How much better are reels made in Japan

yellow door 1 · #1 23-06-2016, 07:26 PM

Just did a quick check on my reels to see where they were made - Of the ones I checked - there was China, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan.

How would you rank these destinations for their ability to produce quality fishing reels.

And where was your favourite reel made

breaminator · #2 23-06-2016, 07:49 PM

Without a doubt, the Japanese have extremely tightly controlled QA/QC (Quality Control)
Anything ex-Japan would be the highest on my list given the choice

Green Hornet · #3 23-06-2016, 08:32 PM

The main reason I buy JDM Shimanos is for the options in spool depths available.
Just saves winding on a heap of backing that will probably never see daylight again.

manno · #4 23-06-2016, 09:04 PM

Slazmo · #5 23-06-2016, 09:17 PM

Tolerances. That is all.

Alex · #6 23-06-2016, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slazmo

Tolerances. That is all.

Wouldn't you think they should be the same no matter if it is a Japan made or from the factory in Asia?

Why manufacturers think the non-Japanese folk deserve a sub-par gear? Like a slap in the face

I hope that braid is not in the same category.

Personally, I would go with the Japan made any time.

Slazmo · #7 23-06-2016, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Wouldn't you think they should be the same no matter if it is a Japan made or from the factory in Asia?

All about dollars and cents. Machined aluminium parts vs monkey metal. You paybfor what you get in the end. Doesnt mean that reels from Malaysia are going to be inferior.

Perceptions are at play also when things luke "place of manufacture" are at play.

Dont forget Japan was the "China" of yesteryear. China was the Thailand of the early 2000's and now Thailand is up and coming with strict quality control and good quality manufacture. Look where all your Megabass reels come from...

All got to do with flow of economies and money.

The G factor · #8 24-06-2016, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slazmo

Look where all your Megabass reels come from...

Mine say Japan

nagz · #9 24-06-2016, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The G factor

Mine say Japan

+1

stella fella · #10 24-06-2016, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The G factor

Mine say Japan

My RC 256 says Thailand, and my Lin HM 258, Japan. The RC has seen more abuse (more, and bigger fish) and has remained smooth as the day I bought it. The Lin got slightly geary after a while.

The G factor · #11 24-06-2016, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stella fella

My RC 256 says Thailand, and my Lin HM 258, Japan. The RC has seen more abuse (more, and bigger fish) and has remained smooth as the day I bought it. The Lin got slightly geary after a while.

you use your MB reels? What the hell is wrong with you?

stella fella · #12 24-06-2016, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The G factor

you use your MB reels? What the hell is wrong with you?

TheChief · #13 24-06-2016, 04:41 AM

Best reels are made in Thailand. Not even joking.

manno · #14 24-06-2016, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheChief

Best reels are made in Thailand. Not even joking.

Sounds to me like you have a healthy sense of humour mate.

TheChief · #15 24-06-2016, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manno

Sounds to me like you have a healthy sense of humour mate.

Best 3 reels I've had for like the 4 or 5 years. All made in Thailand. Had plenty of Japan reels out of the box feel worse and have more slop in the reel. Maybe 15 years ago it made a difference. Not anymore IMO.