Fake Stellas

[Doug Terry]

Anybody know if there are fake Stellas on the market being sold through E-Bay

[Mark Harris]

Perhaps.

If it is to good to be true and the seller does not have a serious reputable history as a seller at E-Bay, just don't buy.

[Luke Wyrsta]

Good advice Mark 

[Doug Terry]

[Luke Wyrsta]

I'd bet my left nut that is a fake or fraud.

[Doug Terry]

If it a Fake how do I tell? I dont know anyone who has 1 to compare

[Mark Harris]

Must be fraud or fake. Why would anyone sell a premium piece of gear which is highly in demand at way less than half retail price?

[Luke Wyrsta]

If it a Fake how do I tell? I dont know anyone who has 1 to compare

It must be Doug. It simply isn't possible to buy one at that price, with an additional spool to boot. You've been had - sorry.

A good, cheap price for a stella might be $900 AUD NEW, or $500+ Second Hand depending on condition and age. That's simply a guide - you would never get one new for that price, and being on eBay just raises alarm bells.

[Doug Terry]

I agree Mark which is why I've Posted I'll let you all know if I've been conned. I still hope someone  might be able to tell me how is spot a fake, as there dos'ent apper to be any information about Fake Stellas anywhere on the web.

[Luke Wyrsta]

Can't say I know, nor have I known anyone that has. Guess the best way would be to open it up! Or, check area such as under the spool where there are Shimano insignia or on the reel foot. Depending on the quality of the fake, it may or may not be there.

[Mark Harris]

If you are not familiar with Stellas, I doubt that there is any one thing to look for Doug.  Luke may know of something?

It would be easy to also fake the warranty stickers that Shimano apply for example. The domestic Japanese Stellas all have a serial number on the seat, but that's not the case with the export models, so that will not help either.

I would say your best bet is to assume it is a fake and to get that confirmed by an authorised Shimano dealer. I am sure you can figure out the nearest one to where you live by contacting Shimano Australia (for example).  I would guess you may need to do something like that anyway to make your claim?

[Jon Li]

I would bet on Fraud than Fake .

Jon .

[Garry Wong]

i guess this is the link you talking about?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Shimano-STELLA-SW-8000-HG-Spinning-Reel-/160700360715?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Fishing_Reels_JN&hash=item256a7ce80b
too good to be true, he even put fukui san picture in his advertisement
this issue has been discussed in us forum as well i guess
interested to see what's going to turned up a your place, well i even hope the guy at least send you something

[Luke Wyrsta]

Details mention you can't pay via PayPal. Dodge 

[Chris Webster]

A mate of mine owns a fishing shop and told me a story about a bloke who was hassling him about a 50W Tiagra for months. To cut a long story short he wasnt happy with the price and ended up finding an awesome deal on ebay. When he received the reel it looked real but fell apart on the first wind.

Agreer with Mark. If it is too good to be true, then just avoid it.

Chris