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Featured Reels
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Ships Direct from Japan
🏆 Top-Selling JDM Reels on eBay — Last 12 Months
Ranked by units actually sold on eBay US over the trailing 12 months (data 2026-06-15). A real-demand snapshot of which Japanese baitcasters US anglers are buying.
#1
Daiwa Tatula
Daiwa's workhorse — affordable JDM performance and by far the volume leader. The Elite and TW versions move fastest.
#2
Shimano Scorpion
JDM-exclusive mid-tier Shimano. The DC (Digital Control) version is a US favorite for near backlash-free casting.
#3
Shimano Calcutta Conquest
The premium round-body classic. MD and BFS variants are the most sought-after — collectible and fishable.
#4
Shimano Metanium
Shimano's flagship low-profile. The 2024 Metanium DC is the current darling of JDM-curious US anglers.
#5
Shimano Antares
Top-tier long-distance casting flagship. The DC MD commands a premium and rarely sits unsold.
#6
Shimano Aldebaran
The ultralight BFS specialist — the go-to for finesse anglers throwing light JDM lures.
#7
Daiwa Zillion
Daiwa's versatile all-rounder. The SV TW is forgiving enough for newcomers yet tournament-capable.
#8
Daiwa Steez
Daiwa's halo flagship. The CT SV TW is the finesse weapon; prices run high but demand is steady.
#9
Shimano Bantam
A heritage Shimano name reborn. The MGL is a solid power-fishing pick with old-school cred.
#10
Daiwa Alphas
Compact BFS/finesse reel — a niche pick, but the SV and AIR TW versions are quietly desirable.
🎣 Featured Classic JDM Reels — by Series
Size 番手
Aldebaran
4 reelsShimano's BFS flagship — the JDM benchmark for casting ultralight lures on a baitcaster.
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2022
Shimano 22 Aldebaran BFS XG (Right Hand)
~$259
(¥38,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The 22 Aldebaran BFS XG is the reel JDM finesse anglers reach for when they need to skip 1/16–1/4 oz lures into cover on light line. Magnesium frame, featherweight spool, and the XG (extra-high) gear for fast pickup. Rarely stocked new in the US.
Pro connection: Shimano's flagship BFS (Bait Finesse System) platform — the JDM benchmark for casting ultralight lures on a baitcaster.
Best for: Bait finesse, light lures, skipping docks, pressured fish
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2015
Shimano Aldebaran 50 HG (First Gen)
~$150
(¥22,500)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The original magnesium-bodied Aldebaran — featherlight and still a finesse favorite. The HG (high gear) is the all-rounder.
Best for: Bait finesse, light lures, all-day comfort
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2016
Shimano 16 Aldebaran BFS XG
~$200
(¥30,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The reel that defined the modern BFS movement — a sub-130g spool tuned for the lightest lures. XG for fast pickup.
Best for: Bait finesse, micro lures, skipping
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2018
Shimano 18 Aldebaran MGL 30
~$180
(¥27,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: MGL spool tech in the ultralight Aldebaran body — a versatile do-everything finesse-to-light-power reel.
Best for: Finesse to light power fishing, all-rounder
Scorpion
8 reelsJDM-exclusive mid-tier baitcasters with gear ratios and tuning you can't get on the US lines.
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2021
Shimano 21 Scorpion DC 150HG
~$285
(¥42,800)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: JDM-exclusive DC braking in the mid-tier Scorpion body — near backlash-free casting US anglers can't get on Curado.
Best for: Cranking, all-round, backlash-free
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2019
Shimano 19 Scorpion MGL 150HG
~$170
(¥25,500)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: MGL spool Scorpion — light, responsive, and a fraction of flagship money. A smart everyday JDM baitcaster.
Best for: All-round bass fishing, value pick
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2024
Shimano Scorpion MD 200XG
~$185
(¥27,800)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The Scorpion MD brings big-bait capability to the line — a high-capacity workhorse for swimbaits and heavy cover.
Best for: Big baits, swimbaits, heavy cover
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2017
Shimano 17 Scorpion BFS
~$200
(¥30,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: Bait finesse in the rugged Scorpion body — a tough, affordable entry into the JDM BFS world.
Best for: Bait finesse, light lures
🎣
Shimano
Year: 1998
Shimano 98 Scorpion Antares RH220
~$155
(¥23,370)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The legendary first-generation Antares — Shimano's flagship baitcaster that launched the magnesium-frame revolution. Now impossible to find new; a true collector grade JDM reel.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Antares DC MD (current)
Pro connection: Predecessor of the Antares series used by Norio Tanabe and Daisuke Aoki
Best for: Long-distance casting, big plugs, bigbaits, swimbaits
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio6.2:1
Weight245 g
Max Drag4.5 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)10/1
Line Capacity12lb-100m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2009
Shimano 09 Scorpion XT 1500
~$154
(¥23,052)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: JDM-exclusive heavy-duty baitcaster designed for 20lb+ line and oversized lures. The American Curado is a downsized version of this.
Modern equivalent: Shimano SLX/Curado 300 series
Pro connection: JDM-only big-line capacity baitcaster used by Japanese bigbait specialists
Best for: Bigbaits, frogs, heavy cover, swimbaits
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio6.3:1
Weight210 g
Max Drag4.5 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)6/1
Line Capacity16lb-100m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2010
Shimano 10 Scorpion XT 1000
~$138
(¥20,636)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: A 100-size, palmable Scorpion — the JDM ancestor of the SLX. Famous for its smooth Super Free Spool and lightweight design.
Modern equivalent: Shimano SLX 70 series
Pro connection: Compact JDM baitcaster favored by finesse-focused tournament anglers
Best for: Texas rigs, jigs, light spinnerbaits, finesse baitcasting
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio6.4:1
Weight190 g
Max Drag4.5 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)6/1
Line Capacity#3-100m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2017
Shimano 17 Scorpion DC 100
~$150
(¥22,416)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: Shimano's I-DC4 digital control braking system in a JDM Scorpion body. Backlash-proof for any technique. The 17 model is praised by tuners as the smoothest of the modern Scorpion DC line.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Scorpion DC 150/151 (current)
Pro connection: Used by multiple JB TOP50 and B.A.S.S. anglers as a backup
Best for: Beginners to pros, all techniques except finesse
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio6.3:1
Weight215 g
Max Drag5.5 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)7/1
Line Capacity14lb-100m
Metanium
4 reelsShimano's flagship low-profile — the reel that defines modern JDM casting feel.
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2013
Shimano 13 Metanium
~$140
(¥21,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The 2013 Metanium that brought the flagship feel to a low-profile body — still a smooth, sought-after used buy.
Best for: All-round bass fishing, value flagship
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2024
Shimano 24 Metanium DC 71HG
~$380
(¥57,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The current flagship — i-DC5 digital braking that all but eliminates backlash. The darling of JDM-curious US anglers.
Best for: Backlash-free casting, all-round, premium
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2016
Shimano 16 Metanium MGL HG
~$155
(¥23,200)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: MGL spool + flagship body at a used price that's hard to beat. A genuine tournament reel for far less than new.
Best for: All-round bass fishing, value pick
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2015
Shimano 15 Metanium DC XG
~$228
(¥34,181)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The first Metanium with the I-DC4 digital control system and the iconic 8.5:1 XG (extra-high gear) ratio. Discontinued — collectors and tournament anglers continue to hunt this model.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Metanium DC MGL (current)
Pro connection: Used by Daiwa→Shimano migration anglers including pre-2018 Kyoya Fujita era pros
Best for: Fast retrieves, jerkbaits, topwater walkers, post-spawn jigs
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio8.5:1
Weight195 g
Max Drag5.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)9/1
Line Capacity14lb-100m
Antares
3 reelsTop-tier long-distance casting flagships — the premium end of Shimano's lineup.
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2018
Shimano 18 Antares DC MD XG
~$450
(¥67,500)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The big-bait flagship — DC braking plus a deeper MD spool for launching heavy lures into the wind. Premium and rarely cheap.
Best for: Big baits, long casts, heavy lures
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2016
Shimano 16 Antares DC HG
~$280
(¥42,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The casting-distance king in a low-profile body — i-DC braking that lets you bomb casts with confidence.
Best for: Long-distance casting, all-round
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2012
Shimano Antares DC7
~$200
(¥30,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The classic DC7 — the reel that proved digital braking belonged on a flagship. A cult used buy.
Best for: Long casts, cranking, collector
SLX · Curado
3 reelsWorkhorse low-profiles — the JDM-spec SLX DC and Curado variants.
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2018
Shimano Curado DC
~$180
(¥27,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The reel that put i-DC4 digital braking in reach — incredibly forgiving for beginners and pros alike.
Best for: All-round, backlash-free casting, value
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2022
Shimano Curado BFS
~$150
(¥22,500)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: An affordable, durable gateway into bait finesse — the workhorse BFS that takes a beating.
Best for: Bait finesse, light lures, value
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2020
Shimano 20 SLX DC 70HG (JDM)
~$148
(¥22,098)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The JDM version uses different bearings and tighter assembly than the American SLX DC. Many US anglers actively seek the JDM model for the smoother feel.
Modern equivalent: Shimano SLX DC XT (2024)
Pro connection: JDM-spec SLX DC with tighter tolerances than the USDM version
Best for: All-purpose baitcasting, deep cranking, frog fishing
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio7.2:1
Weight210 g
Max Drag5.5 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)6/1
Line Capacity14lb-90m
Bantam
3 reelsShimano's heritage name reborn for power fishing.
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2022
Shimano 22 Bantam XG
~$220
(¥33,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The modern Bantam — a compact, high-rigidity power-fishing reel that revives a legendary name.
Best for: Power fishing, jigs, all-round
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2018
Shimano 18 Bantam MGL HG
~$180
(¥27,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: MGL spool in the rugged Bantam body — smooth, strong, and a smart value flagship.
Best for: All-round, cranking, value pick
🎣
Shimano
Year: 1990
Shimano Bantam 100 (Vintage)
~$120
(¥18,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: A piece of bass history — the original Bantam round/low-profile reels that built Shimano's freshwater reputation.
Best for: Collector, vintage tackle, light cranking
Calcutta Conquest
6 reelsModern round reels — MicroModule gears, HAGANE bodies and DC digital braking.
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2007
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 51 (Compact)
~$213
(¥32,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The smallest Calcutta Conquest — palmable, light, and built for finesse plugs and light line. A JDM-only size never officially sold in the US.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS
Pro connection: Used by Japanese finesse specialists for small plug fishing
Best for: Light cranks, finesse swimbaits, small jerkbaits, smallmouth
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio6.2:1
Weight205 g
Max Drag3.5 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)11/1
Line Capacity#1.5-150m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2020
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 100 (Modern)
~$300
(¥45,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: Modern Calcutta Conquest with MicroModule II gears and HAGANE body. Combines classic round-reel feel with current-generation smoothness.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest 100 (2026 model)
Pro connection: Norio Tanabe and many Nories pros' go-to round reel
Best for: Jerkbaits, cranks, jigs, slow rolling — versatile round reel use
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.6:1
Weight220 g
Max Drag4.5 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)13/1
Line Capacity12lb-100m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2020
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 200 (Modern)
~$320
(¥48,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: Modern 200-size Calcutta Conquest. The de facto choice for serious swimbait fishing in Japan and increasingly in the US. Smooth, powerful, eternal.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest 200 (2026 model)
Pro connection: Tanabe Norio's confirmed reel — featured in Bass-Dash pro gear page
Best for: Swimbaits, bigbaits, deep cranks, A-rigs
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio4.8:1
Weight235 g
Max Drag6.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)13/1
Line Capacity14lb-145m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2009
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 100DC
~$347
(¥52,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: 100-size Calcutta Conquest with I-DC5 digital braking. Combines round reel aesthetics with completely backlash-proof casting on light plugs.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest DC (2026)
Pro connection: Tanabe Norio's confirmed reel — featured in Bass-Dash pro gear page
Best for: Light cranks, jerkbaits, all-distance casting with light lures
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.8:1
Weight240 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)10/1
Line Capacity#3-100m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2009
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 200DC
~$367
(¥55,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: 200-size DC version of the Calcutta Conquest. The reel of choice for distance casting big swimbaits with absolute control. JDM craftsmanship at its peak.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest DC (2026)
Pro connection: Tanabe Norio's confirmed reel — featured in Bass-Dash pro gear page
Best for: Swimbaits, bigbaits, distance casting, heavy hardbaits
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.0:1
Max Drag5.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)10/1
Line Capacity#3-180m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2017
Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS HG/XG
~$387
(¥58,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: Bait Finesse System Calcutta Conquest — the round reel built for 3g lures. A Japan-only category that has now spread globally. Iconic finesse reel.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 26 Calcutta Conquest BFS LTD XG (2026)
Pro connection: Used by Japanese finesse and smallmouth specialists
Best for: BFS, smallmouth, light plugs, finesse cranking, trout-bass crossover
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio6.8:1
Weight200 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)12/1
Line Capacity8lb-45m
Calcutta
7 reelsVintage round reels — the swimbait & bigbait legends that built Shimano's cult following.
🎣
Shimano
Shimano Calcutta 200XT
~$212
(¥31,796)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The Japanese-spec Calcutta is THE round reel for serious swimbait fishing. Smooth, durable, and unmatched for big lure presentations. Limited production makes JDM examples highly sought after.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest 200 (current)
Pro connection: Iconic round reel — cult status among US bigbait and swimbait anglers
Best for: Swimbaits, bigbaits, A-rigs, slow-rolling spinnerbaits
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.0:1
Weight261 g
Bearings (BB/RB)3/1
Line Capacity14lb-110yd
🎣
Shimano
Year: 1992
Shimano Calcutta 100 (1990s)
~$120
(¥18,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: First-generation Calcutta — Shimano's gateway round reel that earned cult status worldwide. Buttery smooth and rebuildable, vintage examples still cast like new.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest 100 (current)
Pro connection: The reel that introduced the West to Japanese precision craftsmanship
Best for: Topwater, light cranks, jerkbaits, vintage tackle collecting
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.8:1
Weight245 g
Max Drag3.5 kg
Line Capacity#3-140m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 1992
Shimano Calcutta 200 (1990s)
~$150
(¥22,500)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The mid-size Calcutta that defined the swimbait era. Holds 14lb mono, casts heavy plugs effortlessly, and survives decades of abuse.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest 200 (current)
Pro connection: Long-favored by US bigbait pioneers including Mike Long and Butch Brown
Best for: Swimbaits, bigbaits, deep cranks, slow-rolling spinnerbaits
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.0:1
Weight260 g
🎣
Shimano
Year: 1995
Shimano Calcutta 250 (1990s)
~$160
(¥24,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The 'in-between' Calcutta that combined the 200's castability with extra line capacity. Hard to find but excellent for 17lb fluorocarbon and oversized plugs.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest 300 series
Pro connection: Bridge size between 200 and 400, prized for muskie and big-bass crossover use
Best for: Bigbaits, A-rigs, glide baits, heavy cover
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.0:1
Weight275 g
Bearings (BB/RB)2/1
Line Capacity14lb-120yd
🎣
Shimano
Year: 1992
Shimano Calcutta 400 (1990s)
~$187
(¥28,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The big-boy Calcutta. Holds 17lb mono, casts 4oz+ swimbaits without strain, and the gear durability is legendary. US bigbait anglers still hunt these.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (current)
Pro connection: The original swimbait power reel — used to land countless 10+ pound largemouth
Best for: Glide baits, 6+ inch swimbaits, A-rigs, muskie
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio4.7:1
Weight320 g
Bearings (BB/RB)2/1
Line Capacity14lb-260yd
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2001
Shimano Calcutta TE 100/200 (2000s)
~$173
(¥26,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: Refined version of the classic Calcutta with smoother gears and improved drag. The TE badge marks a tournament-grade upgrade from the original 90s production.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest TE
Pro connection: TE = 'Tournament Edition' — upgraded internals over the original Calcutta
Best for: Swimbaits, cranks, jerkbaits — all-around round reel use
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.9:1
Weight225 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)5/1
Line Capacity#3-140m
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2004
Shimano Calcutta TE DC 100/200 (2000s)
~$253
(¥38,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The world's first DC round reel. Combined the legendary Calcutta smoothness with backlash-proof digital braking. Highly collectible and still tournament-capable.
Modern equivalent: Shimano Calcutta Conquest DC (current)
Pro connection: First Calcutta to feature Digital Control braking — a landmark in JDM reel history
Best for: Distance casting, large plugs, swimbaits, technical anglers
⚙️ Specs
Weight240 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)10/1
Line Capacity#3-100m
Steez
4 reelsDaiwa's halo flagship baitcasters.
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2019
Daiwa Steez CT SV TW 700H
~$350
(¥52,500)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The compact T-Wing finesse flagship — a tiny, gorgeous reel that casts light lures effortlessly.
Best for: Finesse, light lures, skipping
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2017
Daiwa 17 Steez A TW 1016H
~$320
(¥48,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The all-round Steez flagship — T-Wing System for friction-free casts and Daiwa's smoothest drag.
Best for: All-round bass fishing, premium
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2016
Daiwa Steez SV TW 1016
~$300
(¥45,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: SV (Stress-Free Versatile) spool in the flagship Steez body — forgiving yet tournament-grade.
Best for: All-round, versatile casting
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2021
Daiwa 21 Steez Limited SV TW 1000H
~$500
(¥75,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The halo of the halo — the Limited Steez with top-grade internals and finish. A grail-tier JDM reel.
Best for: Premium all-round, collector
Zillion
3 reelsDaiwa's versatile all-rounder baitcasters.
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2016
Daiwa 16 Zillion SV TW 1016
~$200
(¥30,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The do-everything workhorse — SV spool makes it forgiving for newcomers yet capable for pros.
Best for: All-round bass fishing, value
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2022
Daiwa 22 Zillion TW HD 1000XHL
~$240
(¥36,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The heavy-duty Zillion — built for big baits and brawling fish with a rigid frame and high capacity.
Best for: Big baits, heavy cover, power fishing
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2007
Daiwa TD Zillion 100SH
~$130
(¥19,500)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The original TD Zillion — a workhorse classic still loved for its toughness and value on the used market.
Best for: All-round, cranking, value classic
Tatula
3 reelsDaiwa's workhorse — the volume favorite.
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2022
Daiwa Tatula Elite 100XS
~$200
(¥30,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The pro-tuned Tatula — Elite-series internals at a mid price. The volume seller for a reason.
Best for: All-round, finesse to power, value
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2017
Daiwa Tatula SV TW
~$180
(¥27,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: SV spool Tatula — backlash-resistant and bombproof. The everyday JDM baitcaster that just works.
Best for: All-round bass fishing, value
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2021
Daiwa Tatula TW 80
~$120
(¥18,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The compact 80-size Tatula — light, palmable and ideal for finesse-to-medium baits on a budget.
Best for: Finesse to medium, light lures, value
Alphas
3 reelsDaiwa's compact BFS / finesse baitcasters.
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2021
Daiwa Alphas SV TW 800
~$200
(¥30,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The compact SV Alphas — a small, gorgeous reel that casts light lures with surprising distance.
Best for: Finesse, light lures, skipping
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2020
Daiwa Alphas AIR TW 8.6
~$220
(¥33,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The bait-finesse Alphas — an ultra-light spool tuned for casting the tiniest lures. Daiwa's BFS answer.
Best for: Bait finesse, micro lures
🎣
Daiwa
Year: 2025
Daiwa 25 Alphas BF TW 8.5L
~$283
(¥42,400)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The newest dedicated BFS Alphas — a 2025 finesse specialist for the lightest presentations.
Best for: Bait finesse, micro lures, finesse
Stella
8 reelsFlagship spinning reels — two decades of the finesse benchmark, from the 99 grail to the current 22.
🎣
Shimano
Year: 1999
Shimano 99 Stella 2000
~$187
(¥28,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The Stella that started it all. First flagship spinning reel from Shimano with the iconic ringed rotor design. Vintage examples in working condition are increasingly rare.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 22 Stella (current)
Pro connection: First-generation flagship Stella — collectors' grail
Best for: Light line finesse, drop shot, vintage tackle building
🎣
Shimano
Year: 2001
Shimano 01 Stella 2500
~$200
(¥30,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: Refined second-generation Stella. Famous for its sealed gear box and silk-smooth retrieve. Still serviceable two decades later.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 22 Stella (current)
Pro connection: Tournament workhorse during the early-2000s JB era
Best for: Drop shot, ned rig, light Texas, fluorocarbon finesse
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Shimano
Year: 2004
Shimano 04 Stella 2500
~$213
(¥32,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The 04 Stella introduced Aero Wrap II line lay technology. Even today, tuned 04 Stellas outperform many modern competing reels in casting distance.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 22 Stella (current)
Pro connection: Aoki Daisuke-era contemporary — a true tournament collector piece
Best for: Long-cast finesse, drop shot, all-purpose tournament spinning
⚙️ Specs
Bearings (BB/RB)12/1
Line Capacity#1-114m
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Shimano
Year: 2007
Shimano 07 Stella 2500S
~$227
(¥34,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: First Stella with the shallow spool S-suffix designation, optimized for light braid and fluoro. The benchmark finesse Stella of the 2000s.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 22 Stella (current)
Pro connection: Adopted by JB TOP50 era pros for finesse-dominant tournaments
Best for: Shallow spool finesse, light line, drop shot specialists
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.1:1
Weight210 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Line Capacity5lb-110m
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Shimano
Year: 2010
Shimano 10 Stella 2500S
~$253
(¥38,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The 10 Stella introduced X-Ship gear meshing and was lighter than predecessors. Still considered one of the best Stellas for bass-sized lures.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 22 Stella (current)
Pro connection: Pro use spanning the late-2000s to mid-2010s JB tournament scene
Best for: Drop shot, ned rig, finesse Texas, neko rig
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.2:1
Weight220 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)14/1
Line Capacity5lb-110m
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Shimano
Year: 2014
Shimano 14 Stella 2500HGS
~$280
(¥42,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: First Stella with Micro Module Gears. The HGS (High Gear, Shallow) designation became the gold standard for finesse anglers worldwide.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 22 Stella (current)
Pro connection: Tournament-grade favorite of mid-2010s JB pros
Best for: High-speed finesse, drop shot, swimbait-rig fast retrieves
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio6.0:1
Weight220 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)13/1
Line Capacity5lb-110m
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Shimano
Year: 2018
Shimano 18 Stella 2500S
~$320
(¥48,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: Magnumlite Rotor, MicroModule II gears, HAGANE body. The 18 Stella elevated spinning reel feel to mechanical-watch precision.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 22 Stella (current)
Pro connection: Aoki Daisuke and many modern JB pros' standard spinning reel
Best for: All-purpose finesse, tournament spinning, light-line precision
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.3:1
Weight205 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)12/1
Line Capacity5lb-110m
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Shimano
Year: 2022
Shimano 22 Stella 2500SHG
~$433
(¥65,000)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The flagship Stella. Anti-Twist Fin, Infinity Drive, and unmatched torque-to-weight. The current pinnacle of spinning reel engineering.
Modern equivalent: Shimano 22 Stella (current)
Pro connection: Current top-tier reel of Aoki Daisuke and the entire Shimano JDM pro roster
Best for: All finesse techniques, tournament use, heirloom-grade tackle
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio5.8:1
Weight205 g
Max Drag4.0 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)12/1
Line Capacity5lb-110m
Abu Garcia
1 reelsJDM-only Salty Stage & Revo models with higher-grade internals than the US versions.
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Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia Salty Stage Revo LJ-3 Left
~$171
(¥25,596)
approx., excl. shipping
💡 Why this reel matters: The JDM Salty Stage line uses higher-grade gears than Revo models sold in the US. Anglers targeting striped bass and trophy largemouth in the US prize this reel for cranking power.
Modern equivalent: Abu Garcia Revo Beast/Toro
Pro connection: JDM-only saltwater jigging reel adapted by freshwater bigbait anglers
Best for: Jigging, vertical presentations, oversized swimbaits, striped bass
⚙️ Specs
Gear Ratio7.1:1
Weight295 g
Max Drag6.5 kg
Bearings (BB/RB)6/1
Line CapacityPE3-200m
Why JDM Shimano Reels Are Different
Many US anglers don't realize that Shimano's Japanese domestic market (JDM) reels are spec'd differently from their American counterparts. JDM models such as the Scorpion XT, Metanium DC, and Antares use tighter assembly tolerances, higher-grade bearings, and JDM-exclusive gear ratios — features that don't always cross over to the US-market Curado, SLX, or Bantam lines.
For tournament anglers and serious enthusiasts, finding a JDM Shimano reel in good condition has historically meant traveling to Japan or paying premium prices to specialty importers. Bass-Dash partners with a verified Japanese seller (100% positive rating across 55+ transactions) to help US anglers access these reels directly.
About Our Featured Seller
All reels on this page are listed by takamiya98, an experienced Japanese eBay seller specializing in used Shimano, Abu Garcia, and JDM bass tackle. Items ship directly from Japan, are inspected before listing, and most include video documentation. Bass-Dash hand-picks featured items based on relevance to US bass anglers — but the actual transaction, shipping, and customer service are handled directly between you and the seller via eBay.