Main difference between a $750 reel and $75 reel is the wages for the over-paid union worker, unheard of bonuses for the company CEO / CFO / and many other managers, unrealistic overhead expenses and greed of large corporations vs. a low-cost country taking advantage of unfair labour laws to generate jobs.
Personally, I have no issue supporting an underprevilaged / unskilled worker trying to make a living to bring himself above the poverty line. Unfair work conditions are better than no work anyday. Ask a father who's not able to put food in front of his child at dinner.
Enough of my thoughts.... back to the reel: I took the reel to Bass Pro yesterday. There were two employees in the flyshop who saw/played with the reel. They could not believe the quality of the reel for the price. They both are planning on ordering for themselves.
I agree with every word you said, Fishfight. China can easily build whatever quality the market is willling to pay for. If we ask them for 'cheap' parts, that's exactly what they build for us.
Anyway, I just received my Ikonix last week. I absolutely LOVE it. Not to mention the savings!! Landed price for me was around $82 CAD. The reel spins very good. Much better than the Ukrainian one... However, it does have a very slight wobble. Again, very sligth... If I compare it to the next reel up in price (Okuma Aventa at $180 or so CAD), I recommend this reel to everyone looking to get into centerpining economically. Let's face it, we all have other responsibilities that are more important then a fishing reel. As much as I'd llike to spend 750 dollars on a "brand name", I am very aware that the fish on the hook does not care what kind of reel is on the other side of the line.