Ardent is still around but I don't believe they made here any longer. At one time the upper end model was made in Macon Missouri.

Paying a bit more to support US made items has never been a problem for me. But these prices of rod and reels is just plain greed and if that gives an attitude for some, so be it!

The industry is VERY competitive with many choices at every pricing point.

I have other favorites, but the VALUE is around $150 - $200 for both rods and

reels.

 

On 8/7/2020 at 11:53 AM, Spankey said:

Daiwa Tournament SS. Made in Japan. 80’s and still fish it on the river. Love it. Bought a spare one from eBay Cheap and rebuilt it with upgraded bearing kit. Not sure where or if they are still made. 

Still manufactured, for the last many years they have been made in Thailand.

2 minutes ago, waymont said:

Still manufactured, for the last many years they have been made in Thailand.

One of my absolute favorite reels.  It may not be as smooth or refined as the newer stuff, but it's d**n near bomb proof.  Quite a few salmon guides here in Michigan use them in the 1600 size.  I've had my 1300 for 30 years.

1 hour ago, redmeansdistortion said:

One of my absolute favorite reels.  It may not be as smooth or refined as the newer stuff, but it's d**n near bomb proof.  Quite a few salmon guides here in Michigan use them in the 1600 size.  I've had my 1300 for 30 years.

I used to fish them a lot. They are a little clunky, and rough, but man do they cast great. Cool looking reels.

I genuinely prefer American made rods and don’t buy anything Chinese if I can help it (tough to find backreeling capable spinning reels not made in China, for instance). Would love it if we could get more American manufactured products all across the market.

 

I feel like there are even rods made in the US that are a good value. St Croix Victory is a good example but I also think that’s true of the Legend X which for $400-ish has a full torzite guide train, great sensitivity, and is very durable. Plus that warranty, which is a really underrated aspect that most high end overseas rods don’t compete with. 
 

Cant wait until we get some of the more interesting components that the Destroyers have though too. 

I try to buy u.s made products if possible . Six stcroix, five loomis and one sage , all u.s. built. Also mcoy fishing line.

On 7/17/2020 at 1:07 PM, dodgeguy said:

That would be nice. American built rods and reels would be awesome. I would love it if Lews did that.

Lews doesn’t build anything. If they tried they wouldn’t have the expertise and you’d be disappointed.