twainy.....i`ve had quite a lot of varied tackle from e-bay,ranging from collectable reels right through to pike tackle.
the items i have purchased have always arrived in good time and have never been damaged or been something totally different to what i was bidding on etc...i will be totally honest and say i have never had any probs on e-bay.
your`e right in saying that some of it is right cheap and naff looking but if your`e a competant fisherman and you know a bit about tackle and know how to sort the wheat from the chaff you should be ok.if your`e not sure then ask someone for advice...
my self and her indoors buy and sell alot of stuff on e-bay,any queeries mate then feel free to e-mail me and the mrs....
all the best....