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Martin Bowler leaving Drennan

Chris Jones said:
There's always an awful lot of comment whenever a well known angler leaves an association with a tackle company. I'm always at a bit of a loss as to why so many care. People change jobs all the time with barely a comment from anyone. I'm guessing from comments I read that some folks purchases are influenced by such well known anglers, but it genuinely surprises me that it's the case.
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Celebrity endorsement is perhaps the most valued factor for companies like Drennan, its a huge advantage to have a the name of a respected personality on their product. What is surprising is that you are surprised that folks are influenced by such.
It probably is the biggest buying motive of all.
 
Neil Smart said:
Celebrity endorsement is perhaps the most valued factor for companies like Drennan, its a huge advantage to have a the name of a respected personality on their product. What is surprising is that you are surprised that folks are influenced by such.
It probably is the biggest buying motive of all.
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I get that celebrity endorsement must work, the accountants wouldn't tolerate it if it didn't. What I don't get is why it works on people. I'm also not entirely convinced that I consider any angling name to be a celebrity. I can't deny that I was once influenced to buy sporting goods in such a way. I can't offer any defence beyond my youth. However, just a passing brush with what really goes on soon knocked that nonsense out of me. Small scale brushes with sporting goods manufacturers, sponsorship and endorsements (of other people) was all it took to see through the illusions. The lowlight was reciting an advertising quote back to the individual that supposedly made it. Unfortunately, at that point in time, he'd never even seen the product he was promoting in a press advert.
 
Chris Jones said:
I get that celebrity endorsement must work, the accountants wouldn't tolerate it if it didn't. What I don't get is why it works on people. I'm also not entirely convinced that I consider any angling name to be a celebrity. I can't deny that I was once influenced to buy sporting goods in such a way. I can't offer any defence beyond my youth. However, just a passing brush with what really goes on soon knocked that nonsense out of me. Small scale brushes with sporting goods manufacturers, sponsorship and endorsements (of other people) was all it took to see through the illusions. The lowlight was reciting an advertising quote back to the individual that supposedly made it. Unfortunately, at that point in time, he'd never even seen the product he was promoting in a press advert.
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Why it works is probably mainly the product must be of good quality given the endorsement it is worth a punt. The obvious one that comes to mind is the Masterline association with MB's uncle John. Facts are the Masterline brand represented mainly poor quality but was hugely successful especially the rods.
I think the Bowler Drennan association was very genuine and I admit to being swayed by his endorsements.
MBs constant output has got a bit boring imo, he would do well to be more selective with his work.
 
Neil Smart said:
Why it works is probably mainly the product must be of good quality given the endorsement it is worth a punt. The obvious one that comes to mind is the Masterline association with MB's uncle John. Facts are the Masterline brand represented mainly poor quality but was hugely successful especially the rods.
I think the Bowler Drennan association was very genuine and I admit to being swayed by his endorsements.
MBs constant output has got a bit boring imo, he would do well to be more selective with his work.
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Yes, but you still aren't answering why anyone actually believes this transparent horseplop. You don't need to be a wise old sage or deeply embroiled in the trade to realise that it's all marketing B/S. What "celebrity" anglers endorse and what they actually use aren't necessarily the same thing. Some don't even go so far as to pretend that it's the case.
 
Chris you old cynic 😀I am sure some endorsements have merit,and genuinely reassure the buyer. MB was actively involved in development of tackle especially the rods we are told..with his name on it probably added a bit more, although for me Drennan name is synonymous with value and quality.
You are a knowledgeable guy when it comes to tackle, not everyone can weigh things up like you, good endorsements can help.
One of the strongest buying motives is Status, to think you have gear that has celebrity approval satisfies that.
Not for you maybe, or me, bit it is for many.
 
My twopennorth is that to buy something , probably with a hiked pice, just because it is endorsed by some “celeb angler”is about as shallow as it gets.
Not that I dislike MB, he seems to be a genuine sort of chap from the limited exposure to him I have had, nor for that matter do I have any particular dislike of any other “celeb angler” . If that is how they make a living good for them.

Its all in the advertising .

It is entireley possible that a beginner or for that matter any other angler could get as much information about virtually any angling product he wanted by a bit of genuine research, and not rely upon the words of somebody who is getting paid to say whatever .

I will add, as above I also had a John Wilson Avon rod, bought for me as a pressie, by a person who looked in angling mags for ideas for a present.
I used it and the tip section snapped, it went back, and I bought a decent rod with the refund.

David.
 
Huanzhou Zhu said:
Well, why the John Wilson Avon rod is the best selling rod ever?
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Yes maybe not a rod for the tart but it enabled many to take the first steps on owning affordable decent gear. My three boys, and me caught many a fish in the Bristol Avon including pb roach and 20lb plus river carp. Dont think there were many Avon type rods back then at that price point.
I posted on here I bought my latest JW this July, a used quiver rod, sentiment over sensible I know. 🙄
 
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