I am in the market for a Curado DC reel and I've looked at all my local stores (large ones like BP, Cabelas, Academy and Scheels and even some smaller local ones) and I obviously realize how the pandemic has left us with just barren rows where lures used to be but MAN I was just shocked how unavailable these are! Not a single one in like 10 stores locally to the point you cannot even order them to ship to store. Major online fishing websites are out too. eBay seems to be about the only place and there is not much there. Has anyone heard any word or rumors as to when they will be more readily available?

There doesn't appear to be any shortage of them on fleabay or online...

You can get any of them online somewhere.

I've noticed this too.  I'm wanting to buy a new 200 Curado DC and here in N. IL and S. WI can't find one.

 Buy from any of the larger jdm vendors. Will likely get here faster than usps.

I just bought a 150 dc from Midway USA.  They are in Columbia MO.

14 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

Try American Legacy.

All out, only can backorder.

6 hours ago, Jig Man said:

I just bought a 150 dc from Midway USA.  They are in Columbia MO.

I had looked there too. All they have is left handed 6.2:1

I ordered a reel on eBay on a Friday from Croatia (in Europe), and it arrived in California on the following Monday for a $15 shipping fee (and a decent price on the reel; $5 less than TW in the same size and gear ratio). Over the weekend? Are you kidding me? I wouldn't expect it that fast from across town considering it was over a weekend.

 

eBay has all three flavors of the Curado DC available as 'buy-it-now' for the same or lower than shops are charging.

I can't remember the last time I bought a rod or reel from a local store.

I find most of my stuff online. Usually much better deals and much more selection.

Not to mention the sales sections of many forums. Many good deals there too.

I have been looking for the Shimano Tranx 400HG and cant find it anywhere .....even online!

You might try shopping Japan online.  Japantackle, Asian Portal, Plat.  

Fed-Ex and DHL delivery from Japan is quicker than USPS Priority Mail.  

I've bought 3 reels from Asian Portal, including Japan market models not imported to US (Vanquish and low-geared Stradic UL size) - their prices are really good if they have stock, and they ship free express.  

 

I'm thinking, and that's gotten me in trouble before, that the big retailers are filling their online orders first when they receive their inventory.  Anything left over goes out to the stores.

I’ve seen the eBay deals from Japan and all. They all mention extra import fees beyond price and shipping. I just wonder if they amount to much if anything at all? Also if a used Shimano would be worth the risk.

4 minutes ago, Terran Elam said:

I’ve seen the eBay deals from Japan and all. They all mention extra import fees beyond price and shipping. I just wonder if they amount to much if anything at all? Also if a used Shimano would be worth the risk.

I have ordered a bunch of reels (probably 20-30) from Japan and never had to pay an import fee. I am not saying you won't have to, just that I never have.

I own several  "experienced" reels that were bought from members in our Flea Market.

 

1 hour ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I have ordered a bunch of reels (probably 20-30) from Japan and never had to pay an import fee. I am not saying you won't have to, just that I never have.

I’ll check and see. Hard to find a reel on eBay that isn’t being shipped from overseas. I’m always Leary to order until I see someone else has done it. Some of those deals on eBay can be pretty suspicious. 
Thanks.

2 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

I own several  "experienced" reels that were bought from members in our Flea Market.

 

 

I’ll keep my eye on the market section. I often find products I’m looking for are the ones that folks don’t want to give up and when they do, they go quick.
Looking at the Met DC’s. I think. A good bit out of my budget but that’s nothing new.

I haven't had very good luck buying reels on ebay.  People would list an item as NIB but when I received it it was more like EX/VG+ condition.  The reel would have minor scratches and be missing things that are supplied with a new reel.

The US has no import fees for shipments less than $4000 value - Canada would be a different story.  

I haven't bought many reels from Ebay.  I have bought a few (8-10) direct from Japan. Site's like Japanangler, Plat and Digitaka.  Usually pretty speedy delivery and have been pleased with my purchases. 

 

FM