Hi guys,

 

I was wondering if anyone here had experience purchasing non brand-name reels from sites like Amazon and what your thoughts were. Historically I've always used reels from Daiwa, Bass Pro, Shimano, etc., but one of my reels kicked the bucket a few weeks back and I just snagged a replacement on Amazon, and honestly its pretty nice. Was only like $25 too. Prior to this I wouldn't really consider buying off-brand, but now I'm not so sure. Anyone had any bad experiences with them?

 

FWIW this is the reel I got. 

You don't have to justify your use of inexpensive equipment. If it works, it works.

Usually you get what you pay for, but if it works well then awesome.

I wouldn't expect this to last more than a season or two depending on how hard you use it - but it seems to be a decent reel for general use.

Just now, MN Fisher said:

I wouldn't expect this to last more than a season or two depending on how hard you use it - but it seems to be a decent reel for general use.

 

Its probably a carbon copy of someone elses design. Im sure it will be fine.

4 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

 

Its probably a carbon copy of someone elses design. Im sure it will be fine.

They offer a pretty decent warranty on it so I'm optimistic it'll stand the test of time

I've bought all my Ticas from Amazon, and got more than I paid - 3 of those were half-price loss-leader.  

Amazon stocks their own inventory in their warehouses, and if the shipping looks long, those are vendors that sell through Amazon.  

I take advantage of my prime to order Seaguar, lures, gadgets, cooking sauces...

 

 

Daiwa USA also sells on Amazon

From my experience they are ok but tend not to be refined as much. Longevity isn't there from my experience either. They all got retired after a single hard season but my Daiwas and Shimanos are still strong after multiple years. I fish quite a bit and the cheapies just couldn't keep up.

It might work but it is still 25 dollars reels. If you spend a little bit money on brand name and something go south within a year or few years later, you still have warranty or cheaper parts. 

3 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

I have this promising looking thing with centrifugal beans in it

Welp, I'll never get that one outta my head now. Henceforth, and forever more, I'll be adjusting my beans.

22 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Henceforth, and forever more, I'll be adjusting my beans.

Just not in public...please.

4 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Aliexpress can be a real gold mine of stange fishing translations and odd pictures.

 

 

 

 

And I wonder why I don't shop at Ali Express.....