Reels Made In Japan V China V Korea V Malaysia V Usa 2025
NorcalBassin reply :
This "new" lineup from Shimano got me thinking after I read that the new Curados are no longer being made in Japan. How much of a factor is it for you where a reel is made and what are the main differences you'd expect from the different manufacturing countries? I've made sure to have a few made in the USA rods on deck, but I've never had that dilemma with reels since the higher quality reels seem to come from overseas. I would assume that made in Japan >>> made in Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and China, but would you be willing to pay more $$$ for a reel or choose it over a competitor just because it was made in Japan (say a new Chronarch over a Revo STX made in Korea)?
Hooligan reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 11:50 AM, NorcalBassin said:This "new" lineup from Shimano got me thinking after I read that the new Curados are no longer being made in Japan. How much of a factor is it for you where a reel is made and what are the main differences you'd expect from the different manufacturing countries? I've made sure to have a few made in the USA rods on deck, but I've never had that dilemma with reels since the higher quality reels seem to come from overseas. I would assume that made in Japan >>> made in Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and China, but would you be willing to pay more $$ for a reel or choose it over a competitor just because it was made in Japan (say a new Chronarch over a Revo STX made in Korea)?
In short, yes.
In longer, more drawn out, answer, not always true. I'm more concerned about tooling and fit than I am about where it is made. The design of the internals and engineered mechanics has more to do with my decision than the country of origin. Part of the reason that I've always been happy with Shimano and Daiwa reels is that they're just designed better; and Yes the Revo line of reels is included in that statement. There is no opinion in that statement, it's fact that they handle torque, torsion, and lateral forces better than the competition. I think a huge part of that will transfer to any facility of manufacture, so long as the machine tools are engineered and put together correctly, as well as serviced and calibrated correctly, I don't really fear for longevity of the real based on initial origin. I also don't think a company like Daiwa or Shimano is going to blow their entire reputation by producing a piece of crap. While it has happened before, they also corrected it poste haste. I don't see them making the same mistake.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 11:50 AM, NorcalBassin said:I would assume that made in Japan >>> made in Korea,
Well my made in Korea reel has been great no issues while my Japan reel needed and needs again some work.
s13john reply :
well you would buy a Toyota or a Hyundai but when was the last time you saw a car that was made in china. korea is a great manufacturing country and so is japan, china knows how to make a cheep profitable product.
SirSnookalot reply :
It's the quality of parts and engineering, assembly can be done anywhere. Cars have thousands of parts, reels have very few in comparison.
Sam reply :
The company will have its engineers and research development department create the specifications for a reel and as long as the specifications are followed the reel should perform as promised.
As long as the reel is not made in Viet Nam I have no problems with it. 
Pantera61 reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 12:01 PM, Hooligan said:...
Part of the reason that I've always been happy with Shimano and Daiwa reels is that they're just designed better; and Yes the Revo line of reels is included in that statement. There is no opinion in that statement, it's fact that they handle torque, torsion, and lateral forces better than the competition.
...
1. As you have no independent lab tests to support your statement, it is 100% opinion.
2. Revo was designed by Swedish engineers. You tell me when you find a 35 year old Daiwa or Shimano that works as well as the day it was purchased with minimal care and maintenance and I'll show you the word "Abu" engraved on the side. THAT'S not opinion.
3. If people really cared about "Made In America", they would be buying Toyota Tundras. The Tundra is 80% domestic content.
jayo123456 reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 2:50 PM, Sam said:The company will have its engineers and research development department create the specifications for a reel and as long as the specifications are followed the reel should perform as promised.
As long as the reel is not made in Viet Nam I have no problems with it.
That's the problem though, specifications are not always followed, quality control is a serious issue. Any product that was once manufactured in a high wage paying country, moved to a low wage paying country, will always suffer some form of quality control issues. It's not the engineering specifications itself that is the issue.
Source: worked in manufacturing for 5+ years, a current senior industrial engineer college major, and 100% Vietnamese 
(not joking about any of these)
Pantera61 reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 8:50 PM, jayo123456 said:That's the problem though, specifications are not always followed, quality control is a serious issue. Any product that was once manufactured in a high wage paying country, moved to a low wage paying country, will always suffer some form of quality control issues. It's not the engineering specifications itself that is the issue.
Source: worked in manufacturing for 5+ years, a current senior industrial engineer college major, and 100% Vietnamese
(not joking about any of these)
High pay does NOT always equal high quality. Geez, some of the highest paid auto workers were turning out the biggest pieces of excrement to roll across they highways! Those stories about workers slowing down an assembly line when a personal car of theirs was being built was not urban myth.
00 mod reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 5:23 PM, Pantera61 said:1. As you have no independent lab tests to support your statement, it is 100% opinion.
2. Revo was designed by Swedish engineers. You tell me when you find a 35 year old Daiwa or Shimano that works as well as the day it was purchased with minimal care and maintenance and I'll show you the word "Abu" engraved on the side. THAT'S not opinion.
3. If people really cared about "Made In America", they would be buying Toyota Tundras. The Tundra is 80% domestic content.
I drive a Tundra! Made in Texas!
Jeff
jayo123456 reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 8:59 PM, Pantera61 said:High pay does NOT always equal high quality. Geez, some of the highest paid auto workers were turning out the biggest pieces of excrement to roll across they highways! Those stories about workers slowing down an assembly line when a personal car of theirs was being built was not urban myth.
Higher paid employees will not *always, but will *comparatively on the whole, build more consistent products than lower paid workers. That is a fact. Any company outsourcing manufacturing to a lower wage company, will always suffer some form of quality control issue. You pay someone good, assure them a bright future in your company, they will put their heart and soul into your product. You pay them barely enough to get by, suppress them of any opportunities to advance, they won't give a crap what how your final product holds up.
J Francho reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 12:55 PM, s13john said:well you would buy a Toyota or a Hyundai but when was the last time you saw a car that was made in china. korea is a great manufacturing country and so is japan, china knows how to make a cheep profitable product.
Chevy Equinox. Just sayin'. 
Raider Nation Fisher reply :
I try to avoid Chinese made products whenever I can. It's not always possible, but when it is ill gladly pay the extra money. A saying in my trade is, "skilled labor ain't cheap. And cheap labor ain't skilled."
SirSnookalot reply :
Comparing fishing reels to autos is not a real comparison of quality control, cars just have so many more parts.
I've been on the floor of hundreds, if not thousands, of American plants, mostly auto related. With what I've seen I would not hesitate to say that higher wages will not guarantee better quality control and a better product. U.S. auto makers lost market due to the simple fact that there are other products where quality is as good if not better at a cheaper price. Some of the price issue has due with other countries have a national healthcare system and American cars the healthcare of workers is built into the overall price...........that's another topic.
My wife has had 4 Japanese autos, not a one needed to go back to the dealer after purchase because something was wrong with the car, all were perfect.
I'm driving a Genesis now, car has been perfect since day one and still is, compares to any BMW or MB that I've owned, and surpasses any Lincoln or Cadillac that I've had, being involved in American industry driving American cars was a must. In all fairness I'm talking Japanese and Korean, not Chinese, but again it's a fishing reel with a minimum of parts and no safety issues, not a car.
Flukeman reply :
On 8/3/2011 at 3:22 AM, jayo123456 said:Higher paid employees will not *always, but will *comparatively on the whole, build more consistent products than lower paid workers. That is a fact. Any company outsourcing manufacturing to a lower wage company, will always suffer some form of quality control issue. You pay someone good, assure them a bright future in your company, they will put their heart and soul into your product. You pay them barely enough to get by, suppress them of any opportunities to advance, they won't give a crap what how your final product holds up.
This argument is irrelevant. In their country they are paid well by their standards and feel they have a great life. Just like our unions feel. The problem is quality control and process decisions. The big three decided to give us crap for some years at a high price and the American people said no more. That gave these other companies time to get a foot hold, who knows if they will go back.
Reel companies will have to make the same kind of decisions. When they make the wrong one people will move on to other brands. I have used Abu's for a long time with no problems. Switched to some Bass Pro reels for a while with very little problems. I recently switched back to the Revo's after a friend had them for years with no problems. I could not be happier with mine (2009's)and I here the newer ones are even better. If the over sea's factories pay attention to process decisions and quality control, they will have no problems no matter what wage they pay or where they are made.
In fishing confidence plays a huge roll in my opinion. If you feel better about buying from one country vs. another, then that is the route I would go.
South FLA reply :
I would rather own a perfect Korean made Quantum than a lemon Japanese made Shimano.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 8/4/2011 at 3:34 AM, South FLA said:I would rather own a perfect Korean made Quantum than a lemon Japanese made Shimano.
Your BAD.
s13john reply :
On 8/3/2011 at 3:39 AM, J Francho said:Chevy Equinox. Just sayin'.
Its a suzuki.. Cavi's were toyotas..
G8 is holden... Wish we stll had those
And we both know who makes the best truck GMC
As far as the reels go well, I don't really any are that bad. I've ownd revos,daiwa, shimano and quantum and they all caught fish.
Nighty night BR
NorcalBassin reply :
Sort of surprised that, with the possible exception of China, most of us don't give much thought to where a reel is manufactured when making a purchase. I personally have more faith in a reel made in Japan than anywhere else, but maybe I'm misguided. That being said, I did just buy a Lew's Pro Tournament Speed Spool that was made in Korea. Thanks for all the input.
boystcroix reply :
On 8/4/2011 at 2:53 PM, s13john said:Its a suzuki.. Cavi's were toyotas..
G8 is holden... Wish we stll had those
And we both know who makes the best truck GMC
As far as the reels go well, I don't really any are that bad. I've ownd revos,daiwa, shimano and quantum and they all caught fish.
Nighty night BR
Gotta disagree with you on GMC. I work on Fords , GM and Dodges everyday and most of the time its a GM on the lift. Take a look under a Ford Superduty and compare to GM Heavduty, you'll see which is truley heavy duty.
J Francho reply :
He said duty twice. 
Hooligan reply :
On 8/9/2011 at 12:41 AM, J Francho said:He said duty twice.
Three times, Johnny, three.
boystcroix reply :
Sorry, I work at a water and sanitation authority. I'm around "duty" alot!
shootermcbob reply :
On 8/3/2011 at 3:22 AM, jayo123456 said:Higher paid employees will not *always, but will *comparatively on the whole, build more consistent products than lower paid workers. That is a fact. Any company outsourcing manufacturing to a lower wage company, will always suffer some form of quality control issue. You pay someone good, assure them a bright future in your company, they will put their heart and soul into your product. You pay them barely enough to get by, suppress them of any opportunities to advance, they won't give a crap what how your final product holds up.
Not true. Pay is way down he scale of what people are looking for in a job. People want to have a feeling of belonging, they want to be noticed for doing a good job, they want to have an opportunity for advancement, and they want good to great fringe benefits. Even with these items,coupled with high pay, there will still a percentage of people who don't care about the quality of the product of they are making.
Wages are not the motivating force behind quality.
piscicidal reply :
I've been designing/building consumer products for over 15 years. I went through the entire evolution from building in our own factory in the US, to eventually building in Korea, then China.
From my experience, the Chinese are much better at assembling components then our US workers. The issue with China, and the reason I have traveled there 25 times, is they like to cut corners. Think about the issues we've seen in the news recently with Chinese drywall, lead paint on toys, tainted dog food, etc... We always have to check to make sure they haven't cut some corner with the tooling/manuafacturing/materials/etc. In general, I would say that if the parts are produced in the US/Korea/Japan and assembled in China, then you should have no problem. Usually this is not the case, though, because China imposes a 17% VAT tax on items coming into the country for assembly. If the engineers are not diligent about ensuring the quality of those components, then you can have issues.
Strike King Lures reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 2:34 PM, SirSnookalot said:It's the quality of parts and engineering, assembly can be done anywhere. Cars have thousands of parts, reels have very few in comparison.
Sometimes things are assembled in those countries with USA made parts
thebillsman reply :
On 8/3/2011 at 3:39 AM, J Francho said:Chevy Equinox. Just sayin'.
Made in Canada!
My Lew's reels made in Korea and my Curado 70s made in Malaysia are both great.
These modern day reels are pretty impressive no matter where they come from. The biggest fish I've ever seen was yanked in on a Spiderman Zebco rod.. from then on I stopped thinking so much.
J Francho reply :
On 12/23/2016 at 1:06 AM, thebillsman said:Made in Canada!
Six year old thread. In 2011, they were mostly made in China. Assembled here, Mexico, and Canada.
MassYak85 reply :
I'm more concerned about the engineering and tolerancing of the parts. Whether or not a reel had it's part shipped over to China and had someone who makes 50 cents an hour assemble it isn't as important as how well the gears were machined, or the quality of the bearings used, or the grade of metal/plastic used for the parts themselves. Basically what I am saying is the quality is going to primarily come from the sum of the parts, so looking at the parts themselves rather than the assembly location is going to give you a better idea of the reel's quality.
kadas reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 9:30 PM, 00 mod said:I drive a Tundra! Made in Texas!
Jeff
I drive a slightly older model Jeff--made in Indiana!!
the reel ess reply :
On 8/2/2011 at 9:30 PM, 00 mod said:I drive a Tundra! Made in Texas!
Jeff
Yep, my Chevy was built in Ontario. What people seem to care more about is union-made. But not me.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
I dont mind where it make as long as it big brand company, but would I pay more for made in Japan or USA depends on how much more.
I believe in QC and material use for all the parts of reel. Big company most likely have better QC and also better material than those counterfit or cheap brand.
With that said a lot of product from chinas can sell a lot cheaper because they copy others and use lower grade of material.
Poolshark reply :
I could care less where a reel was built so long I will be able to find parts later down the road.
The design tolerances are so tight in modern reels that the performance should be good with anything at a certain price.
case in point, I needed a pinion gear in a Calcutta 200 a. Tackleshop had it. Fixed.
wether that Calcutta was built in Malaysia or Japan didn't matter. I try and stick with familiar models and models that have sister models like Curado/citica so that if I need a part it will be attainable somehow when needed
OnthePotomac reply :
The Shimano facility in Maylasia is staffed by only Shimano trained personnel with Shimano components and they have been producing quality Shimano reels for years. That is why the Curado 70 is only $200 and not $250, or more.
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