Van Staal Reel Servicing Turnaround = 6 Weeks!

[Backbeach Jake]

Geeze, learn to cast and you won't have to stand up to yer neck in water. OK, that was my funny for the day. I've read countless VS threads, and they've convinced me NOT to buy one. What I've learned is: 1;They are pricey as all hell. 2; You gotta send 'em back for service every year and add another half a c-note. 3; Their lightning service will get it back in a couple of months, maybe, if they don't change hands again. I honestly don't get it. You coulda had 6 or 7 704z's which you can service yourself. Really wish I had that kind of ching. Not putting anyone down, mind you. It's just that my checkbook won't let me rationalize that way.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by Backbeach Jake

I've read countless VS threads

I have too, especially on SOL. What I find amusing is that one out of ten guys who post to those actually owns one. The rest "heard from a friend whose buddy" had one crap the bed on him.

The two I own have never been to any of the various owners for service. I could give a crap about the warranty at this point, since they clip you for "wear and tear" items anyway. They're even simpler inside than a 704 or 706. The hardest part is getting the plate off, after that, anyone can clean and grease them. Oil leaks and you can't find the O-rings and seals? No prob, just grease them like you'd do any other reel.

When I look at the schematic of a Stella or a Saltiga, I

[spence]

I'm on the fence about VS. I used an older 250 last season that I picked up at a good price on several rods. I need another reel so I've got a backup and so I don't have to swap out so much.

Mulling through the options, nothing seems as good. I like the VS but don't want to spend the dough for another, nor do I want multiple reels that I can't service.

So instead of a VS250/200, what reel should I get for my 1204? Probably braid, and won't be dunked as much as I do the VS.

-spence

[Nebe]

Oh great another VS thread

[Fishpart]

Is weewee trying to scare other VS owners into selling him their reels cheap???

[fishweewee]

I'll be honest with you guys...

I do enjoy fishing with VS reels, whether conditions require them or not.

I haven't had one problem with any that I have owned personally.

(I did have a beef with a set of VS pliers a while back, I got so pissed off that I destroyed them with a rifle on the 100 yard firing line, but I digress).

Let's forget about the merits and disadvantages of how others think the VS reels perform.

Just from an ownership perspective, what I've found is that it's a pain in the arse to have to send in multiple reels for servicing every year... so... I am down to just one VS. It's an old style (factory retrofitted) black 250. It's the perfect size for most of the immersive fishing I do in Rhody, Long Island, and Mass (and yes, there are certain places in the OBX I would fish it). There really is no substitute (I haven't checked out the Saltigas yet, they don't make a size that exactly corresponds to a VS 250).

I can justify owning one and sending ONE in every year. Not 2,3, or 4.

My backups are modified manual Penn 704z and a 706.

Am I every going to plunk down $800 for a Saltiga?

I doubt it. I'm getting really picky about what I'm spending my money on nowadays.

[Flaptail]

Ben, buy a boat. If I lived where you lived I would. Can you say Fisher's Island, The Race, Valiant Rock etc., etc., etc. You can come up here and surfish with me anytime anyway.