3 and I did not get it until lunchtime on the 10th. I have gotten spoiled by fast shipping from JDM sites and I really expected the reel to be here on the 6th or 7th. If you buy from Japan Lure Shop, my advice is to create an account with them because I believe that is the best way to get your tracking info. I did not create and account with them after they changed their site and because of that, I did not get a tracking number. I ended up using a trick that good ole Goose posted about to get my tracking info.

They only take paypal 

They only take paypal

I prefer to only pay with PayPal so that is a plus for me.

Ive used japan tackle, japan lure shop and hedgehog studio.  I'm always amazed at how fast I get stuff from japan.

JPAngler has done alright by me

Ive never used a jdm, are they actually made in japan? Prices are nice, is there a difference? Looking to try a scorpion

Ive never used a jdm, are they actually made in japan? Prices are nice, is there a difference? Looking to try a scorpion

Some reels are Made in Japan and some aren't. JDM means that they are sold in the Japanese Domestic Market. The new Scorpion is made in Malaysia and the older Scorpions are made in Japan.

Any hidden fees with these sites? Does PayPal add in a currency conversion fee like credit card companies do when you use them out of country?

Any hidden fees with these sites? Does PayPal add in a currency conversion fee like credit card companies do when you use them out of country?

When I purchased from digitaka there was no others fees. I paid whatever was the current conversation rate and that was it. I paid via PayPal.

Any hidden fees with these sites? Does PayPal add in a currency conversion fee like credit card companies do when you use them out of country?

There is always the chance that you will be hit with a customs fee. I have never had to pay that 'penalty' but it can happen.

Custom fees are very rare with EMS shipping. You can use PayPal with a credit card option. Your credit card company typical charges a small conversion fee from yen to dollars. A couple of bucks on a single reel purchase. Some Japanese vendors charge a shipping fee and a handling fee. Most only charge the product price and shipping. All the fees show up when you place the object in your cart and proceed they checkout.

Just a thought. Custom fees are very rare on single reel purchases with EMS shipping. Rods shipped UPS or FedEx are often held up in customs & a custom fee charged upon delivery. Multiple reels purchased would be more likely to have a custom fee than individual purchases. If I were buying three reels or four I would make two seperate buys instead of one. Just a thought . The vendor states the purchase price on the shipping docs. Larger charges would most likely fly over the radar instead of under the radar.

Planned on one at a time. That's a pretty big chunk all at once!

If customs does decide to grab your order to charge you duties, it will likely hold your package up for 2 or 3 weeks.  The tracking will show it in customs, don't freak out if that happens.

Anyone know when Digi gets the new Aldebaran? Patience is running thin...thry also never responded to my email inquiry.

Pro Shop Otsuka has been good to me.

I did it. Pulled the trigger on a 2015 TwinPower 2500HGS last night. Email just came in that it shipped alredy.

I ordered an Aldebaran from JapanLureShop last week and I received it in 4 days. Also picked up a spool of 13lb. Shooter for a heck of a price. 

I've only used one for one reel www.japantackle.com. Ordered a scorpion on sale plus $20 shipping on a Monday and it was delivered on Thursday. Great company imo