15 minutes ago, Shimano_1 said:

Pros will always move the needle.  I get that you guys are shimano and daiwa fans.  Not arguing they make good gear.  But honestly it just sounds arrogant every time I read how shimano and daiwa are far superior blah blah. Obviously by my handle on here I like shimano reels. Most of what I use currently is lews as I just like the way they feel and fish better than anything else at the moment.  Anyone who doesn't think kvd will sell lews product doesnt quite understand in my opinion.  Will seasoned anglers run out and buy a bunch of lews because of him? No. Will a bunch of kids who know he's the most decorated angler in history buy or ask for lews gear because of him? Absolutely 

I agree that brand loyalty with fishing gear can start from the first stuff you buy. I know back in the 80's when I was a teenager,my friend and I went out and bought Shimano Beastmaster rods and reels (top of the line stuff back then) after seeing Bob Izumi (Canadian fishing show host) use them on a pike episode. I've basically stuck with Shimano ever since. 

On 10/3/2019 at 4:57 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

When did they need to?

Why dont they need to? 

Just a different marketing philosophy. Some people see spokesmen models as gimmicky and eroding the quality image. 

On 9/25/2019 at 9:39 PM, BassWhole! said:

NikeGolf was a subsidiary of Nike, which was stood up to enter into golf in the mid 90s . Nike hired a competitor's designer to build their clubs. The early clubs were rebranded competitors clubs while they stood up the line. Nike never manufactured any clubs, much like some reel brands today, they had them made for them. Doesn't make them any less Nike. There were issues both real and perceived with the clubs, and the negative press caused the clubs not to sell well. Nike saw their mistake going into hard goods, and shut the division down. Now they do balls, soft goods, foot wear, and accessories in golf. Attended many Super Shows back then, and they threw some of the best parties where liquored up industry guys loved to vent. Great place to network.

 

I don't know how this thread evolved into golf equipment, but just to add Nike contracted Bridgestone to manufacture their balls so they were never into manufacturing much of their golf equipment.  There are many more examples of this across life.  There are people who have made very good money negotiating licensing deals similar to this.  

OMG, does that mean that my 10 year old KVD spinnerbait rod won't work anymore?

45 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

OMG, does that mean that my 10 year old KVD spinnerbait rod won't work anymore?

Yep, totally useless now. What you need to to is

Pack it up securely and ship it to me...I'll see to it's 'disposal'.

On 10/4/2019 at 6:29 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Some people see spokesmen models as gimmicky and eroding the quality image. 

I don't know, if Charlize likes Bud, I'll hold my nose and drink that crap....  

2 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Yep, totally useless now. What you need to to is

Pack it up securely and ship it to me...I'll see to it's 'disposal'.

Hate to break anyone’s heart but the next person going to lews is MARK ZONA!!!

23 hours ago, BassWhole! said:

I don't know, if Charlize likes Bud, I'll hold my nose and drink that crap....  

An exception to every rule. 

I just picked up the Accurist s3 in a combo for 149.99 amazon. The guy on YouTube REELTEST broke down all the specs called it best reel in $100 range ever!  and Tackle tour website agrees the only negative I have heard is there arnt enough gear ratio options my model is 7:3:1 with med/fast rod looks like Winn grips and a sick white and red color scheme. If Quantum keeps this up shimano and diawa might be in trouble....I will update my experience with the combo at a later date. So maybe Quantum is doing something right...

On 10/4/2019 at 6:29 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Just a different marketing philosophy. Some people see spokesmen models as gimmicky and eroding the quality image. 

I agree I would never buy any rod or reel with someone's name all over it even if it is KVD

On 10/4/2019 at 6:29 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Just a different marketing philosophy. Some people see spokesmen models as gimmicky and eroding the quality image. 

 

Kind of my philosophy.  I always thought when a pro fisherman puts their name on a reel it's just a gimmick to cash in on.  Generally the quality is compromised on the product and the pros are left to keep pedaling it.    To me when I see someones name on a reel, a rod, or especially a bait, I am inclined to walk the other way.....  

 

Of course I say that and I just bought 2 Quantum KVD Tour Rods.  I have yet to find an issue with them.  I would definitely would not have payed the regular retail price though. But for what I payed for them, they have been a lot of fun to fish.  

On 9/24/2019 at 9:23 PM, Hammer 4 said:

 

This happens in many sports, fishing is no different.

I fished a few Elite Series tournaments when co-anglers participated, and I fished with a few pros who used rods and reels other than their sponsors.  When I asked them why, they simply said their sponsors didn't offer a comparable product.  One such pro, who was sponsored by Lews, used Johnny Morris Signature Series rods for drop-shotting because Lews made nothing similar, but I suspect they do now.

Don’t know if anyone noticed but Swindle, Grigsby and Latimer all switched to Lew’s 2020 pro team

 

https://anglerschannel.com/lews-adds-grigsby-swindle-and-others-to-2020-pro-staff/

17 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

Don’t know if anyone noticed but Swindle, Grigsby and Latimer all switched to Lew’s 2020 pro team

 

https://anglerschannel.com/lews-adds-grigsby-swindle-and-others-to-2020-pro-staff/

I knew about Latimer, but Swindle surprised me. I saw that on Instagram yesterday.

Does quantum sponsor anyone anymore? Wonder if zebra is closing up shop?

11 hours ago, BassCats said:

Does quantum sponsor anyone anymore? Wonder if zebra is closing up shop?

Can't imagine this happening.  That would mean Zebco, Quantum, VanStall, Fin-nor, and Badlands hunting closing shop.  All seem pretty healthy to me.

I thought they sold Vanstall and Fin-Nor. But can’t seem to find where I saw that so maybe I was mistaken. Still odd they no longer seem to have many pros. Even ardent still has pros.

See any pros on the Shimano site?

It's funny how many people chimed in on this thread about the inferior quality of Lew's. Apparently they don't own even one of Lew's higher quality models. I bought one and liked it so much I bought two more of the exact same model. 

38 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

It's funny how many people chimed in on this thread about the inferior quality of Lew's. Apparently they don't own even one of Lew's higher quality models. I bought one and liked it so much I bought two more of the exact same model. 

And that seems to be the  trend regardless of which manufacturer Mr Van Dam is sponsored by.

A-Jay 

 

3 hours ago, the reel ess said:

It's funny how many people chimed in on this thread about the inferior quality of Lew's. Apparently they don't own even one of Lew's higher quality models. I bought one and liked it so much I bought two more of the exact same model. 

I happen to agree and prefer experience over opinion. 

Had both top models......Lew's all day.

https://sgbonline.com/pure-fishing-acquires-fin-nor/
 

 

On 1/4/2020 at 2:20 PM, NYWayfarer said:

Don’t know if anyone noticed but Swindle, Grigsby and Latimer all switched to Lew’s 2020 pro team

 

https://anglerschannel.com/lews-adds-grigsby-swindle-and-others-to-2020-pro-staff/

 

It's a conspiracy !!!!!!!!

I seem to recall from somewhere that Swindle is only using Lews Reels. Thought that looked a bit odd.