JDM REELS

[Keyco]

So I'm still pretty new into baitcasters and even more so with $100 plus price. Are JDM reels better or cheaper? Whats the big deal about them why is everyone talking about them?

[SFL BassHunter]

I'm sure LMG will post on here soon enough. He likes getting reels that come in boxes with funny looking writing on em.

[LgMouthGambler]

It all comes to the reel in hand. Some models are better in certain ways when getting the JDM version, and some are exactly the same but with a different name. Sometimes it all breaks down to the dollar to yen power for the better deal. Any reel in particular that you have a eye on?

[Keyco]

A 2014 shimano scorpion 200 for the most part. Long term save up reel lol. Just overall curiosity In JDM.

[LgMouthGambler]

Its pretty much the same reel as the Curado200I. The spool bearings are of a higher quality, and the brake blocks may be of a lighter material. Otherwise, same reel, different color.

[Keyco]

So JDM isn't cheaper just renamed?

[LgMouthGambler]

Cheaper as far as quality? No.  Cheaper in price? Just depends on the dollar to yen exchange rate. Right now is still in our favor. Used to be REALLY in our favor a few years ago.

[Bass newb]

Lew bb1 or 2 are my best value reels. $125 on ebay!

[cortman]

Cheaper? Lol. Opposite of cheaper.

[FloridaFishinFool]

The only problem with some JDM reels is getting parts. If you can get parts and use U.S. counterpart reels for parts then you might be OK. If there is no U.S. counterpart reel it will be tougher to get parts for it.

[Capt. BassinLou]

A 2014 shimano scorpion 200 for the most part. Long term save up reel lol. Just overall curiosity In JDM.

I have the same reel, and its one of my favorites. Paired with a Champion 734, and you got yourself a very nice outfit. 

[LgMouthGambler]

I have the same reel, and its one of my favorites. Paired with a Champion 734, and you got yourself a very nice outfit. 

No, you dont. You have the Scorpion XT1500, which is based off the Curado E series. Which honestly is a much better reel in my opinion than the 14 Scorpion.

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[Capt. BassinLou]

No, you dont. You have the Scorpion XT1500, which is based off the Curado E series. Which honestly is a much better reel in my opinion than the 14 Scorpion.

<")))>{

Lmao.... oops!! That reel does kick butt!!

[Keyco]

I have so much to learn ha ha!

[Lipripper]

I have so much to learn ha ha!

Don't we all 

[LgMouthGambler]

Don't we all 

Don't worry Lip, I'm here to help. Lol. As my wife's says, "what are you on call 24/7?" Lol. Between the alerts from here, and people texting and messaging me on instagram for reel questions and services. Lol.

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[Lipripper]

Don't worry Lip, I'm here to help. Lol. As my wife's says, "what are you on call 24/7?" Lol. Between the alerts from here, and people texting and messaging me on instagram for reel questions and services. Lol.

<")))>{

That's cause your good at what you do and everyone knows it.

[Keyco]

Are you a reel specialist or something?

[LgMouthGambler]

Are you a reel specialist or something?

Something. Lol

<")))>{

[Keyco]

Better than no answer at all haha.

[rockchalk06]

So I'm still pretty new into baitcasters and even more so with $100 plus price. Are JDM reels better or cheaper? Whats the big deal about them why is everyone talking about them?

I don't have a ton to add that hasn't been posted already, but with the Yen down the way it is, you can get some really good deals. Take the 2016 Metanium MGL. Most places have for around 350-419. You can get the JDM version with slightly less line capacity for under 300 dollars. I know that's out of most people's price range, but that is one reason.

I prefer the D series Shimano's. I have a bunch of them. Take the USDM Core 100MG. The handle has zero bearings and the knobs are riveted on and vibrate bad. This was a 370 dollar reel new and sells for 200-250 all day now. The JDM version of this reel has much better spool bearings and 4 bearings in the handle. Also has a few other minor tweaks that are all cosmetic. Just little things like that and the reel is cheaper over all. New it was under 350 and now they can be had for less than 100 dollars used.

I'm rebuilding a 2009 Shimano Metanium MG7 V2 (limited edition) for a member here. This reel's USDM version is the Core 100MG7. Same condition, the USDM reel sells for 200-250 all day. I got this gem for 60 bucks and will be putting another 15-20 in parts to bring it up to par. He's getting a reel that originally sold for close to 400 dollars for less than 100. All because it's a JDM reel.

Another big reason for me is the fact that I can own something different.

[West6550]

He buys and sells one or three a week lol

[cojab]

I'm rebuilding a 2009 Shimano Metanium MG7 V2 (limited edition) for a member here. This reel's USDM version is the Core 100MG7. Same condition, the USDM reel sells for 200-250 all day. I got this gem for 60 bucks and will be putting another 15-20 in parts to bring it up to par. He's getting a reel that originally sold for close to 400 dollars for less than 100. All because it's a JDM reel.

And I just got a chance to throw a few casts on that reel today. For a reel that is 8 years old and needed a couple of minor parts to bring it up to spec, it is fantastic. I really enjoyed throwing that reel. I cant wait for a day out on the lake to really check it out!

I have a couple of cheaper reels and a few mid to higher priced ones ($150-275)
With just 15 minutes on this reel for me so far, it is every bit as good and maybe better than any of my other reels. Smooth and just very nice, effortless casting.

Thanks Rock! I owe you a beer!

[rockchalk06]

And I just got a chance to throw a few casts on that reel today. For a reel that is 8 years old and needed a couple of minor parts to bring it up to spec, it is fantastic. I really enjoyed throwing that reel. I cant wait for a day out on the lake to really check it out!

I have a couple of cheaper reels and a few mid to higher priced ones ($150-275)
With just 15 minutes on this reel for me so far, it is every bit as good and maybe better than any of my other reels. Smooth and just very nice, effortless casting.

Thanks Rock! I owe you a beer!

Glad you enjoyed her!

[SteveTX]

I also have very limited no scratch that zero knowledge of the JDM reels. But I would love to know where you get the insight on these. Where could I learn what ones to stay away from and what ones are diamonds in the rough?

Im needing a couple of reels and who wouldn't want $300+ reels for $100 or less. So needless to say Where can I learn what ones might be a reel I would be interested in?