Just like anything, depending upon who makes your 'japanese' motor, that can determine if it is a quality motor or not. Most of those machines have proven themselves in the field. As for the stealths, they are 'made in China crap'. That's why you can get them for $150. I know that Ray takes his motors seriously, and has them specially made to meet his specs regarding speed and torque etc. My neotats are my daily drivers. They have long outlasted my stealths. I don't necessarily think it has to be a Maxon motor to be a good motor. It just shouldn't be a 'made in a sweatshop by 7 year olds' machine.