Finally got the OK from Van Staal to release the the self-service video. It's in 2 parts because it's fairly big and we wanted to keep the video quality as high as possible over YouTube.

The kit itself will be out in December. I don't have the price yet but if you want to get an email to know when they come into stock you can sign up here: Van Staal Self Service Kit (http://www.saltwateredge.com/Van-Staal-Self-Service-Kit.html)

Part 1
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Part2
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Very good.

I wanted to ask if one already has the wrench will you be able to purchase the kit without it?

I wonder if the self service kit will cost more than sending it out or void the 1 yr warranty if you do it yourself.

Pete , Thanks for posting .

I was also wondering the VS was an oil loss system now no more oil in the reservoir only special grease?Is this like the zeebass red lube?

This is great news! I know lots of people out there that hate the fact of having to get it serviced.

I was also wondering the VS was an oil loss system now no more oil in the reservoir only special grease?Is this like the zeebass red lube?

I have the same questions..I thought the bearings need oil flow to ensure there longevity.Especially if there is any water intrusion.
Which happens.

I am wondering if there will be kits for the older models under #1500?
Also if you need other parts not included in the kits like a handle knob screw
Mind got bent when I broke my ankle

Craig spoke at the last Connecticut Surfcasters meeting and discussed/demonstrated the self service kit. While I will not comment on the price, he did answer many of the questions posted here. This is my take on things after his demonstration only so please do not take it as gospel.

My understanding is that the kit is for any VS that does not have the smooth sideplate. Those really old VS's should still be sent in for warantee. Also, once you have the kit you can purchase replacement lube and seals from your local service shop or from VS directly. Normal parts can be purchased directly from VS or a service center as always. I don't know why this would not apply to those that purchased a kit back when they used to sell it, but can not be sure. As to the oil, I am pretty sure they eliminated filling the reel with oil years ago. Oil only goes around the seals. When I bought my 250 around 2000 or so, I also picked up the self service kit. My reel came with grease only inside it. Not sure why people still think they are oil filled. :huh:

Ok so I watch the first video and it ends and I click the next video and it's Mrs Van Staal in a leather suit. wow.:banano:

Ok so I watch the first video and it ends and I click the next video and it's Mrs Van Staal in a leather suit. wow.:banano:

Geez, thanks, Joe - I went right to #2 first and found it captivating. Still don't understand the 'Special Lube' thing though....:huh:

Thank God I didn't sit through that Army training film for greasing a reel :smokin:

Thanks pete I know there are alot of questions being asked right now and am sure you were expecting it.I have two my self, like Bob I know I need new parts that are not in the kit how available are most parts will they have to be ordered or will they be in stock at some of the shops like the edge or rivers end?also if need to service my drag can that be done myself or should that be sent into a service center?

According to Craig, the drags can be self serviced. For now, not kit is readily avaialble but I believe you can contact him or VS for the parts. He had the "kit" on hand for that but it was not cheap. I think that will be available in the future. You should be able to order any parts you need from a service shop such as River's End. I think the Edge is on the future service center list, but Pete would know that better than I.

so are you saying there are two kits one for the reel and one for the drag?hum, I think $60 bucks to service it is not a bad deal anymore not that the drag needs yearly service, but I have had to before because of water getting in....I guess I will wait to find out the price of the kit to see if it is good for me or not. This year I will probably just send it in.I fell on it hard and every time I turn the handle there is a small but noticeable clonk feeling on the rotation so sending in will probably be cheeper for me then kit plus parts.I am glad to see they are offering the kit I just will not be getting one right now.

Looks like I've drawn the short straw on this one so go easy on me guys :) No shooting the messanger

Here's a couple answers:

1. Parts Availability

Van Staal seems committed to making the parts / lube readilly available. This means you'll only need to buy the kit once to get the tool to open your reel, and the series-specific quad seal tools you'll need. After that you'll only need "refills" on the seals and lube.

2. New Lube Vs. Oil Loss System

Two potential drawbacks with the oil-loss sytem reels have been addressed with properties of the new lube that comes with the kit: first off the new lube stays-put creating an additional "hydrophobic barrier" where it's placed. The viscoscity is also unaffected by cold weather meaning your VS should perform better at colder temperatures than reels with the old system

3. Drag Servicing

The self service kit shown in the video does not provide for the servicing of the drag as a press is needed for this process. Reels that need the drag serviced will still need to go back to a Van Staal Service center like Rivers End in Connecticut or can be sent back directly to Van Staal.

For of the more specific questions:

I wanted to ask if one already has the wrench will you be able to purchase the kit without it?

Good question here. It would depend on if you need the quad seal tools designed to help w/ the placement of the quad seal. My current understanding is that the quad seal tools are only available in the series specific kits. Not sure if it'd be worth to buy both these and the seals/lube individually as it might negate the savings of purchasing the standard or "refill" kits. My advice: wait for your buddy to buy the kit then ask to "borrow" his quad seal tool :) ... Now that nobody will ever lend me anything ever again... Let's move on

I wonder if the self service kit will cost more than sending it out or void the 1 yr warranty if you do it yourself.

as per the price comparison, not sure what the final price will be on the kit yet but it comes with enough lube & seal for 3 servicings. After that you'll only need "refills" as you'll already have the tools. The standard VS factory maintenance is currently $49.95 plus $12.50 for shipping ($62.45 Total) for one service, that'd be ($187.35 for 3 servicings) not to mention the time spent waiting for your reel. Like I said I'm not sure of the price yet but all signs point to it being signifcantly less than the current price of sending your reel back for 3 servicings. Couple with that the fact there'll be no downtime and it's easy to see why this kit will be a positive for reels seeing heavy use and only needing the basic maintenance.

as per other questions not answered here email Craig at ccantelmo@vanstaal.com

He'll be happy to help out.

Thanks for the reply being a machinist the quad tool is a no brainer to make.I just would like to add you do not need a press for the drag system the bearing can be taken out quite easy with a little tool i made tell VS to think about it i am sure they can figure it out.

Lu you should put a patent on that baby, make it out of titanium and we'll sell it! Just kidding, I'm sure Stainless Steel will do ;)

chris swe is the man. good job on the video

Great Video.Simple reel to service with the right instruction.Thanks Chris and SWE for the goodies and Craig for the instructional video ! Lu send me one of your pullers man I'll send you a plug or two or some $$ .You got anything for the bearings in the sidecover .I been working on designing a puller for that side for AR bearing replacing.

Great video and thanks for the reply. I will probably get the kit anyway. I would hate sending the reel off and waiting for the UPS guy like a kid waiting for Santa.
:thanks:

thanks for responding, I like the Idea of servicing my reel myself I just can't decide to bye a kit this year or wait till next year as I put a hurting on my 200 and it may be better to go in and see a professional.

...My understanding is that the kit is for any VS that does not have the smooth sideplate. Those really old VS's should still be sent in for warantee.....

Not sure what you mean by a "smooth sideplate". My VS300 has a 12xx serial number. Will this kit be applicable to my reel?

Not sure what you mean by a "smooth sideplate". My VS300 has a 12xx serial number. Will this kit be applicable to my reel?

I think he ment the sideplate without the hex for the wrench.

Excellent step by step demonstration!