Why are Shimano reels much cheaper when you order from Japan rather than Tacklewarehouse or the like. Even on Amazon they have the same reels for completely different prices depending on either imported or not. The price difference on Shimano Metaniums is like $150. My question is, are they the exact same reel? If so, why the price difference? Also, is resale the exact same on both reels? I noticed Diawa is the same. Super cheap to order from Japan..

Just like anything else, people are willing to pay that much. Same exact parts I am sure. Its just like the iPhone, they make them in China and it costs about $12 to build one because parts and labor are cheap, yet Americans pay $300 dollars for them.

Another concern would be warranty. Not sure if those reels are covered in US and prohibitive to ship back to Japan.

One reason is the cost of living is higher in the USA and the demand prolly isn't as high in Japan. Don't let John Morris find out your buy reels straight from Japan.

Cost of living is about the same in japan as here.

Why are they higher? My guess is we are willing to pay it. They are just matching the market.

Will US Customs charge a import tariff?

Actually the cost of living in Japan is somewhat higher than the US. By some accounts its one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. Tokyo is extremely expensive.

Rank Country
1 Japan
2 South Korea
3 Russia
4 Taiwan
5 Norway
6 Hong Kong
7 Switzerland
8 Denmark
9 Argentina
10 China
11 Finland
12 Cote d'Ivoire
13 United States
14 Sweden
15 Venezuela
16 United Kingdom
17 Singapore
18 Oman
19 Jordan
20 Kuwait

The value of the U.S. Dollar vs the Japanese Yen. The exchange rate. Two years ago they were more expensive. Right now they are less expensive. And the JDM version is usually a little better than the USDM version. You can buy a Daiwa Steez Limited Edition for less from Japan than the regular detailed for here. It's kind of a win, win. Also, there is no U.S. Customs issues from Japan to US.

What website are yall using?

+1 please tell

I heard that the website Japantackle is pretty good in what they do if you want to import daiwa/shimano fishing gear.

I bought one off eBay bout a month ago. Paid $300 took 3 weeks and I can't tell the difference between the Japan or American model. It was a Metanium

ummm. Because the metanium IS a JDM reel that is imported. Hah. It should be the same. As is Abu MGX and Revo Extreme. Steez, Pixy R's,and Zillions.

+1 for Jaoantackle. Samurai Tackle is another.

Sweet!! Thanks guys

Japanlureshop.com is a website recommended to me by someone who has ordered a few reels from. I am in the market to buy a few Metaniums and by the sound of it, this is the way to go. $419 each at Tacklewarhouse, $269 each from Japan.