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!

I am debating what reel to get for big baits with large gliding area, such as the DRT Ghost in mode G. I tried it yesterday for the first time and man, the Tranx 401 is slow and can't keep up with its gliding capabilities. I waited 2 months for a Tatula 300HL 7.1:1 to arrive from the U.S., looks like it was the seller's fault, since eBay refunded the purchase. Somehow it was for the better since it looks like I need the fastest retrieving reel out there, with 43" or more. So far, the Tatula 300XL fits the bill and the Revo Rocked (the red one), same IPT, but different gear ratios and weights. The Rocket is lighter and faster gear ratio, probably to make up for the smaller spool diameter. Durability-wise which one would be better? Comfort-wise the Rocket is lighter and prolly smaller in hands. Price-wise, the Rocket is around $300, while I can find the Tatula for less.

Looks more like a Nekosogi XXX from Phat Lab.

Mine is a used one that was found for me by a buddy in Japan.

I think I get it. OK, I mean I'll get it Oh man, this isn't going as I planned :)))

You just made my purchase decision more complicated :))) I was comparing it to a Designo Slang that is also high end and highly sought after in Japan. Oh well I will see... Thank you for your time and knowledge, gentlemen!

That's what I've heard as well. Yes, the Monstruo series is really nice, the 711 looks like is the new addition. I was looking at the 710. They are bot up to 7 oz. (200 grams). I also got an El Horizonte 83, but that is a beast of a rod, not a "daily driver". Thanks for your thoughts.

I'm looking for the El Horizonte 73 Remix as an all-around do-it-all rod. There are some videos with the rod in action on YT but from what I can tell, the rod bends quite a lot even with medium-sized fish. I also read that maximum recommended weight would be around 3 oz., so the 4 oz. rating is not that accurate. If any of you guys owns it, please let me know your thoughts on this one. Looks like a small bait rod, best for Tiny Klash, Jointed Claw 178, Nekosogi DSR and all kind of baits from swim jigs to vibration and others... Power wise and sensitivity I would like to know how you like it. Thank you!

This happened to my Daiwa Z2020 Black Limited after a few months of use with ONLY 14 lbs. fluorocarbon line and soft swimbaits in the 6" to 8" range. I got that reel in November 2017 and by May 2018 it turned into a coffee grinder from hell. Bought BRAND NEW from Digitaka. And since Daiwa doesn't sell replacement gears to users, I still have to send that grinder to them, in Japan, for a service. I will put out a review in the future and I will try to make it in English or translate it. It's not a fanboy thing, I am using reels from every major brand but in my long experience with reels, Shimano tend to have better lasting and smoother gears than Daiwa since 1998, when I started using both brands. In the mean time, I bought another 2 Z2020 reels, the limited editions hard to find, because despite that Z's bad behavior, I still like these reels for all-around swimbaiting. Though the Antares DC MD is currently my best medium-sized swimbait reel, it just wows me time after time. And you know what? I got this reel new out of the box and it got got grindy on me after 4 uses, go figure that out! I replaced its gears and it's been flawless ever since. There are bad apples on either side, I suppose. I was ready to get a Tatula 300, looks enticing... My original Lexa 300 is still going strong after 4 years of heavy use, it got a little grindy but come one, it's a lot of time of use with 4 to 7 oz. baits. Still one of the best reels I bought for its price. I hate it when big companies like Daiwa sell high end reels such as the Z2020 but they can't come up with stronger & smoother gears. And the price of those gears is just piss poor imho. Will still have to send it back to them because the reel is too nice, but it's been sitting in its box for some years, after a thorough cleaning and relube, when I saw that no servicing and replacing of the grease can help.

Now I own handles from both manufacturers. I first got 2 Gomexus black aluminum handles. Then I ordered a DRT Varial 100 mm handle, then I got a Varial 110 mm one. DRT is the cool brand run by one angler and is on the wave of the last few years. You pay a premium for these since they're so production limited. I do not like Chinese manufacturers who steal other brands designs and ideas, and Gomexus is exactly that. They have zero respect for intellectual property. And they also have little to no respect for customers, since I had some serious troubles dealing with them on eBay, I bought a carbon handle that was on sale for about $21.00 with shipping included, and couple of days later I found out that the transaction was canceled by the seller (Gomexus on eBay) for "invalid shipping address" or so. And I paid them by PP Upon contacting them, they told me that the handle I bought was out of stock. After a while, their rep, offered me their new carbon handle, for a bigger price ($27.00 + $7.00 shipping). I got mad on them and told them I wanted my initial deal, because that was the right thing to do. I filled a claim on eBay against them and they blocked from buying their items Prior to that, upon receiving the 2 aluminum handles that I ordered directly from their website, I had other unpleasant experience: I noticed the knobs where shaped for Right Hand reels. When I contacted them, they told me "no returns" but they didn't have those knobs for LH reels available. While on eBay, they claim that they accept returns and refunds. So, they are not customer-friendly if a problem arises, be aware of that. I had enough with them even if their handles look fine so far. If they were a future-seeing brand and not a "copycat everything" Chinese company, I would have given them a second thought. But I won't be buying their products, because I can still order them. They copied the Livre handle designs, now the DRT round knobs, you can only imagine they will keep on going, because in China there is no respect for copyrights and the international laws do not apply to those pirates. DRT are the innovators, period. I will get more DRT stuff whenever possible, actually I am waiting for one or two more K9's heading my way. As was suggested before, buy the brands that support this community if you can.

You're luckier than you think. I cannot order them since I'm outside the U.S. I got a the pcd 100 varial for $306 + $16 in Europe.