Rapala purchases Strkemaster

[croixflats]

In a way that is true. Though, another way to look at it is one huge company buying up everything in sight. Rapala was acquired by the japan based Shimano a few years back. This is not a good thing. We will, as a consumer, suffer. The acquisition of Rapala is proof, if you have noticed the increase in prices of lately. Jimminy crickets new raps are just under $10.

Take a stand boycott or suffer the consequences. We are the market take control.

[CJH]

Not sure how the field just shrunk?

Still the same number of ice fishing depth finder companies as well as the same number of Ice Auger Companies?

Agreed. Plus they may have more resources to innovate.

[Finlander]

Rapala is a great company and foresee nothing but the best!

[Jarrod32]

In a way that is true. Though, another way to look at it is one huge company buying up everything in sight. Rapala was acquired by the japan based Shimano a few years back. This is not a good thing. We will, as a consumer, suffer. The acquisition of Rapala is proof, if you have noticed the increase in prices of lately. Jimminy crickets new raps are just under $10.

Take a stand boycott or suffer the consequences. We are the market take control.

There's still competition out there. If you think Rapalas are too expensive, then buy Reef Runners. Or Wally Divers. Or Flicker Shads. Or Lindy Shadlings. Or Bombers.

If they want Strikemaster to be successful, they still have to compete with Jiffy, Eskimo, et al.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

In a way that is true. Though, another way to look at it is one huge company buying up everything in sight. Rapala was acquired by the japan based Shimano a few years back. This is not a good thing. We will, as a consumer, suffer. The acquisition of Rapala is proof, if you have noticed the increase in prices of lately. Jimminy crickets new raps are just under $10.

Take a stand boycott or suffer the consequences. We are the market take control.

Rapala and Shimano do more business together in Europe, mainly distribution I believe. I dont think your facts are correct that Shimano bought Rapala and its affiliated companies though. This is somewhat similiar to Rap and Marcum, Rapala will just handle distro and advertising.

As far as baits go, sure cheaper is better for the consumer but lots of consumers are spending well over $10 on cranks these days so if there is a market of course companies are going to jump on it, can you blame them? I personally couldnt justify buying an $8+ Rapala but I have bought other cranks that cost more. If you dont like the price dont pay it, if enough consumers do that the price will come down.

[OnAFly]

Well, my experiences with Rapala products have been nothing but great.

[Notcho]

Mark my word... this will not end well in the long run.

[CaptainMusky]

Oh the sky is falling the sky is falling. They are going to run a company into the ground rendering them completely useless and unprofitable. Strike master is a small company. Ever think that a a company with the resources the size of rapala could bring efficiencies and new technology? Things that were too risky for a small company.

[noodlerod]

+1

[noodlerod]

Mark my word... this will not end well in the long run.

[CaptainMusky]

Its almost comical. Johnson outdoors acquires lake master and it was the greatest thing since power augers. Now rapala acquires strike master and its going to be devastating?

[OnAFly]

Why was Johnson outdoors acquisition of Lakemaster the greatest thing since power augers?

[Notcho]

Sorry for the grim outlook, the last two companies I worked for did the same thing.

Got bought out, big company bought small profitable company growing exponentially then streamlined production, lowered overall costs, increased investor profitability, lessen quality, while increased market share.

Looks good on paper but the consumer suffers.

I hope i'm wrong, I love my strikemaster auger.

[snoozebutton]

Why was Johnson outdoors acquisition of Lakemaster the greatest thing since power augers?

I'd like to know that too. Try finding a lakemaster chip now for a Garmin.

[otterman91105]

I've owned the same strikemaster auger for about 12 years never had a problem. Knock on wood, but it is nice that they are local if anything happens.

[gonehunting]

Maybe it's time to go buy another Strikemaster Solo Lazer Pro while they are on clearance and put it in the attic for 15 years down the road when I want a new one. I myself do not like the idea. Somebody needs to save this post and bring it up again in 5 years to see what happens. I hope it is good but trying to change something that is good now doesn't sit well. The quality and customer service is top notch now. Hope that continues.

[CaptainMusky]

Why was Johnson outdoors acquisition of Lakemaster the greatest thing since power augers?

because it immediately meant that hummingbird users were going to get GPS driven trolling motors with their minnkotas. Its called sarcasm folks. When that deal went down a large group thought this was the biggest thing to advance fishing.

You can find lake master chips for Garmin through 2011. Its not realistic to think that everything will be supported indefinitely anyway. I will admit I didn't like the lake master buyout at first but guess what lowrance just came out with a new line of chips that surpass what lake master had and guess what they are using lake master data.

I thinks its premature to make any determination about how this will work out I mean people don't even have all the facts straight some were saying that rapala bought Marcum too and that is not true. Too much knee jerk reactions.

[Kyle]

Wow...this is dissappointing as a consumer.

[magicstix]

We'll have to wait and see how it pans out. I'm with Notcho thoughts though. Been through 2 buyouts also and both consumer and employee lost out. The owners got more profit.