I'm trying to find a lefty for my Son's graduation. The only place I can locate one is on eBay. But I'm concerned by the price variances. I was expecting to pay $350 for this reel, but I see several for sale as low as $268! Why such a difference? I can't see any differences, but am wondering if maybe some Abu guys might know something I don't.

I but lots of reels off eBay for much less than retail. Just make sure it is listed as NEW and is being sold by a reputable seller. Many of them are stores who are getting rid of overstocked items and are selling them much lower than retail. Just read the description well. It will tell you if it is new, used or refurbished. Many you will find are brand new at a great price.

I have bought and window shopped Shimano's often on Ebay (my Son's the Abu guy in the family). It just seems to me that when it comes to NIB/Buy it Now items, sellers are generally all pretty close to each other. Or at least that's my impression over the years.

So when I see variances so far apart it makes me wonder if there's a bad batch out there, or maybe 2012 vs 2013 model that's causing the gap.

Maybe I'm just being overly paranoid. I just don't wanna be "had." Especially on something that expensive.

I've seen price variations from the same seller on left and right hand reels. It just depends what they can get them for and how many of them they are looking to get off their hands. If the seller has good reviews I would say you found a good deal, not being had. What is the name of the seller? I'll check to see if I have used them before.

I see several lefties for 272.00 plus shipping. The right hand reel for 268.50 is from 701nodaksports. I have bought from him several times. No complaints. He always has good prices. May want to check his ebay store to see if he has lefties.

ok...good to know!

I also bought an MGX from 701nodaksports. His stuff are legit at great prices. His MGX are the second gen MGX. The new MGXs are the extreme in red in color.

I bought 2 smokes and exo form 701 and the reels are brand new never had a issue no more paying retail

I never pay retail for reels eBay is my go to. Just make sure they have good rep. You would be amazed how much you can by a reel for at wholesale which is what they do then sale on eBay with out a physical stores and all the over head you can sell thing at a good price and still make a little profit.

I bought a mgx for 220 new on ebay awesome reel no complaints here

I've bought from that seller as well. Good seller IMO.

This is not 2 generatons but 2 different models and both current offerings...The MGX has not been a HUGE hit (read: people are happy enough with the Gen 3 STXs, etc. to not justify the MGX retail price) and I have seen many deeply discounted, either new or slighltly used...

Reread the quoted post, and I agree with above.