The main product I have in mind for this comparison is fishing reels. When working in the fly shop, I have ample opportunities to "pull apart" all of the available fishing reels on the market. Our shop carries an extremely comprehensive line of reels, therefore I have the opportunity to examine each reel in great detail. Essentially, all modern fishing reels are the same. There are three main components to every reel: 1.) drag system 2.) spool 3.) reel handle. Almost every reel in every price range has these three components, and from copious amounts of testing I have conclude that (for freshwater applications) all reels perform the same regardless of "prestige" or make. So, the question stands, what to reel manufactures do to sell high end reels over more affordable and just proficient reels?
To answer this question, we must look at how these reels are aesthetically designed and what materials are used. The major advancement in reels these days has been the use of machined aluminum for body construction. This type of construction is infinitely more appealing to the eye and is far more lightweight and durable compared to the conventional "cast" aluminum. this allows for intricate designs in the body of the reel and allows for compelling permanent images to be painted onto the reel. The reel company Abel perfected this art with their series of reels. They were the first company to implement high end designs and materials into their product. This implementation spread through the industry like wildfire and Abel immediately captured the market share and industry standard for high end reels.Abel's $800 reels in application are no different than the $40 Cabellas' reels. They both preform their task equally as well and are both suitable choices for consumers. But Abel has been able to catch the "eye" of the consumers and their company image and price tag reflect this notion.
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