i would be surprised, but does anyone in this forum own one? if so please share. van staals get alot of bashing, but in my opinion they are well worth the money. no company, as of yet, has been able to match what van staal has to offer. especially with surfcasting. with that said, and if you do own a zee baas and you stand behind it let us know what you think of it.

Some say the bossman's got one...don't know how he got it.
Guess he got it engraved, too.
Saw him right after it happened at a Iron Chef Bomba party.
Hope it works good (I think that's what Brazillian Ballooner Santos Du Monde said before that guy who rode his airplane into the sun said).
OK gotta go,
Rick

And me and my disfunctional family got plenty of Van Stallz.
OK gotta go,
Mikey has none.
Rick

no company, as of yet, has been able to match what van staal has to offer. especially with surfcasting.

I bet its better than a Van Staal in some ways. From what I have seen & read, The finish looks superior, you can service it yourself, you can customize it to your liking, you can add stuff on as you need it & not buy an entirely new reel.

Knowing that the inventor of VS has thought it out it must have some improvements over VS.
If it were about the same price, I think it might be The Spinning Reel. I could never justify the current price tag of the ZB though.


Unless I hear its better than 2 VS's. Then I will need one.:wave: :D :kewl:

I'm almost afraid to admit that I have one here!
It's everything VS is and that much more, mechanically! But I haven't used it casting/fishing yet, so I can't report on it's fishability, comfort or discomfort.

To me the big question right now is that so few have fished it for an extended period of time.

I don't think we'll know it's "good" until 2 seasons from now after it's been in the hands of people who really fish 5+ days a week and fish hard. We'll know the real value then. Will the reel be shot and need lots of $$ of repairs or will it just need a cleaning? If it's just a cleaning then the reel is going to easily be successful despite the high price.

Future service and attention from Zeebaas itself will matter too, it's foolish to think a reel will never have issues. If parts have to be replaced, their availability and ease of repair by the owner of the reel will be another big test.

So, it could be great, it could be nightmare. Lots of questions will need to be answered. I don't know how it could possibly be considered better then anything at this point. There just needs to be some quality guinea pigs out there to give the reel a run more it's money. How much does the proprietary "Z-lube" cost...

I'm almost afraid to admit that I have one here!
It's everything VS is and that much more, mechanically! But I haven't used it casting/fishing yet, so I can't report on it's fishability, comfort or discomfort.

Saw that coming with the ZeeBaas avatar. Is the name Casting Z's also a ZeeBaas reference?

Its everything VS is and that much more mechanically? But you have never fished it? I think thats a pretty bold statement. Reels hold up great in the living room. Its that bowl of spaghetti-O's you gotta watch out for.

I've fished one twice but have had nothing more than a few bumps. Intitially this reel feels really solid - vault like similar to a Mercedes. My one time using mono on it was not as good as the second time using braid... So far though - impressive

I'll write up a good review once I've gotten some nice fish and put it through its paces :btu:

I guess I don't get it. That's a lot of money for a fishing reel. Then again, I would never buy a Krieghoff shotgun either and they start at $5,000.00:shocked: :shocked:

I'm almost afraid to admit that I have one here!
It's everything VS is and that much more, mechanically! But I haven't used it casting/fishing yet, so I can't report on it's fishability, comfort or discomfort.

If it enhances the enjoyment of your lesiure time, and doesn't bankrupt your family's future, it is money well spent. Most of us spend equivalent amounts on lesiure activities (vacations, trailers, kayaks, audio, TV's, auto extras, etc) ......so why be ashamed about splurging on a reel ? Very good chance it will outperform the VS, considering the same guy designed both. I also suspect it will be worth more than two used Van Staals in a few years if you decide to unload it (provided you care for it well). Thinking about it makes me jealous, and I don't even use spinning tackle.

I cant help but thinking tha spending 1200 bucks on a reel is ridiculous. But what do I know I am just a kid.

I cant help but thinking tha spending 1200 bucks on a reel is ridiculous. But what do I know I am just a kid.

No more ridiculous than 50+ G's on a car... IF I had the coin, I'd buy one.

I'll write up a good review once I've gotten some nice fish and put it through its paces :btu:

SO... 2011? :buds: :jump1: :jump:

I haven't justified the cost for myself to own either zbaas or vs. However, in the grand scale of hobbies, even the zbaas is relatively affordable. It is cheaper than a harley, a sail boat, a fishing boat, a vacation, and about the same as alot of tv's or golf clubs these days. You'd have a hard time buying new diving equipment for those prices. Heck my brother spends that much on a pair of pipes for his bike and doesn't blink. If you want it, can afford it, and will use it... why not? Also-it is much much cheaper than an engagement ring and alot of us bought them :spin:

I don't have one but I understand (only a rumor) that he is comming out with a larger size which I would like better. A complaint I heard is that it is physically small in size and your knuckels can hit the roller when reeling. Also it may come without the fancy box as some point - That may bring down the price to under a grand. Still alot of money but less than a boat.

Raise your hand if you own 1299.00 worth of Plugs.

I agree JFig, but even if I had the money to buy a zeebass I wouldn't even consider it. Just because I am able to buy it does not mean I need it. If the reels I use now were not doing the job, then I would consider it, but they work fine and are all under 200$. Fishing is more than just a hobby for me so I don't consider buying reels or plugs as collector items, I buy them to use them.

My main reel is a Penn 704z, it cost me $109 new, and has never failed me. I've even submerged it on many occasions with still no problems, so to me spending 10X what I paid for my 704 on another reel, doesn't make sense.

Saw that coming with the ZeeBaas avatar. Is the name Casting Z's also a ZeeBaas reference?

Its everything VS is and that much more mechanically? But you have never fished it? I think thats a pretty bold statement. Reels hold up great in the living room. Its that bowl of spaghetti-O's you gotta watch out for.
Did I not say, "Mechanically"? What's so bold about that?

My only other thought about all the high-end reels is I sure wouldn't bring them out on my boat. Drop one over the side and I might shoot myself!

If you got the dough, spend it, does no good in the grave.

That being said, I'm S.I.C.K. (single income couple kids). So for me spinners will be the Shimano Baitrunner 3500 - 6500 or the clicking workhorse 704z.

Did I not say, "Mechanically"? What's so bold about that?

Just curious how you know it is mechanically superior to a VS having never fished it.

I'll be giving anyone here, who's interested, my full opinion on how well these reels function, as well as hold up to constant use. Rob @ ZB, is looking forward to any and all pros and cons.
This thing will see action every single morning for five hours of constantly casting artificials from mid May to mid Nov. It'll be swimming, dropped on the rocks, making 30-50 cast per hour, cranking in big fish, washed across the rocks in the surf and dropped in the sand.
I have a lot of faith in this reel, as for all the semi-professional sport fishermen I herd of, (not claiming to be one here) who have spent enough time with this reel, report all positive feed back and no failures.
I feel really lucky to own one just as I feel lucky to toss $25 plugs.
It's all part of my only hobby.
If anyone here would like to know a little more about the feel and size or other stuff that makes this reel different from VS, your more than welcome to send a PM so you can call me. I hate this typing crap!!!

:hihi: 1200 for a reel
not ! rofl!
i know i lived on this side of the bridge for a reason

Just curious how you know it is mechanically superior to a VS having never fished it.
Let me ask you, how well do you know your VS inside and out?
What do you know about the seals?
What do you know about the drag?
What do you know about the clutch bearings?
What do you know about the line lay of the spool?
What do you know about the crank?
I am not up to sitting here all night and type the differences. I offer you this. PM me and we'll talk on the phone within the next couple of days.
Then you will either learn the differences or teach me something.

i would be surprised, but does anyone in this forum own one? if so please share. van staals get alot of bashing, but in my opinion they are well worth the money. no company, as of yet, has been able to match what van staal has to offer. especially with surfcasting. with that said, and if you do own a zee baas and you stand behind it let us know what you think of it.

Dredey, I'll try to answer some of your question.
VS did get a lot of bashing initially but its less and less now that so many guys fish them. They've sold quite a few reels and the sticker shock has worn off. Now there is ZeeBaas.
Rob Koelewyn ,a surf fisherman and original designer of the great (IMO) Van Staal
reel has designed the ZeeBaas reel. They are a small operation out of Milford, CT . Rob has made quite a few changes from his old design
in terms of materials ,gaskets,gearing,finish, and the ability to change spool size while keeping the main frame the same. You can get a longer handle with a bigger knob is you have big mits or like the extra torque that a longer handle provides. It is self servicable and comes with a small set of simple tools to do this. It comes with a life time warranty. Its about the size of a VS 150 mabey a little bigger.
Rob is passionate about surf fishing and designing reels and spent the better part of 2 hours explaining the hows and whys of his reel when I met him.
I liked the concept behind his reel and think the workmanship is top notch. It lays line straight and the drag system is linear (smooth with no jumps) and precise in its adjustment. Its very waterproof.
I'm looking forward to fishing mine hard every night come spring. I've used VS 150's up untill now and look forward to comparing the two. I like the fact that ZeeBaas a small business and the product is made 3 hours from my door. I also like the fact that I can speak to the owner by picking up the phone.
To be honest, the price didnt bother me that much. I can appreciate the quality of the reel and while I can't afford Range Rover Defender or a Porshe 911 Turbo or even a new Toyota Tundra I can afford a ZeeBAas and I like fishing better than driving anyway!
These threads usually come down to the old why get a Rolex when my Timex works just fine argument and thats all just personal . Seems like guys get their panties in a bunch over fishing reels for some reason. I'm not sure why. I guess I'm from the other side of the bridge.

So, how does one become a ZeeBass tester? I know I would be interested in something a bit larger than the original model I saw last winter.

i have no problem spending money, if you have it, on things that are of interest to you. i was just wondering if people have the zeebass and what they think of it.

Let me ask you, how well do you know your VS inside and out?
What do you know about the seals?
What do you know about the drag?
What do you know about the clutch bearings?
What do you know about the line lay of the spool?
What do you know about the crank?
I am not up to sitting here all night and type the differences. I offer you this. PM me and we'll talk on the phone within the next couple of days.
Then you will either learn the differences or teach me something.

Not to defend VS here, but since you have not fished it, you don't really have a leg to stand on. It might look and feel great, but then again, you haven't fished it. I'm pretty sure the Edsel looked good on paper too.

I'm sure after a season or two of hard use we'll know where this reel stands.

Not to defend VS here, but since you have not fished it, you don't really have a leg to stand on. It might look and feel great, but then again, you haven't fished it. I'm pretty sure the Edsel looked good on paper too.

I'm sure after a season or two of hard use we'll know where this reel stands.
Your probably right. Lets not acknowledge that the designer of VS has anything to do with this reels design and its just happens to sit exactly as a VS does on the rod. So now what does it come down to?
Many far better fishermen than you and me have been using this reel for a couple of years now without a problem.
What are you trying to say here? You need me to justify a purchase?
What's up with that Avatar?

I'll be giving anyone here, who's interested, my full opinion on how well these reels function, as well as hold up to constant use. Rob @ ZB, is looking forward to any and all pros and cons.
This thing will see action every single morning for five hours of constantly casting artificials from mid May to mid Nov. It'll be swimming, dropped on the rocks, making 30-50 cast per hour, cranking in big fish, washed across the rocks in the surf and dropped in the sand.
I have a lot of faith in this reel, as for all the semi-professional sport fishermen I herd of, (not claiming to be one here) who have spent enough time with this reel, report all positive feed back and no failures.
I feel really lucky to own one just as I feel lucky to toss $25 plugs.
It's all part of my only hobby.
If anyone here would like to know a little more about the feel and size or other stuff that makes this reel different from VS, your more than welcome to send a PM so you can call me. I hate this typing crap!!!


show yourself :spin:

Guys - price aside for the moment - the ZB still needs to prove itself as compared to the VS, which for the most part has proven itself. The reel is impressive but it does need a few years testing....

RK - Send one to Lapinski, if it passes that test you're golden :rotf2: :smash:

Price is not relevant. Some can afford one some can't. So goes life. If one feels like it is worth his or her hard earned money then so be it and enjoy your purchase. Is it as good or better than a VS? Time will tell and cream always rises to the top. If you enjoy your purchase whatever it may be than you won and made a great decision/financial investment.

Your probably right. Lets not acknowledge that the designer of VS has anything to do with this reels design and its just happens to sit exactly as a VS does on the rod. So now what does it come down to?
Many far better fishermen than you and me have been using this reel for a couple of years now without a problem.
What are you trying to say here? You need me to justify a purchase?
What's up with that Avatar?

I'm just saying that until you fish it, your statement of it being superior means squat.

And my avatar.....I'm a Red Sox fan and I hate the Yankees of course :fishslap:

Your probably right. Lets not acknowledge that the designer of VS has anything to do with this reels design and its just happens to sit exactly as a VS does on the rod. So now what does it come down to?
Many far better fishermen than you and me have been using this reel for a couple of years now without a problem.
What are you trying to say here? You need me to justify a purchase?
What's up with that Avatar?

Z;
Not knocking your purchase. You've done well stating your case. It sounds like you fish alot. Fish that real 4-5x a week, in the surf and see how it holds up. My VS went through that for 3.5 seasons before it had a minor problem. The ZB probably will, but who knows...

thats all..

CASTING Z's

I say this repectfully cause I dont know you. But...

Im skeptical, Cause you come on here humping the Zee Baas. You've got the avatar & the name. And your really quick to talk about how fantastic it is. With nothing to back it up with. I think your way too aggressive trying to sell it to everyone. Let ZeeBaas do that. Or let the quality of the reel speak for itself. You sound like a salesman rather than fisherman. Like you've been chosen as a ZeeBaas spokesman.

I would be interested to hear what you had to say. Offering up your phone number is too much though. Give me a break. The "call me anytime to debate ZB & VS" is a little over the top. You should be getting paid for that.

Personally I wouldn't offer that up unless the company wanted to give me some incentive. If someone asked me my opinion, I would be more than happy to tell them. But I wouldn't advertise myself as a source for information. They have websites, addresses and factory numbers for that.

Well, howdy doo...
I really don't care about this or that...whenver anybody steps to my boy Dave, I get knid of mad.
So does my brother.
Can anybody say "Bushwhackers?"
Ok and my dad, too, but he's not too tough.
Cordially Yours,
The Bombardier Family

The Z-Bass debate is like the VS debate on Steriods.
Someone spending that much on a reel will ultimately have to justify the cost.
Why?? It's their money.they can do with it what they want.
All that BS aside.I think the reel is too small.I Know someone who put it to the test an had the handle strip out on em, twice.
So they had to change the design.Other that that The Jury is still out.

I'm almost afraid to admit that I have one here!
It's everything VS is and that much more, mechanically! But I haven't used it casting/fishing yet, so I can't report on it's fishability, comfort or discomfort.


You're right Chief! Casting Z's (if thats even his real name) Comes around here with his fancy schmancy reel and makes staements like the one above! HE probably is a salesman and doesnt even fish!!! I say String Him Up! We can use pink Ande Mono and a white bucket. Whos With Me? :jump:

I think he might be a little, uhh, exuberant in his praise for the reel that he has yet to use. My initial impression having casted one for two or three evenings is good but it has not spent a season in the suds or caught any large fish yet. Time will tell. The reel needs to prove itself first before it can be annointed king. Does it have the tools to do it? Probably. But like anything else in this sport, submersion based surfcasting in particular, time will tell.

I don't own one but a friend of mine has one and mainly fishes from a boat with it. He has not landed any huge fish yet with it but has caught a number of fish with it and says it is very sweet. The drag in particular is very nice.

As much as I would like to own one I tend to be a little extra careful with my expensive reels now. This would take it to the next level and i might become anal about getting sand on it. After all it is a custom precsion piece of gear. This is not your everyday spinning reel.

I agree with Mr. Sandman, I would be affraid to use it like I use my other reels!:)

Being that it's all machined, I would ride that reel hard over rocks, sand, and anything else I could find. And I bet it would like it. That's exactly the sort of use it's supposed to be built for.

I bet it looks good with a few scratches in that impenetrable finish.

What it comes down to for me as a not very hard core caster is that when I am stressed about paying my mortgage, my home equity line of credit, my car loan, my car insurance, my real estate taxes and figuring out how I am going to fund 3 kids in college, I think about it may be cool to get the very best stuff. I get that feeling of being a kid again and not the dad. But ultimately, if I had something like a Zeebaas it is not going to make me happy. What makes me happy is spending the money to go to Cuttyhunk, to go to the Vineyard to go to Block, Montauk. Those trips cost money. When I am fishing these great places with my Penn reels and my Canyon bag and my $12 Cabelas fish gripper, then the stress disapears. I think it depends what you are looking for in our sport.

When I am fishing these great places with my Penn reels and my Canyon bag and my $12 Cabelas fish gripper, then the stress disapears. I think it depends what you are looking for in our sport.

Don't forget the $2.99 Ocean State Job Lot "Rockland Tool" needle nose pliers :btu: 66% of them even cut braid.

$1229.00 for a fishing reel? LMAO!!!!!

In my neighborhood that equates to:

9 weeks of groceries, 3 months of oil heat, 3 car payments, 21.95 pairs of jeans, 24 restaurant meals with my wife, a root canal with x-rays, a year of my kids meal plan at Boston University, 4 new tires and a spare for my sand sled with mounting balancing and wheel alignment, 61.45 full tanks of gas for my skiff............

That much for a spinning reel is retarded. I don't care howe much, how hard or where you fish.:whackin:

I'll be honest with you guys ... if the ZeeBaas addresses the deficiences of the Van Staal platform I will consider getting one for myself (once a larger size comparable to a VS 250 is made).

What are the improvements that I am looking at closely?

1) I think the ZeeBaas has a more scratch resistant finish.

2) The ZeeBaas drag knob is more angler friendly and looks like it won't contribute to braid birdsnests like the edged VS drag knob does.

3) I am told by some kooky persons testing this product that the ZeeBaas drag blows the legacy VS drag out of the water. This has me interested.

4) I want to see how evenly the ZeeBaas winds line on the spool. All the VS' that I used (and I've owned quite a few) had a problem of creating line bellies (= tangles/windknots, impaired casting, breakoffs).

5) SELF SERVICE!

Dollarwise, I am indifferent between buying a ZeeBaas over a Van Staal, if I plan on owning and factory servicing a VS over the course of several years.

Let's see how the features pan out.

And Flaptail, if you haven't fished a sudsy rockpile in Rhody or the Vineyard or Montauk, then you just won't have an appreciation for a truly dunkable reel.

Yes, $1,300 is a lot of money for a reel. But I would consider buying if it as close to "perfect" as a reel can get.

I'll be honest with you guys ... if the ZeeBaas addresses the deficiences of the Van Staal platform I will consider getting one for myself (once a larger size comparable to a VS 250 is made).

What are the improvements that I am looking at closely?

1) I think the ZeeBaas has a more scratch resistant finish.

2) The ZeeBaas drag knob is more angler friendly and looks like it won't contribute to braid birdsnests like the edged VS drag knob does.

3) I am told by some kooky persons testing this product that the ZeeBaas drag blows the legacy VS drag out of the water. This has me interested.

4) I want to see how evenly the ZeeBaas winds line on the spool. All the VS' that I used (and I've owned quite a few) had a problem of creating line bellies (= tangles/windknots, impaired casting, breakoffs).

5) SELF SERVICE!

Dollarwise, I am indifferent between buying a ZeeBaas over a Van Staal, if I plan on owning and factory servicing a VS over the course of several years.

Let's see how the features pan out.

And Flaptail, if you haven't fished a sudsy rockpile in Rhody or the Vineyard or Montauk, then you just won't have an appreciation for a truly dunkable reel.

Yes, $1,300 is a lot of money for a reel. But I would consider buying if it as close to "perfect" as a reel can get.

Rhody, Vineyard or Montauk are not the only places with "sudsy rockpiles" as Numbskull can attest most of our fishing is done on sudsy rockpiles where occasional "dunks" are expected (along with cuts, bruises, edemas, torn ligaments etc).

It's still retarded. But if you have the money and the world is your oyster then go for it. I guess I will never be a real surf fisherman or among the in crowd if I don't have one. Just a middle class slob with a Cabo pt60 wannabee VS Quantum.

what's crazier to you flap (are you calling me numbskull?) ...

spending $100 on a hunk of painted wood that will be soaked in the brine ...

or

$1,300 on a specialized tool ...

or

several hundred thousand dollars on the lifetime cost of purchasing, maintaining/cleaning, fueling, taxing, towing and fondling a cash flow money pit we call a boat?

I'm just saying that until you fish it, your statement of it being superior means squat.

And my avatar.....I'm a Red Sox fan and I hate the Yankees of course :fishslap:
It's the little kid flipping someone off, that shouldn't be condoned. I remember seeing that image being passed around through the internet a couple of years ago.
Sorry, but I just feel that there's nothing cute about it and if it where my kid, he'd have a foot up his oss!

what's crazier to you flap (are you calling me numbskull?) ...

spending $100 on a hunk of painted wood that will be soaked in the brine ...

or

$1,300 on a specialized tool ...

or

several hundred thousand dollars on the lifetime cost of purchasing, maintaining/cleaning, fueling, taxing, towing and fondling a cash flow money pit we call a boat?

Numbskull is a very good friend of mine. If 100.00 is the intial investment on a piece of painted wood that at auction will bring ten fold, thats not a bad choice, a 100.00 to actually fish with for a plug is insane. I do not own a big boat, just a 37 year old skiff that gets me two days of flats fishing on 6 gallons of fuel. Boats are not a good investment as you ably point out. If you really need that specialized of a tool that you think will make you better as a fisherman then go for it. I think it's hype and a lot of people are buying into it.

For example, I have a 17 year old Shimano GT-100 reel. Simple little conventional affair made of graphite with a line guide. I paid 30.00 bucks for it then and you can buy one now for $55.00 (time and ARB bearings brought up the cost) I clean it twice a year, it has had only once the main gears replaced. It has caught literally tons of bass from dinks to large and everywhere in between and has been dunked countless times. All it needs is a spray with the hose and occasional shot of reel lube. Just cannot kill it, got two others as well. Casts like a rocket and weighs nothing with a drag as smooth as silk.

Like you say, if you think you need it themn buy it, nothing against you or anyone who does but it's my humble opinion that it's not nescesary and furthemore the more I have to worry about keeping an eye on my gear when on the truck or anywhere away from home becuase of it's value the less I enjoy the experience.

A Penn 706 will do the same job. I have a Doctor friend who has fished one for years. Seen him go in off the rocks at C-HUNK and other rocky places for years and it still works like a charm.

I realize I am not that popular because I have a bad habit of saying what I feel when I feel I need to say it. It is good for my stress levels though, I don't have any! I am sure I will never be offered a VS by the manufacturer becuase of my past stand on them as well like other scribes and "prominent" fishers, but really I don't give a rat's ass either.

Zeebaas, VanStal it's all hype, great marketing with a pyschological current running through it. I fish five out of seven nights/days a week in season. My choices have proven themselves to be reliable, cost effective and lasting.

Does ZEEBAAS make 300.00 pliers too?

You may fire at will.:wave:

Get a life guys, its a f#@#$@#$N fishing reel. No need to ever quantify the cost of fishing tackle IMO, its just too dangerous. :usd:

Remember, no matter how you break it out,the fisherman's calculator says a fish costs $75 per pound.:hee:

For $1,200 though,you could get two saltiga Z4500's and a 229 newell. :uhuh:

That $1,200 gets you one 16# fish if you do the math and apply the fisherman's calculator.

I gotta get back to work now.....

"to each his own". i have friends that golf with expensive clubs, because they enjoy it. i do not knock them for their $1200 dollar clubs. my best friend has a $20,000. dollar custom chopper because he enjoys riding. just because i do not ride i do not knock him for it. to each his own. my father has been fishing everyday during the season since the day i was born. he does not use expensive tackle and he catches just as much as the rest of us. and he does not knock me for my expensive tackle because like i said "to each his own" the point is, everyone has ther own interests. that's what makes the world go around. if everyone had the same interests, with the same clothes, and the same shoes and the same cars and the same houses it would be a dull, dull, world. everyone has a right to do as they choose. i know guys that will pay $100 for a plug. just because i won't pay that much for a plug doesn't mean i will knock that person. "to each his own".....period!!!

i see dead people

BM- Dave-you have a great way of putting everything in perspective. :bl2:

What about seals Dave?

kill them kill them all

RK - Send one to Lapinski, if it passes that test you're golden :rotf2: :smash:

That's what I'm talking about! I think we all know my past experiences with reels; a handful of VS's, a Saltiga, and a pile of penns, all trashed. I would seriously consider a ZB if it came in a larger, 250 - 275 VS size.

The debate of "is it worth it" or "you're a bonehead" for spending that kind of cash is pointless. We have the right to speak our mind in this country, but to belittle another because of how they choose to spend their own heard earned money is childish and immature to no end. Would half of the people knocking others in this way have the marbles to say it face to face? Seriously, if you don't like something, don't buy it, don't watch it, or don't read it. It will get you nowhere to join in on the bashing at the end of the day. Be a man and walk away if it doesn't suit you.

The moment I had $1200 to spend on a reel...I wouldn't.Instead I'd go to Amsterdam fry my brain and hit the redlight district.

Then I'd come back,fish my 704s and Spheros 8000s on my cheap Batsons and Ticas(and my discounted Lami) and still enjoy fishing but with even a bigger smile on my face!:D :smokin: :humpty:

If I had enough to buy two $1200 reels.....welcome aboard Clammah!!!

For $1,200 though,you could get two saltiga Z4500's and a 229 newell. :uhuh:


But what would you need the Saltigas for?

If I had enough to buy two $1200 reels.....welcome aboard Clammah!!!

LOL! You have much to learn about boats if you think $2400 will get you very far.

all I can say is well VS :kewl:

show yourself :spin:
What do you mean, Skitterpop?

I Know someone who put it to the test an had the handle strip out on em, twice. So they had to change the design.Other that that The Jury is still out.


Keith's on his third handle for his Accurate Twin-Spin ;)

I think Van Staal secretly makes the Z under this pseudonym to cut down on the number of Van Staal Bashing threads :devil:

Keith's on his third handle for his Accurate Twin-Spin ;)
I heard of these guys out west who jig several hundred feet down and power crank very large fish to the surface using the longer power handle ZB offers. And that every other spinning reel on the market blew apart under the same conditions. Just what I heard, that's all.

I heard of these guys out west who jig several hundred feet down and power crank very large fish to the surface using the longer power handle ZB offers. And that every other spinning reel on the market blew apart under the same conditions. Just what I heard, that's all.

I heard the same thing, but the guys I know are down south.....They use VS's though. All the OTHER lesser reels they tried, broke. True story.:angel: :hs: :hee:

:cputin:

Just posting to see if my new signature works.

i rather see your reel avitar than that filthy pc of chit on ya new one.
If i was U i wouldnt change chit for no one man.

I know two things about life with 100% certitude.
#1 Life is shorter than you think.
#2 You can not take it with you!
Close friend starts is working career like we all do with not much in his pocket. Works incredibly hard and is worth about $30 mill at 60 y/o. Drops dead at 62. The money stay here, he's gone. Never got to spend it all. Buy whatever you want and if someone chides you about it tell them to screw off

The moment I had $1200 to spend on a reel...I wouldn't.Instead I'd go to Amsterdam fry my brain and hit the redlight district.

Then I'd come back,fish my 704s and Spheros 8000s on my cheap Batsons and Ticas(and my discounted Lami) and still enjoy fishing but with even a bigger smile on my face!:D :smokin: :humpty:

If I had enough to buy two $1200 reels.....welcome aboard Clammah!!!

gald when I went in 78 , 79 and 80 it didnt cost me 1200 for any of the activities you mentioned and then some . I think it was a 300 DM ($150 ) train ride

if you want to spend 1200 or more for a reel go ahead . would I ? Nope not even with free money from racing . but I have no problem with some that does . I prefer to buy cheaper for reasons I will keep to my self .

but flap you are crazy , at least thats what the other crazy told me .

hey ben will you let me use yours when you buy it ?

i rather see your reel avitar than that filthy pc of chit on ya new one.
If i was U i wouldnt change chit for no one man.
You don't love Smuttynose, IPA. One of the best ales on earth? Oops, I shouldn't say that! Too many people might disagree!

I agree with you BM. However, I was warned, that avatar photo has too much bling POP and might cause some bashing to occur.

Your right, my signature is a little too harsh! Sorry, I'll remove some of it now.

You don't love Smuttynose, IPA. One of the best ales on earth? Oops, I shouldn't say that! Too many people might disagree!

I agree with you BM. However, I was warned, that avatar photo has too much bling POP and might cause some bashing to occur.

Your right, my signature is a little too harsh! Sorry, I'll remove some of it now.


It's not the beer that some would find offensive. It's their mascot... ;)

It's not the beer that some would find offensive. It's their mascot... ;)

Slinging Seals - now there is a sport!

OK! Be serious now? Tell me some of you guys hate seals that much that this photo might offend someone here?

OK! Be serious now? Tell me some of you guys hate seals that much that this photo might offend someone here?


Hehehehe - enter this in search +seals +cape :rotf3: :bl2:

yup!

This is getting pretty funny. First the Reel, now the Seal.
Whats next, a Redsox Sucks Avatar? I swear were just a couple of surf guys from the stix in NH. We come in peace!!!!

Smuttynose IPA just happens to be our after fishing vice...Actually its our after work vice, We just don't get seals up here.

BigFish loves seals :point:

Oh boy you can tell it is February

No Comment

Smuttynose IPA just happens to be our after fishing vice...Actually its our after work vice, We just don't get seals up here.
Wow...are you two gay?

On a more serious note...give me a Zee Baas if you want a field test.

I'll let the thing sit for a month then use is once. If it doesn't break on the third cast it's got the mojo for the long haul.

:musc: :musc: :musc:

-spence

Dont get your hopes up Spence, we're married to great women. I do know a dog groomer I might be able to hook you up with though. PM me if you want his number.

Dont get your hopes up Spence, we're married to great women. I do know a dog groomer I might be able to hook you up with though. PM me if you want his number.
:buds: excellent :heybaby:

I knew you NH guys were connected.

:laugha:

-spence

No Problem, glad I could help out.

My biggest concern with this reel is how dedicated Rob is to the company and how long will it be around. Sure you can service it yourself, eliminating the annual VS thing, but parts do fail or need replacing over the course of time.
I remember when the future of VS was up in the air (more than once) and thinking not only can I not open this thing but where am I going to get replacement parts.

Hope everyone is having a good winter...if thats possible.
Bern

That's a very valid concern...unfortunately there's really no way around it unless you can find someone who's stockpiling parts and become their best friend.

-spence

This is getting pretty funny. First the Reel, now the Seal.
Whats next, a Redsox Sucks Avatar? I swear were just a couple of surf guys from the stix in NH. We come in peace!!!!

Smuttynose IPA just happens to be our after fishing vice...Actually its our after work vice, We just don't get seals up here.

No - go with a Yankees Suck Avatar and your home free :hihi:

You two just reminded me though that I need to go get some Harpoon WW before it's all sold out...

Hey Bernie

Terrance an Castin Z u guys are starting to remind me of the McKenZee brothers..
I bet u guys are close to canada??
do doot dododo doot dodo.

Take off you hoser

Actually we are brothers!

Did the search.....You've got to be kidding me?

Oh boy you can tell it is February

No Comment
Yeh! Now we're all having fun....

Hey this riff was getting good now its petering out. What wussies.

Hey this riff was getting good now its petering out. What wussies.
I just like seeing guys like you who can't resist jumping in and adding absolutely nothing.:smash:

Yeh! Now we're all having fun....

I just like seeing guys like you who can't resist jumping in and adding absolutely nothing.:smash:


hmmm...

nothing

just as I feel lucky to toss $25 plugs.


I feel lucky to put $25 plugs in wood chippers. :hihi:

1964 Zzzzebco 202 and hornpout and kivers :kewl:

I think we're drifting a little silly now ;)

i'll raise you a nothing bruce

what was this thread about?

:lurk:

nothing

i'll raise you a nothing bruce

what was this thread about?

:lurk:

i don't know but it's a 100 posts strong.:confused:

For some strange reason..I want Zee Bass now....WTF!:lurk:

My wife asked me what I want for my big B-day and the zbass thought crossed my mind but I just didn't think it was a good idea so I didn't mention it. Besides, I wear my fishing gear out pretty quick unless it is replaced and I can't see getting this replaced and I am sure the maintance is substantial. It is a kewl looking machine though.

kill seals. i aint offended and when i am i just rod whip ya till u get away from me :D

My biggest concern with this reel is how dedicated Rob is to the company and how long will it be around.

...and I can't disagree with that concern. Van Staal owners sweated through this.

One small comfort one can draw if Rob K drops the project ... you'll likely have one heck of a collectible reel after the supply dries up...and there will always be an odd-job/specialty machinist out there who will whip up spare parts (for a premium).

I just like seeing guys like you who can't resist jumping in and adding absolutely nothing.:smash:

I guess I am not a world traveling because I have never heard of these reels. Where do they come from?

I guess I am not a world traveling because I have never heard of these reels. Where do they come from? from over the bridge = who cares

$1200 too much? has anyone priced out offshore/bluewater reels recently? they are not too cheap and they are still being made by several companies. there must be a good demand for them, huh? and, you normally don't buy just one. there are cheaper reels out there that may do the work, but the same reels seem to always be on tv, being stocked in tackle shops, and purchased by capts.

point? for some, money/cost is important, but having the best is just as important. i'm not saying that this zee bass reel is the best, but some may think the price assumes it is the best. that test is still being debated and to be determined, hopefully. personally, i'd like to see how the company is in a couple years and those that own this reel put it thru some hardcore fishing.

as for the price in general, if the company can get it, more power to them. it's free enterprise. it's almost double what comparable reels are running currently today. price out a top of the line caddy to a top of the line bmw, audi, vw, or mercedes. it's all in who you are targeting and if they keep buying them you keep building them.

i dont own one nor do i plan on owning one. my van staals treat me just fine. like toby, i've burned thru penn z's/greens in short time. having a reel that is dependable is a priority. we have options, many actually and this is just another one. for some a penn z works fine, or maybe a shimano stratic, but for some a totally sealed reel like a saltiga, VS or zee bass is needed. it's your money, do what it what you want.

bm, do you have any 24/0 circles? i have some great white "friends" that need to meet your grey "friends".

Wow guys! Something + nothing = 108 replies. Who would of thought. The other thing that surprises me even more, is that I haven't been asked to leave yet.
I'm sorry for being a dink.

Wow guys! Something + nothing = 108 replies. Who would of thought. The other thing that surprises me even more, is that I haven't been asked to leave yet.
I'm sorry for being a dink.

You have to really piss people off (like Spence has) before there will even be a poll to see if you're going to get kicked off the site. :laugha:

This is how we solve problems on SB.com
http://googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Zee+Baas&word2=All+other+reels

LOL! You have much to learn about boats if you think $2400 will get you very far.

In the 'dam 2400 will get you VERY FAR!!!

gald when I went in 78 , 79 and 80 it didnt cost me 1200 for any of the activities you mentioned and then some . I think it was a 300 DM ($150 ) train ride

'Zackly my point.

$

bm, do you have any 24/0 circles? i have some great white "friends" that need to meet your grey "friends".
%$%$%$%$t i would havem made

My biggest concern with this reel is how dedicated Rob is to the company and how long will it be around. Sure you can service it yourself, eliminating the annual VS thing, but parts do fail or need replacing over the course of time.
I remember when the future of VS was up in the air (more than once) and thinking not only can I not open this thing but where am I going to get replacement parts.

Hope everyone is having a good winter...if thats possible.
Bern

I was waiting for someone to say it is I don't have to.Great point Bern.I think the #$ are secondary and frankly I am surprised that some of you have balls to insinuate just how stupid someone is by spending all this money.Just imagine if we are all going to be so frank with out thoughts.....someone walks up to your wife at the fishing show and asks you "you married this cow?holy crap ,I got one that weighs 3 times less and she is serving me fine".
Crude example but true.Don't mess with a mans wife of his finances.Everybody bitches about cost of VS or Z's but I don't see many driving around in Hyundai 4x4 or Suzuki.Noooo ,its the #%^&* Denali and Expeditions that are on the beach.Lets stop being hypocrites and not comment on what someone else spend their hard earned money on.
After 18 years in construction I got frostbitten last week.Hurts like a motherf#$%^ but its part of life ,bills need to be paid and after I come home and soak my feet to bring my internal temperature up and stop shivering ,if I feel a need to hug another VS or Z ,its my choice.
Anyway ,the point Bern made is absolutely true.I remember the days when we didn't know if our VS reels are to be an expensive toy with no parts in the future.Rob was the man at the helm at the time and he must takes responsibility for what happened at VS.Like many said ,you cant possibly sing praise to any product after few months regardless how good it looks,it needs to be tested.So my issues is not with $ or product is with the actual person behind it ,is he going to be around to guide this product into the future ? The man is obviously brilliant engineer ,there is no doubt about that....
btw
Lets not carried away with what some "pro's" have been spreading around about superiority of Z's vs VS.I got no skin in this game ,I use VS and would but Z if its more affordable and bigger in size ,so I am neutral when it comes to my allegiance to either products.However some guys are stepping over the boundaries and after demanding free reels from one manufacturer and being denied they threaten to go to another and get this "badmouth" the one that denied them multiple free reels.So much for being representative of the sport ....................and so much about their opinions being worth a bag of beans
Anyway , my index finger is getting sore plus I got to get my but on the deck job.Should be fun today on job with no shin ,right on east river where there is a wind tunnel so hard that most time we cannot even hold on to our material.Well just burn some more pressure treated wood and gather around the flames to warm out hands and breed all those wonderful chemicals.
And for what.........to get another VS or Z ?:sleeps:

Did the search.....You've got to be kidding me?

There have been more than a few instances in the last couple years where people here have reeled in a seal bitten bass or just had the bass intercepted and eaten - some good fish too..

well i usually keep my mouth shut, but since i am feeling a little lite headed after skiing the 4 ft of snow we just recieved,here is my thoughts.i really don't give a chit what anyone wants to spend on a reel or a plug or a car or what ever ,it doesn't really impress me at all.i fish beat up plugs penn z's,ski on skiis i get from freinds who are in the business. and i do just fine. what pisses me off are those that have to flaunt how much they spent on what ever and still can't fish or ski worth a damn.with the holiday week fast approaching all the beaters will bearrivind here in VT.with there high priced suv's expensive ski gear and will destoy some of the best skiing in years because they don't know how to ski. these same people are the ones i see fishing down the cape and LI with theier expensive fishing gear and not having a clue.if i thought that a VS or Z would would improve my fishing i would be the first in line to buy one .

don,t have one nor do i want to buy one,,, far too expensive for this fisherman

Wow guys! Something + nothing = 108 replies. Who would of thought. The other thing that surprises me even more, is that I haven't been asked to leave yet.
I'm sorry for being a dink.


Could you not leave this site till the fish come back? :usd: