I don't know if I really have "Brand Loyalty" I have  a mixed bag of tricks, but I do have things I like... I love the 2 Bucoo's I have for the money and have recently acquired 3 Dobyns Champion sticks and like them alot so far... I use Shimano Reels for the simple reason that they are the best and most comfortable reel for my style of palming the reel. BPS reels are also comfortable for me but not as good as the curados and citcas I own. I'm not a rich guy so I don't have the funds to buy the best of the best but love tackle and will buy something that looks interesting just to try it out. If I find a real expensive peice of equipment for a real good price I'll buy it too like I did with the bradia.

I buy what suits me best , I spread the wealth to differant companies.

Brand loyalty or blind loyalty? 

I think the point here is that - for whatever reason - some people prefer brand X over brand Y.  No big deal.  Why should everyone like the same brand anyway?  That would be....dull.

However, to the extent people get into a catfight over which is better is absurd. It is, after all, just fishing.

If you like brand Y, great!  Let's hear why you like it. But please refrain from bashing brand X in the process.

That's all I ask.

Thanks!

Glenn

I think the point here is that - for whatever reason - some people prefer brand X over brand Y. No big deal. Why should everyone like the same brand anyway? That would be....dull.

However, to the extent people get into a catfight over which is better is absurd. It is, after all, just fishing.

If you like brand Y, great! Let's hear why you like it. But please refrain from bashing brand X in the process.

That's all I ask.

Thanks!

Glenn

I find, based on price and ease of use, brand Z works best for me.

I find, based on price and ease of use, brand Z works best for me.

K_Mac, that was seriously funny.

This is the first string I've created and I have enjoyed reading what everyone has to say. I think I'm going to get brave and when I need that new heavy-slop rod and reel, I'm going to buy something different from what I use. Maybe then I'll ask for opinions on that.

Whets

8-)

  I think Glenn stated it best.  If everyone used the same it would be dull.  It relates to the idea that if fishing was really easy or you caught 50 fish every single time you went out it would get boring.

  I'm not die-hard anything, but at the moment I only own shimano reels.  I really want to try a daiwa baitcaster,  but don't know which one.  I'd say steez but I just sprung for a core 50 a couple of months ago.

  As for rods,  I have 2 Kistlers, 2 Cabelas xml's,  a Dobyns,  and a Loomis.  Love them all.  If it works I'll use it.

  Also,  not many of my friends buy high end equip. and I get a lot crap for that.  I think they are jealous. ;D ;D

Also, not many of my friends buy high end equip. and I get a lot crap for that. I think they are jealous. ;D ;D

I have had two friends who claimed they were hard on their equipment and didn't want to spend a lot on a rod. They were happy using Ugly Stiks. I let both of them use my St. Croixs. Since that time, one has purchased about 4 of them and the other at least one that I know of. My point isn't that they went with Croixs, it is that they felt the difference between economy rods and, well, the good stuff. Like many have said before. Use what you like and like what you use.

Whets

8-)

Brand Loyality is a recipe for disaster!

Jack be nimble, and Jack be quick (A Lehman Brothers quote).

Roger

I have a few Rainshadows and I'm building a Seeker crankbait rod and a NFC flippin' stick, but other than that, it's St. Croix blanks and Shimano reels.

I have grown an insane amount of loyalty to Daiwa. Lures companies, not so much as I use a variety as most others do. I do get enjoyment out of buying LCs, but that's more of an addiction 

I think most guys have a number of preferred brands,

but that doesn't keep them from trying others. I generally

buy Budweiser, but my favorite is just...cold beer!

:

Quality in a product is not what the manufacturer puts in...It is what the customer gets out and is willing to pay for.

When I hit the lake it will be from sunup to sunset, under extremely adverse conditions, and with full expectations of bass in excess of 6 pounds so any failure on the part of my tools is not accepted.

I think most guys have a number of preferred brands,

but that doesn't keep them from trying others. I generally

buy Budweiser, but my favorite is just...cold beer!

:

Now that's more like it!!!

For me it's difficult to obtain the high end equipment so all of my gear is lower end but it works really well for me and has no problems casting,pitching and flipping and hauling in the lunkers from time to time.

I know they all have their own problems from time to time no matter the brand... If they didn't they would not have to offer warranties.

I think most guys have a number of preferred brands,

but that doesn't keep them from trying others. I generally

buy Budweiser, but my favorite is just...cold beer!

:

Stella, Core, Avid, GLX and your favorite beer is Budweiser?... :-XLOL

I try to buy MADE IN THE USA products.

I buy St. croix rods. but reels you don't have any quality options, so it's shimnao, daiwa for me

I too am a USA guy, I buy St. Croix rods, and Ardent Reels. I feel the quaity of the XS1000 exceeds every other reel that I have used.

My preferences are a good quality rod, a full rear grip, well balanced, and great warranty.  Of all the rod brands I've tried (granted, I haven't tried them all), only two fit all these criteria.  Hence, those are the only two brands I buy.  So, I guess by process of elimination as to my personal preferences, I have somewhat developed brand loyalty for rods.  Though, I have reels from all different companies, so I have no reel brand loyalty.

Brand loyalty or blind loyalty?

We all have preferences, but blind loyalty can cause you to miss out on some great products. When faced with a choice, I will look at a manufacturers track record over just the name.