Question for you Van Staal owners:

I have been noticing a slight scraping noise when retrieving at high speed. It happens every revolution of the handle when cranking fast. Almost sounds 'dry', but I have noticed no oil leaks. The reel is less than a month old. Is this 'normal' for these reels. I really don't want to send it in, especially this time of year - but don't want to prematurely kill it either. Thanks.

Sounds like the pickup roller, both of mine make a similiar sound. Hit the roller with a little oil or reel without any line, I'll bet you the sound goes away.

that sounds right.

reel it fast without the line on the roller and see if it makes the same sound, if not Jeff is right

It makes the sound even without line on the roller... and I did oil the roller as well. Sounds like a should have someone look at it I guess... darn it. :hs:

try turning the handle without the spool on the reel and see if it still makes the same sound, something may be rubbing between the rotor cup and the spool.

I tried that already. Same noise...

I spoke with the guy at River's End and let him hear it via speakerphone. He did think something wasn't right, but was difficult to be sure. He said it's very rare for the reel to develop any problems of this nature (oil leak, etc) being so new. I think I may take a trip down there soon... oh well. Thanks for all responses though.

110 miles one way! Argh.

Like previously stated I'd suggest you re- check as it sounds like something may be rubbing between the rotor cup and the spool.

If any of my VS made any noise after using it for only a month I'd get it checked out and cured ASAP.

The only noise I will tolerate is that lovely VS drag screaming.

Surfcaster: Love that sound too - and there was plenty of it this morning. :D Lots of guys remove the clicker I guess for stealth reasons, but for me it's part of the game.
And it makes the same noise when the spool is off. I searched some forums and saw that some guys claim they got theirs off the shelf w/o any oil in it at all.

I'm tempted to fish it til the run is over and then let VS do what they need to do to it - if anything. I would assume any work that is needed is covered by that one year warranty.

I'll have a couple local guys who have VS's look at it to get an opinion before I run it all the way to Old Saybrook.

Did it get dropped by any chance, any little kids in the house that may have knocked it down.

look and see if the spool is rubbing (or coming close to doing it) on the casing when its spinning....the shaft could be out of alignment.

the reason I mention this is I had bought one used (in like new condition) and it made that same exact sound you are describing.....the spool was coming close to rubbing the casing on it.

I sent it back to the guy I bought it from and he completely refunded my cash....but it does sound pretty similar

My reel foot was leaking from the factory.I got it with no oil.I fixed it myself on my own dime.I think it is easy to service so I do it.Not everyone else agrees.

Although not mechanically un-inclined, I don't dare pull that thing apart, especially since it's still under it's 1 year warranty.

DadFisherman: Definitely not a spool issue and the only 'abuse' it has taken is frequent dunkings.


Spoke with a local reel guy. He says he's fairly certain there is a bearing issue... :rolleyes: He said he could hear and 'feel' it as well when cranking. Looks like I'm taking a trip to Old Saybrook when things slow down at... well you should know where.

Thanks all once again. :kewl:

Before you take the long trip, will they fix it on the spot? If not and you don't want to live without it this fall, is it "useable" with the described problem? If so, would this be covered as part of the annual maintenance? If yes to last two questions, consider waiting till the winter to send it in. Also, request a waiver on the maintenance fee if bearing is the issue on a brand new reel. Food for thought. Best maybe to talk this through with River's End. Hate to see you taking a long trip without knowing some of the options associated with fall fishing.

i had a grain of sand get inside the aread where the handle connects to the reel body, was making a squeeking noise. took off the handle gave the area a quick flush and a shot of lube fixed the issue.

The van staal is the only reel that feels like you are winding up one of those crank-power/no battery flashlights... I honestly was not ready for what I felt the first time I picked one up... I expected it to be silky smooth while cranking it... anyone know why it feels so tight, almost putting up some resistance?

Heavy oil, strong gears - love that machine shop feeling!

Before you take the long trip, will they fix it on the spot? If not and you don't want to live without it this fall, is it "useable" with the described problem? If so, would this be covered as part of the annual maintenance? If yes to last two questions, consider waiting till the winter to send it in. Also, request a waiver on the maintenance fee if bearing is the issue on a brand new reel. Food for thought. Best maybe to talk this through with River's End. Hate to see you taking a long trip without knowing some of the options associated with fall fishing.

I am definitely leaning that way since it is very usable and River's End will most likely fix while I wait - probably for no $$$ I would expect. VS in Okie said that if I mail it in it will only be a 2 day turnaround time since it is under warranty for the first year. Things could be much worse... Just glad I still have a dunkable and functioning reel for October. It's good to have some options.

I have a Crack 300 that developed the same problem. Turns out the shaft got bent. I'm damned if I can figure out how.

...and River's End will most likely fix while I wait - probably for no $$$ I would expect. VS in Okie said that if I mail it in it will only be a 2 day turnaround time since it is under warranty for the first year...

Good Deal! Sounds like you are covered. God luck this fall.

This has turned out better than I had hoped. I went to talk to a local shop to talk about the reel and as fate would have it - they had a VS 250 in black :jump: - which I couldn't get my hands on before this whole saga began... and believe me I tried. My g/f was ready to tear my face off when she saw the two on the kitchen table. :laughs:

I did end up taking the 200 back and got a full refund. I told my g/f I did it for her but she probably knows I intended to do that anyways. She's not as dumb as she sometimes pretends to be. ;) Back to fishing... Thanks all.

I told my g/f I did it for her but she probably knows I intended to do that anyways. .

Thats awesome! Good luck with the new reel......(Mine should be here tomorrow!)