Powell Rod Comparison, Important Contrast...

[CatchBiguns247]

With all this talk about these Powell Rods and how great they are, I had to head down to my local tackle shop to check them out. I picked up a few of them and compared them fairly extensively with other competitive brands, St. Croix, G. Loomis, Kistler, etc. The in shop comparison had a positive outlook for the Powell rods until I looked on the butt of the handle, and found a "Made in China" sticker. Now, everyone has their own opinion on whether or not they would like to buy Made in China products, which is great, but how can one objectively compare two rods when one is made in America, and the other is not? You can't compare replacement cost, warranty, cost of the rod, or anything else that has to do with rod creation and money. I just thought that this was an interesting and important detail that seems to be frequently kicked to the side when debating which product is better than the other. I, myself, eventhough the Powell products look and feel great, will continue to pay the extra money to buy Made In America products.

John Biguns

[BassCatPuma]

John,
while the you are doing your comparisons you should contact the other companys you listed and find out where there blanks are built, You may be suprised to find that most high quality rod blanks are built in china.

Basscatpuma
www.basscat.com
www.powellco.com

[sTony]

I appreciate where you're coming from John but you might want to check into where those other companies blanks are coming from. Lots of components for items we buy from american companies come from overseas. Cell Phones, computers, televisions, and many other items are made overseas. It's almost unavoidable these days and with the excpetion of the fast food restuarant there isn't much that is entirely Made in America anymore.

sTony

[BassTraveler]

I'll bet you that every product you buy on a daily basis...that at least one or more components of that product are made in another country.
I'll let you in on a secret...we live in a world economy.

[Ron C]

...my daughter gave me a three-pack of J.C. Penny handkerchiefs. Attached to each one was a sticker that said "Made in China".

Here's something else to think about:
Do you know where your reels are made? Your Lucky Crafts? Your Rapalas? Your Storms? Your River2Seas? Your Pradcos (Bomber, Heddon, etc.)? Yep - China. (By the way, G. Loomis (a Shimano owned company) is currently negotiating with a Chinese rod manufacturing company).

Believe me, I tried the China boycott thing about a year ago, but I needed fishing tackle (and just about everything else). It sucks, but its reality.

[Phippy]

John, instead on beating on possibly 1 negative why not just go ahead tell us how the Powell felt in your hands and how does the quality looked say compared to a GLoomis, Kistler and StCroix.

I would like to hear your honest opinion while trying to leave the "Made in China" out of your head.


Thanks

[Triton Mike]

I think Ron C pretty much nailed it for me. Not sure I can survive without my Shimano's and Lucky Crafts . G Loomis and Croix use Fuji Guides and Fuji Reel seats which are made overseas as well. He is also correct about G Loomis looking overseas and I believe Dang come to think of it my underwear is made overseas!! Gotta have that!!!

Mike

[NaCl]

I can't believe a good ol boy...a proud red neck okie...would go over to the commie side! Next thing you know, he'll be wearing a red bandana and practicing Tai Chi on his front deck before blast-offs! In fact, I'll bet he buys the Jane Fonda workout tape to help with his...well, let's just say he's pushing the limits of his shoe inserts!!! HAR HAR!

Okay, enough joking at Gary's expense...although, that's always good fun! When I was a kid, everyone complained about the crappy products the "Japs" were dumping on America. Well, two decades later, Japanese electronics were the best in the world. Can you say "Sony"! Not to mention their cars like Honda and Nissan (that's Datsun for you old guys). The most interesting thing about "their" improvement is that they forced AMERICAN manufacturers to improve our own quality. This healthy competition actually saved us from continuing a two decade trend towards lower standards. Today, American products continue to excel....BECAUSE of world competition.

Have you tried fluorocarbon line yet? Virtually all the quality FC lines come from a few plants in China. The real question here is patriotism. If the dirty rotten red's happen to make better fishing line than we do, should we boycott it?

Before you give a knee jerk answer to this question, consider the following. I lived through the "Cold War". As a kid, I was taught to hide under my school desk in case of a nuclear attack. I remember the tension during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I did a tour in Nam in '69 to defeat the filthy commies. And, I was deeply relieved when the Soviet Empire collapsed and the Berlin Wall fell. You know what, it was not boycotts, blockades or bullets that destroyed the Ruskies. It was the Olympics. It was cultural exchange events like the Bolshoi Ballet trouing the world. It was every family owning at least one car and a Russian exchange student going home after a few months of living with that family. The more Russians that saw the thriving western world, the more they expected from their own government. Those were the seeds of internal discord in Russia.

But, the people's needs were ignored as the Soviet government continued to devote most of their economic power towards military superiority instead of improving the quality of life for their citizens. The great communist empire shattered from within.

Sorry for the long history lesson. But, it is relevant today.

The single greatest threat to our democracy in the world today is a trillion or so communists in China. What would happen if we were successful in isolating their population economically? Simple! The people would receive their entire view of the world from a single source...radical commie Stalinists. North Korea is a great example of exactly this kind of extreme.

But, what if Chinese students, scientists, business managers, etc. are welcomed to our country for "exchange" of ideas, business arrangements and culture? In the long term, the Chinese people themselves will soften their own form of government until eventually, they are no longer a threat to democracy. This process has already started. Farmers demanded and have received concessions allowing them to practice good ole fashioned capitalism! Last report I read, as much as 50% of the agricultural productivity is coming from road side independent markets. That's good ole capitalism!

So, let's get back to Gary Dobyns' havin dinner with Chairman Mao. I see Gary as a secret agent! That's right! Any business we have with the reds just helps us influence their future cultural evolution. And, there are some other side benefits to his visits. Gary is the only American many of them will ever meet. Imagine looking at that big, hairy Okie and thinking that ALL Americans are just like that! I'll bet they're scared shitless! HAR HAR!

My vertigo problems are under control now. I plan to buy another boat soon. I also need some new rods. You can bet they'll all be Powells. And, yes, I still hate commies!!!

.....NaCl

[Triton Mike]

Dean!! That is a classic post LMAO!! YOu need to submit that to the Inside Line!! LOL. Love it!!

T Mike

[BassTraveler]

John,
Let me stand corrected. These were made in America...Clearlake to be exact.
They'll be at the ISE Hook, Line and Sinker Booth in San Mateo and on the C&C Marine Floor at the ISE in Sacramento.
Bring a camera, the Misty's love giving out hugs.


<img src="/shared/photos/photos/resized/1978_resized.jpg">

[Qwakk]

How about this... Why dont one of the "Powell" folks explain the hostile and under handed take over they used to get the Powell company and name. Or better yet, go into Chico Fly Shop, formerly known as Powell Fly Rods, and ask for Press and Eugene Powell... I'm sure they would love to give you a "hands on" explanation!!

I'll never own a Powell rod other than the origional Made In Chico fly rods.... And that's the bottom line and my .02$
....

[EGBASS]

Dean,
Great post. One of the big differences between China and the other "Red" countries is the foriegn investment they are receiving. Many US companies have set-up shop in China and have taken their business, and to some extent, their personal culture over to China. I have an Uncle, who saw the Vegas Real Estate Boom years before it started, open up a business in China. My cousin bought real estate in a Chinese Vacation Destination and has already tripled his investment. All is not rosy though, the unfortunate truth is we have lost a lot of manufacturing, call center, etc, jobs over the years and I believe it will be tough for a generation or two here in the States until the "World Economy" reaches some sort of equity in standard of living, wages, environmental laws, etc.

BTW - Looks like the Folsom Bass Team will not be associated with BASS this upcoming year. I just sent off a check for our club insurance. We are still keeping an eye on what the Federation does(FLW?). Camanche on January 8th.

JP

[Keith Bryan]

Hi Qwakk,

My name is Keith Bryan, President of Powell. I'd be more than happy to discuss anything that you would like in regards to your statements, obviously you are much uninformed. Additionally, Press Powell passed away sometime ago, and unfortunately I guess you do not know that, so please give me a ring will ya?

Please feel free to contact me directly at Powell, that number is, (415) 382-9745, or please feel free to email me at kb@powellco.com and send me your phone number so that I can call you directly to clear up any misunderstanding that you may have, but we do not discuss items such as yours on a forum board such as this.

Sincerely,

Keith Bryan
President
Powell

[Brian Linehan]

Keith,

It was very nice speaking with you yesterday. Thank you for all of your help. Good luck catching the crappie at Clear lake and have a fun and safe weekend.

Brian

[Colebass]

HATER in the crowd! Someone is mad or upset that folks are doing well, making rods, having fun and enjoying life! Why don't you try it!

You seem to think you know so much about, why don't you tell us? KNOW the facts before you get on the website and start throwing out one liners!

[Colebass]

your willing to discuss this off line, but you owe "mr. one liner" nothing! You have nothing to hide about the way you came to own "Powell". Things that happened before you are history. Yes they can be interesting to talk or write about, but they are history!

It's the future of Powell that will decide what happens. And right now the future looks bright. Keep the rods coming and don't let haters and one liners get your bloodpressure up!

[Marc]

...once again Old Sault proved why he is the dean of prose...he nailed it.

Best of all, I'm glad to hear your vertigo is better. Call me when you get a chance! Let's go fishing.

[Keith Bryan]

Brian,

I too enjoyed our conversation and look forward to an excellent 2006.

Regards,

Keith Bryan

[Gary Dobyns]

Wow. I've been out of town doing a little hunting and missed a brawl. Nacl, you are priceless. I'd like to nail you with words but you would make me eat them. A warning though, I'm working on something special for you I really want to thank everyone for your support. It's always special when you get your back covered. John, I'm sorry you feel the way you do about things being made out of our country. The "BIG OKIE" has got to see some of the other countries the last several years. I've always been treated well, I've made many new friends but it's always nice to land in the good ol' USA. THe truth is world trade is here to stay, I'm sure some of the little things you use everyday were not made in this country. What you do and buy is 100% your business. I do wonder why you felt the need to make your point here on the forum, though.

[Colebass]

This is YOUR home turf! You had to know we'd have your back!

Wecome home, did you kill anything?

[kb]

John I can't help but think that you MAY either work or are sponsored bya competitive rod manufacturer and your feeling a bit of a pinch from the Powell boys. The reason I say this is you have made one post and you registered just yesterday here on Westernbass. This may be a coincidence but it wouldn't be the first time it had been done.

I am also sponsored by an American made rod company (Lamiglas) but I am all too aware of the number of quality products coming from China and Powell is no exception, they have done a nice job on there bass rod line-up. I am sure you may feel this way for a reason and you can spend your money on anything you choose I was just wondering what reel you were gping to be clamping down on that American made rod???? Were you going to be tying on a Lucky Craft or River2Sea bait or just fishing a good old made in the USA Robo Worm.........with a Gamakatsu hook. Well good luck John and how is your Yamaha running???

The shows are coming and you guys can come and shake and bend all the rods. Just buy something!!!!!

[BassTraveler]

kb,
You know whats funny, I picked up on the same thing.
My first thought was that it was you, trying to stir the pot and have some fun.

[kb]

Not me Ziggy! Hell at 1pm on Wednesday I was on the top of Phil Straders ranch with Dobyns in Oregon chasing ducks. I do like to stir the pot especially where the "big okie" is concerned but not this time. He is now the oficial Banana Split eating king of Glide, Oregon though.

kb

[Mark Hiser]

Man, I just luv to see the heavyweights come out jabbin. By the way, KB you have absolutely made the big times. you ought to come up, Shasta is on fire and I aint talkin about keepers.
Mark

[BassTraveler]

Here's a Business idea for the big guy...

Gary D's Premium Ice Cream.
Utterly the Best.

Only two sizes...
No more "Girliemen" Pints ... we're talking Gallons and Five Gallon Drums.

For a limited time...
Buy a Powell Rod and receive a gallon of your choice of any of the 40 Flavors Gary D's Premium Ice Cream has to offer.
Don't like any of the flavors? Just wait utill Gary wins another boat and another flavor will be added.

[Jeff Jewell]

Haven't you guys been practicing his secret fish call??
Here fishy fishy. (pause) Here fishy fishy.

[Ron C]

...did you have to hold the "big okie's" gun for him so he could see the sights?

Happy New Year Amigo!

Ron C

[MN]

I am in the plumbing wholesale business and when i supply a govrnment job as long as the product is 51%either made or assembled in the USA it is considered domestic.Some of our supplieirs import the product but it is assembled here.Yes i wish we could support or own product's but the way thing's are you never really know.