Yeah there is $$$

From selling $4 products for 100

It's not hard to put up a website and some photos and sound legit

Greenlander- you out of anyone should understand this... You even had the luxury of practically stealing a name and reputation

Quote:

I'm not blown away by their ability to put a pretty face on something that might not have underlying quality. What I'm confused about is the fact that there seem to be reputable publications backing the gear (mind you, I haven't read their reviews in depth). You'd think if something was just smoke and mirrors on top of pre-fab junk, that they might fool the consumer but not major publications.

Clearly, since their A4 reel is a non-unique pre-fab product, they are however at least partially full of it.

Which mags?

They will place and ad in a mag or on a site for any product
Just pay up

The "gear guides" are nothing more than press releases and stock photos... Featured placements come with ad $$$

"companies don't care about your opinion" - the writer of one of the industries largest gear guides

Trout Fisherman. A UK mag. Self proclaimed to be the UK's top selling mag for trout fisherman. It was a review. Albeit a considerably brief review. Gave some special designation to one of their rods and had some nice things to say.

Nothing jaw dropping, but not "it's a pre-fab piece of crap" either.

Who knows. Probably way too much thought devoted to this already.

magazines paid for by advertisers. editors sent free gear for "review". What would you say if you wanted to keep your job?
I believe there is good gear coming from the reputable and established companies, as well as lots of good stuff from various "cottage" industries.
BUT, lots of companies buying bulk from china, badging them and selling as their own. When in doubt, do the research.
BTW, not all the products on that site are from china, I did find some reels made in pakistan!
also some US made stuff if you search for it.

Quote:

Yeah, but what publication is going to compromise their integrity or that of their writers for a $75 fly rod? No one should voice a false opinion for a $7,500 fly rod either. But $75 is a cheap date. :)

I think "when in doubt" just go with someone you're not in doubt about.

There are several good companies making less expensive rods, reels, etc without all the question marks.

When I was into motorcycling many years ago,I got all the top mags in the field each month.
A new American company came out with a bike called the Eagle[if memory serves].
Every magazine carried glowing reviews.
Great bike,great company,well backed.They also carried many ads for the product.Nothing wrong with that,I thought.
Then I got out of bikes for a couple years.Bought one of the top magazines just for nostalgia.The editorial pointed out that they were the ones that said from the beginning that the American Eagle was a piece of junk and would soon disappear.
Nah,they didn't.They pushed it like all the others.
Lesson learned.lol
Business first,integrity second.