AndZ

Who would've thought this topic will stir up that toxic of a nest. Luckily I can afford to buy them from Japan. Actually the TK, K9 and even the handles are available with the European retailer at quite good prices. The Riser Jack I got from Japan, for the same price they're selling it in the U.S. It was a post about business models. The Ghosts are another story, so it's Japan only for now. Getting what you want but stumbling on a stupid lip because they cannot supply it, this is why it was and it is a topic about this business model.

Shut the f*ck up, you little b*tch. I am a Trump supporter, you mofo.

No, I am right on all points. And you are just a stupid, ignorant American.

I repeat: if you are unable to understand what I am talking about, don't post your sh*tty opinion on my topic. GTFO and stay out of this. We in the rest of the world are not as lucky as you Americans, so don't talk to me about the swimbait socialism as long as I paid 340 to 380 for a single Ghost bait. It's just getting access to the same merch other regions get. It's ridiculous to pay such money for a bait and not be able to get a single lousy lip, because you cannot find it in Japan or Europe... and the only place that's got it only sells it to the U.S. residents.

Thank you for that. Actually, that was the cause that triggered my reaction. It could be complicated to ship internationally today because of the pandemic. I will try to obtain them from the EU distributor. If not, I will let you know. But I would prefer the simplest, most direct way, which is normal. Anyway, lots of thanks for that, I appreciate it, bro! @Toker710 - I have also tried the Hook-Up EU, I am constantly checking up on them. I'm not complaining about their prices, since I paid for them and I obviously can afford to buy 3 DRT rods at once. Even though some price tags are exaggerated compared to the U.S prices - e.g. the Riser Jack. I just want a fair chance at getting their products in our area of residence, too. We don't have the luxury of MSRPrices that you get in the U.S. OK, I can pay more and I paid A LOT MORE for each Ghost bait you're seeing in the pics, but at least, just create a viable business model for other parts of the world, too. I'm not asking for swimbait socialism, if are unable to understand what I am talking about, that's your problem and you should refrain from posting in this topc, because I'm talking about other things. That's all.

Do you know the price of the DRT Riser Jack asked on ebay by them, in Europe? $245.00 USD (or best offer). You must be really desperate to pay such price. So I get what I can from Japan. Even at the JDM inflated prices, they're still cheaper than the prices in EU. But I paid $311.00 USD + shipping for a Varial handle and I actually bought another one, a 100 and a 110, from the European distributor.

Plus that they don't sell any DRT rods to Europe, not that they would receive any, they are not allowed. So the only option is outsourcing them directly from JP.

I know, I talked to them. I bought lures & varial handles from the Spain distributor at much higher prices than the ones for the U.S. Most say they are over inflated prices. OK, I can accept that. But they don't have all the accessories, such as these stupid lips.

I am buying DRT products from Japan, most of them at scalping prices, because DRT USA only sells in the U.S. And what do you know? I live in Europe. But in Europe there is no "DRT Europe". And when I try to buy a couple of lousy Ghost short lips from DRT USA, I cannot, because you are only selling them in the U.S. This is wrong, this is a discriminating manner of treating your consumers and fans and more than that, this is dissing them. Can't find the lips in Japan with any retailer. Can't find them on auction sites either because I would've bought one. You should reconsider your model of doing business or what you do, DRT, because there are anglers in Europe, too. Instead of showing appreciation that your products are sought after, you close your shop door in the nose of your customers. Whether you want it or not, I am your customer, too. So show some respect, too!

Glad to hear that! Unfortunately, both Shimano and Daiwa HAVE QUALITY CONTROL issues with their top tier reels, their high ends. This is not acceptable... but the only thing we can do is damage control, since these reels are only backed by limited warranty in Japan only. So, it's a taken risk. What's unacceptable is to have this level of low performance in their top reels that sell for over $600 USD. Yes, PLAT is probably the best for parts ordering. And the carbontex washers are no brainer, given that the stock ones look like melting with usage (they lose material that just sticks to the gears every time you crank down the drag to maximum).

One more thing: each reel has its own code. You should mention that code depending on what version of the reel you're ordering the parts for, if you send the order by mail to a certain shop in Japan. Antares DC MD XG Left Handle code is 03875. Antares DC MD XG Right Handle code is 03874.

You cannot order directly from Shimano Japan. You have to place your order with a local fishing tackle store. I got my DC MD parts with the help of Digitaka.com. But you can use www.plat.co.jp online ordering system, which looks much easier: https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/optionparts/ Back to the gears: I checked them (without a magnifier) but they seem to be OK. Mine became rough after 3 or 4 fishing days. You should let me know which version is: Left handle or Right handle? Mine are all LH. Because the parts numbers vastly differ from one model to another. Antares DC MD XG Left handle parts - no. 135 (drive gear) - no. 138 (pinion gear) - no. 33 (drag washer) - no. 35 (drag washer) Antares DC MD XG Right handle parts - no. 34 (drive gear) - no. 50 (pinion gear) - no. 33 (drag washer) - no. 35 (drag washer) You may also want to change the drag washers (listed above) with some carbontex ones – I gave the measurements to a shop from the U.S. tht sells them on ebay. Here’s the link> https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-carbontex-drag-washers-ANTARES-DC-MD-XG-DC-MD-XG-L-18/114335181799?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 The carbontex washers are so much better than the stock washers, both in smoothness and durability. Just add some Cal’s drag grease to them, a very light coat. I run them in my old DC MD, now I’m looking to get a second set for my newer DC MD. These pics are from the older gears and the original stock washers...

Don't worry, I had worst luck with Daiwa - I have a Daiwa Z2020 Black Limited that grinds like the proverbial grinder from hell after what, 6 months of moderate use with 14 lbs. fc lines only? I have yet to send this one to repairs... or get the gears, b/c they're highly expensive. So, no brand is safe or fault-proof. 6 months! I only used soft swimbaits such as OneUp Shad and the Optimul Baits Boom Boom swimbait in the 6" length. Also used some gliding baits such as Gan Craft 178 or 230, but they don't pull almost at all on the reel.

IT'S THE GEARS. I had similar issues with my first Antares DC MD. It was kind of geary right out of the box, but after only 3 outings, it became quite rough. New reel bought from Digitaka. No cleaning and relubing improved the gears. The rough retrieve went away only after replacing the gears with a new set ordered from Shimano Japan. These gears were smoother and they still are, but after a few months, they also because a little on the grindy side. I only used 20 lbs. FC Sniper fluorocarbon line on this reel, I almost exclusively fish with fc lines except for the big bait rods, where I use other types of monofilament lines (Sunline Queenstar). Now I'm on my second DC MD, which is still new. I swapped the grease inside with other type - bought no less than 6 types from different manufacturers. After some tests, the smoothest retrieve is obtained by using Lew's Super Duty casting reel grease made in coop with Lucas Oil. The other grease that I'm testing now is Shimano's Permalub Grease, that feels better than any other Shimano grease in the newer DC MD. I don't know why this happens, but it looks like Shimano has clearly skimped on quality gears of the Antares DC MD XG.

Thanks for all the inputs. I just bought (ordered) a Tatula 300XSL, the 8.1:1 gear ratio with 43" IPT. I was looking at the Revo Rocket 41, the bigger size, but it is hard to find and it's pricier than the deal I got the Tatula for in Europe. The Tranx 401 I got is the 5.8:1 gear ratio version. Its definitely solid but it lacks the speed, so I'll keep it for other baits. Man, that Ghost in Glide-mode can glide a lot towards you!