Holy %$%$%$%$ did they jack up the service charges.

I have an older model, so it should be 50.00 plus parts. Frigging parts equated to 80.00!

Time to pony up for the self service kit, and do it myself. What a frigging rip off.

Yup, I'm also getting a self service kit this year.

That's a significant increase. That's the nature of things, however. When they started manufacturing reels in China at a lower cost, Van Staal reaped a greater profit. The reel cost less to make, yet the price increased.

What were the parts they replaced that cost $80...was it just the basic seals or did the need t replaced something else.

The Self Service kit is $90.....and if you still needed additional parts you'll still have to buy those seperately.

I will agree....$130 is rediculous for service on a reel

The list is below:

I would have thought for a 4000ish serial number a lot of these would have been 'wear' parts as part of the service charge. If anyone knows from experience these are wear parts, let me know. The only one I can see is the roller is a non-wear.

I already sent a sharply worded email back to them.

1 SERVICE - ANNUAL SERVICE FEE 49.95
1 ORQ2 - O-RING, QUAD CROSS SECTION, BUNA .281 X .070 0.44
1 OSPR2 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .375 X .562 X .125 3.60
1 OSPR4 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .500 X .750 X .125 2.20
1 ORR5 - O-RING, METRIC, 53MM ID X 1MM CROSS SECTION, BU 1.59
1 ORR6 - O-RING, .864 INCH ID X .070 CROSS SECTION, BUNA 0.12
1 WSLCIT1 - WASHER,LOCK,INTERNALTOOTH,10-32 STAINLESS ST 0.53
1 BGRS3 - BEARING, RADIAL, METAL SHIELDED, METRIC 4.13
1 BGND1 - BEARING, NEEDLE, CAGED OPEN END, METRIC 3.52
1 BGRC1 - BEARING ROLLER CLUTCH 13.48
1 BGRO2 - BEARING,RADIAL,OPEN 3.25
1 90000 - MISCELLANEOUS PART SEE TEXT 0.00
1 SR2039 - SR200/250 SEAL CARRIER 3.28
1 VSB2024P - 200/250 SPOOL RETAINER - PASSIVATED 4.50
1 VSB2040P - 200/250 SPOOL HUB - PASSIVATED 12.93
1 ORR3 - O-RING, METRIC, 9MM ID X 2 MM CROSS SECTION, BU 0.10
1 SR3020 - LINE ROLLER 21.57
2 OSPR3 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .750 X 1.00 X .125 4.56
4 SR3038-2 - CARBON FIBER SHEET 1MM THICKNESS 5.84
---------------------------------------------------

Another reason I'm glad I dumped my VS 200(it was the biggest POS reel I ever owned)in 2004 and purchased Saltigas in 2005. I can't for the life of me understand the amount of service these VS reels need given the cost.

My Saltigas have been back to Daiwa once in the five years I've owned them for simple maintenance and it cost me $40 for both reels. They're(Saltigas) fished hard, dunked, slammed, sometimes kicked :hee: and they're literally bulletproof. Don't see where VS is superior in any area besides the cost.

Sorry Brian, rant over...:angel:

junk

Another reason I'm glad I dumped my VS 200(it was the biggest POS reel I ever owned)in 2004 and purchased Saltigas in 2005. I can't for the life of me understand the amount of service these VS reels need given the cost.

My Saltigas have been back to Daiwa once in the five years I've owned them for simple maintenance and it cost me $40 for both reels. They're(Saltigas) fished hard, dunked, slammed, sometimes kicked :hee: and they're literally bulletproof. Don't see where VS is superior in any area besides the cost.

Sorry Brian, rant over...:angel:

I had the drag fail on my saltiga this past season and sent it in after the warranty period had ended. They replaced the drag system at no cost to me.

I had the drag fail on my saltiga this past season and sent it in after the warranty period had ended. They replaced the drag system at no cost to me.

Surprised to hear you had an issue, but the drag washers go for $25 each and the reel takes 3 washers, so they did you right on the service end.

I don't want to get this thread off course by praising Daiwa, so let's stick with the VS bashing. :banano:

Surprised to hear you had an issue, but the drag washers go for $25 each and the reel takes 3 washers, so they did you right on the service end.

I don't want to get this thread off course by praising Daiwa, so let's stick with the VS bashing. :banano:

But I only used my Daiwa maybe 5-7 nights and I got a 40 on it. I used a van staal on 3-4 times a week all season and got one 40 fishing them. I'm just saying......

Put a thin coat of Cal's drag grease on the Saltiga drag washers and you should be all set.

But I only used my Daiwa maybe 5-7 nights and I got a 40 on it. I used a van staal on 3-4 times a week all season and got one 40 fishing them. I'm just saying......

Stick with the Daiwa this year and we'll be drinking from the cup come october...

I've never had any problems with my Quantum Cabo's or any of my Abu's. Literally fished them everyday from May-December. I just can't justify spending that much on a spinning reel.

I've had my 200 for over ten years,I have at least ten 40's on it and I have never spent ten cents in maintenance.Never rinsed it after dunking,reel is bombproof.If BB caught fish the washers may be an issue.Ask redlite about his VS, that had no oil in it and still hammered fish nightly,what he thinks.AS FOR DRINKING FROM THE CUP;I guess I'll let you take a sip.In all fairness,the daiwa is a great canal reel.

I got leant over the barrel by them as well this year. My serial is below 2000 so it had to go to Tulsa. 3 pages of replaced parts. And 250.00$. I mic'd out all the bearings rings and seals and I'll be ordering the rings and seals from a transmission shop. I'll be ordering the bearings in ceramic from boca bearings. I'll order parts as needed from vs directly.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I've had my 200 for over ten years,I have at least ten 40's on it and I have never spent ten cents in maintenance.

That's because you're one of the many VS suck ups who probably gets the stuff for "0" thus you get compensated for saying nice things about them. As for 40's, I got more 40's on my penn 650ss(with fewer issues than the VS I owned) than you'll see in your lifetime...:laugha:

I'm actually surprised you remember that far back Flap er BackBeach.

in all fairness I will say that I do beat on my vs 300 as if it were a borrowed mule. The maintenance fee still sucks tho.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I've never had any problems with my Quantum Cabo's or any of my Abu's. Literally fished them everyday from May-December. I just can't justify spending that much on a spinning reel.

I am with Paul on this.. He fishes his Cabos daily and just oils and greases them once a year, besides roller and handle. I could not justify spending that much on a reel, I had a hard time buying a Saltist LW 20.... The cost for a VS In my opinion is just to high.. But to each there own... I fish old penns and convench so.. what do I know..

i do wonder just what you do get for $800.? paying 200 just for yearly maintence and parts does seam like a little much for such a high end item. i buy old used penns, made in usa. part breaks, strip a reel. good to go.

I like my 704s and 706 a lot, but I want to wetsuit and swim so my next reel will be a VS. just don't have the funds :(

I'm actually surprised you remember that far back Flap er BackBeach.

You better be nice to me...

If we're ever reincarnated(you as a bear and me as a trapper) I'm going to sell your hide to the Daiwa corporation to use as a welcome mat...

Actually, you'd look better on the floor in front of the firepace at the S-B clubhouse when people come too see the Striper Cup displayed proudly on the mantle...watch out for the chocolate croissants scattered in the woods as they may become your undoing...

With any luck I'll come back as the seat on a women's exercise bike..

You better be nice to me...

If we're ever reincarnated(you as a bear and me as a trapper) I'm going to sell your hide to the Daiwa corporation to use as a welcome mat...

Actually, you'd look better on the floor in front of the firepace at the S-B clubhouse when people come too see the Striper Cup displayed proudly on the mantle...watch out for the chocolate croissants scattered in the woods as they may become your undoing...

With any luck I'll come back as the seat on a women's exercise bike..

And be lucky enough to have this ride it

And be lucky enough to have this ride it

:laugha:

Actually, I like the trapper thing better now that you mention it...

Another reason I'm glad I dumped my VS 200(it was the biggest POS reel I ever owned)in 2004 and purchased Saltigas in 2005. I can't for the life of me understand the amount of service these VS reels need given the cost.

My Saltigas have been back to Daiwa once in the five years I've owned them for simple maintenance and it cost me $40 for both reels. They're(Saltigas) fished hard, dunked, slammed, sometimes kicked :hee: and they're literally bulletproof. Don't see where VS is superior in any area besides the cost.

Sorry Brian, rant over...:angel:

I actually got got a saltiga after a few recommendations on this site including BB and couldn't be happier.. Just sold my VS275 and plan to buy another saltiga.. I had no issues with the VS, just like the feel and smoothness of the saltiga WAY better.. plus I don't ever wetsuit or swim with my gear.. looking forward to getting some fish on it the spring!!

I have been thinking about getting my first VS, probably a 200 or 250. But this thread now has me thinking. I have owned Luxors, Cracks, Penns and now a Shimano Saragosa 1800, which I just landed a 100# sailfish on while in Costa Rica. Pitched the fish a live goggle eye and bam....off to the races. The Shimano Saragosa worked beautifully. Never owned such a smooth reel.

If the VS is touted as such a great reel, why then does it need such intensive service. In the past, all my Cracks, Luxors and Penns just needed a good rinse and periodic cleaning.....and all have lasted for years without replacing anything except a drag washer here and there. SO WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT THE VSs and the ZEEBAASs. If they break down without constant service, why should they cost so much?

Howie

I NEED TO GET A SCREW FOR MY VS WITH A BAIL HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH TO JUST ORDER A SCREW

i do wonder just what you do get for $800.? paying 200 just for yearly maintence and parts does seam like a little much for such a high end item. i buy old used penns, made in usa. part breaks, strip a reel. good to go.

I had a VS 250. I fished it for 2 years and then sold it. I had some mild disatisfaction with it because of failure of the seals. Keep in mind I spend close to 40 years in the surf with 704/706 Penns.

Well, I am back in the surf again after a 3 year hiatus and am happy to say that last fall I fished an old 704 without issue. Now I am too old to be wet suiting around and swimming to rocks so the 704 works fine. I also bought a used 850 on flea bay that I love and my Calcuttas when I am throwing conventional. I cannot see a reason to buy another VS. Hell, I have over 100, 40s on 704s.

I own a 150 and 250 and both have seen extensive use and without one problem reels are a tank and easy to maintain i have never had them serviced and the 250 is US made with the nonsealed drag.

they say a VS will last you a lifetime... but what reel wouldnt if you continuously threw hundreds of dollars into it every few years??? I have a VS200, and i will NOT get it serviced until something is absolutely wrong... some people open them up for service just because its been a while, and regret it... if it works, let it work...

In all fairness to VS, if they were $300 and lower maintenance I'd buy one. I don't see the value above that.

Why do some folks buy them? Some people see a pic of a guy in a wetsuit having just "battled the world's most extreme elements" and is holding a big fish.
People then figure hey, its the reel....if I get the reel I'll be just like the guy in the picture.

I think others get em just to look the part....nowadays if you own a VS, wetsuit, or a tricked out canal bike you're considered a highliner, right? :spin:

i do wonder just what you do get for $800.? paying 200 just for yearly maintence and parts does seam like a little much for such a high end item. i buy old used penns, made in usa. part breaks, strip a reel. good to go.
Shh, you're gonna drive the price up. :D

In all fairness to VS, if they were $300 and lower maintenance I'd buy one. I don't see the value above that.

Why do some folks buy them? Some people see a pic of a guy in a wetsuit having just "battled the world's most extreme elements" and is holding a big fish.
People then figure hey, its the reel....if I get the reel I'll be just like the guy in the picture.

I think others get em just to look the part....nowadays if you own a VS, wetsuit, or a tricked out canal bike you're considered a highliner, right? :spin:

If it's a status symbol (and I don't agree that for many, it is), what do you think the solution is for people that fish in places that will result in the reels spending a considerable amount of time under water?

Personally, I don't own a VS but have used them. After a full day of casting a bailess VS150 Makai let me use, I feel in love with it - smooth, no wobble on the retrieve and comfortable.

I've had my 200 for over ten years,I have at least ten 40's on it and I have never spent ten cents in maintenance.Never rinsed it after dunking,reel is bombproof.If BB caught fish the washers may be an issue.Ask redlite about his VS, that had no oil in it and still hammered fish nightly,what he thinks.AS FOR DRINKING FROM THE CUP;I guess I'll let you take a sip.In all fairness,the daiwa is a great canal reel.

I get absolutely no endorsement, not even free service from VS, so this is my take on them which I post every time this battle comes up.
I used to think anyone who spent $800+ on a reel was an arsehole, especially if they said they sucked. Back then I wasn't wetsuit fishing and swimming around, so I had no need for a VS. If you're not dunkin the reel all the time, then I agree it is a waste of money. I used to bash them everytime. Then I started the swim thing and the Shimanos weren't cuttin it. Wife bought me a 200 for our wedding 3 years ago (holy SH#t, can't believe she has still stayed with me for this long!!!) and now I wouldn't fish with any other reel.
First year was flawless. 2nd year after having it serviced, I blew a seal right at the start of commercial season. I fished it with 0 oil in it for the whole 2008 season. Never let me down. The insides were so bad that the guys at Rivers End didn't even know how to classify it. Cost me about $100 to get it redone. I have beat the ever living bag out of the thing and NEVER even rinse it off, yet it still keeps going.

As I stated, unless you are swimming with your reel, there are better, more economical options. It is in my opinion a function specific reel, but for me well worth it.

Will update on how much it costs me for this year once I send it back in....

Back beach is a hoot to watch swim a couple of hundred yards holdin his rod out of the water.......

The list is below:

I would have thought for a 4000ish serial number a lot of these would have been 'wear' parts as part of the service charge. If anyone knows from experience these are wear parts, let me know. The only one I can see is the roller is a non-wear.

I already sent a sharply worded email back to them.

1 SERVICE - ANNUAL SERVICE FEE 49.95
1 ORQ2 - O-RING, QUAD CROSS SECTION, BUNA .281 X .070 0.44
1 OSPR2 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .375 X .562 X .125 3.60
1 OSPR4 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .500 X .750 X .125 2.20
1 ORR5 - O-RING, METRIC, 53MM ID X 1MM CROSS SECTION, BU 1.59
1 ORR6 - O-RING, .864 INCH ID X .070 CROSS SECTION, BUNA 0.12
1 WSLCIT1 - WASHER,LOCK,INTERNALTOOTH,10-32 STAINLESS ST 0.53
1 BGRS3 - BEARING, RADIAL, METAL SHIELDED, METRIC 4.13
1 BGND1 - BEARING, NEEDLE, CAGED OPEN END, METRIC 3.52
1 BGRC1 - BEARING ROLLER CLUTCH 13.48
1 BGRO2 - BEARING,RADIAL,OPEN 3.25
1 90000 - MISCELLANEOUS PART SEE TEXT 0.00
1 SR2039 - SR200/250 SEAL CARRIER 3.28
1 VSB2024P - 200/250 SPOOL RETAINER - PASSIVATED 4.50
1 VSB2040P - 200/250 SPOOL HUB - PASSIVATED 12.93
1 ORR3 - O-RING, METRIC, 9MM ID X 2 MM CROSS SECTION, BU 0.10
1 SR3020 - LINE ROLLER 21.57
2 OSPR3 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .750 X 1.00 X .125 4.56
4 SR3038-2 - CARBON FIBER SHEET 1MM THICKNESS 5.84
---------------------------------------------------

Eighty bucks for an overhaul and a service is a good deal if you ask me.Not to be a jackass but the 3 bearings in the side cover can't be replaced all that easy.After a service like that you should be set for a bunch of years.Depending on how long you hold it underwater on each trip.I use marine grease and gear oil in mine.I'll take mine to CT for any major repairs I can't do myself.I'd pay 80 bucks for that service if the reel doesn't need it again for at least five years.I treat mine like a red headed stepchild and it keeps coming back for more.Best reel I've ever owned and hopefully the last saltwater spinner I'll ever buy.

:huh:What does a high end driver cost ?
I don't know, I hope to make an analogy.
My VS's are under water enough to grow gills.
Only send back for routine every 5 or 6 years.
Was getting expensive replacing the penns and such.

Absolutley positively love my VS 200. Best piece of fishing equipment I own. Sent in once (by me just for routine mantainence) in 5 years. I fish it all season long and it is a beast.:fishin: Highly recommend it to anybody.

I like my vs 200 very much. Never had a problem. I can't say that about all the penns and schimanos I have bought that didn't hold up well at all. Spent alot of money on those and they all went into the trash.
Seems like alot of reels out there weren't meant to be exposed to saltwater or sand.

for you guys doing the self service kit, remember that it doesn't come with anything to service the main seal.

i have no problem coughing up the $50 to $80 bucks every couple years. to me that justifies the time i spent last seasons taking apart and rebuilding the 706z, and cleaning the shimano drags that don't even like rain. i think the funniest part about every single vs & zeebaas bashing thread is that 90% of the people that bash either party have never even held one or fished one for that matter. Why does no one bash the guy who just spent $35k on a boat to just go fishing on a sunday afternoon?

Like Islander said to each his own... :cheers:

Saltiga---5 seasons, zero internal maintenence (line roller oiled a few times), no problems. Heavily used the last 4 seasons (I got it midway through the year the first season). The line roller bearing gets noisy when I crank against the Canal current. Probably shot.

VS 250--12 seasons (albeit no real use the last 4), zero internal maintenence, line roller oiled, no problems.

I have a newer 200 with a shot line roller bearing, but all it does is sound like a 706, so I can live with it. :rotf2:

I beat the piss out of the Van Staals when I lived on LI. Never seen the factory, and I wouldn't dare send them back now. If they ever stop turning, I'll open them with a pair of channell locks again and see what's what inside. I took a quick peek once, put grease on the gears to supplement the oil, and cranked them tight again.

I do suspect the factory of unnecessary replacement of some parts, though. I believe you authorize them to perform up to $200 of "necessary" maintenence when you send the reel in--at least that used to be the deal.

If they open it up for service they have to make them current.Too much trouble if they don't.I don't deny being a VS man,I'll even admit to being let down one time when I was left holding the crank with a 25# in the middle of the ditch.OUCH!!The last two I won which really makes me happy.I even caught a 180# tuna on a VS last year,performed flawlessly.Keep your fag daiwa piece of shiznit and ask yourself why you wasted all that money rather than sticking with $100 40# catching Penns.

for you guys doing the self service kit, remember that it doesn't come with anything to service the main seal.

i have no problem coughing up the $50 to $80 bucks every couple years. to me that justifies the time i spent last seasons taking apart and rebuilding the 706z, and cleaning the shimano drags that don't even like rain. i think the funniest part about every single vs & zeebaas bashing thread is that 90% of the people that bash either party have never even held one or fished one for that matter. Why does no one bash the guy who just spent $35k on a boat to just go fishing on a sunday afternoon?

Like Islander said to each his own... :cheers:

You and I have been over this many a time :rotf2:... I fish what I fish cause well its a convench who cares :rotf2:.. But when you have a person who has limited time to fish like yourself, or I will this year thats when it not effing up matters or NOT having to tear it apart... I think it really is a " to each their own" thing cause in the end if you can justify the cost then you will be happy. And the fact is a sucker is born every minute.. So its not like spending 8-13 hundred on a reel is gonna MAKE you catch 40+ lb fish all the time.. In the end its personal choice/ happiness in what you fish... And Thumper just cause people have money does NOT make them smart we have been over that also...:cheers2:

So its not like spending 8-13 hundred on a reel is gonna MAKE you catch 40+ lb fish all the time.. In the end its personal choice/ happiness in what you fish

dam im returning mine then :biglaugh:

dam im returning mine then :biglaugh:

Dont tell her then :rotf2::rotf2:.. You still at the wives or you able to get back to the house and have power now??

Dont tell her then :rotf2::rotf2:.. You still at the wives or you able to get back to the house and have power now??

haha no i will never return that thing. ya man still here and no power or way to get to my house. we have been looking at places a little north or here, just glad we didnt pull the trigger as some of thoes places are underwater.

Back on topic tho, i think everyone is going to find something wrong with any reel, unless i guess it was custom built for you or if you built it yourself. it is sadly just like buying anything else these days. hopefully like anything in life the good outways the bad. :fishin: :soon:

.Keep your fag daiwa piece of shiznit and ask yourself why you wasted all that money rather than sticking with $100 40# catching Penns.

I'm actually in agreement with you. I purchased my saltigas back when they were $450-$500. This was about the same price a VS went for at the time.

I'm not so sure I'd puke up $700-$800 for any reel at this point, regardless of its performance. Been looking to purchase a third spinning reel and can't bring myself to spend the asking price for any or these high performance reels.

With either case, VS will not be on my short list when I get my next reel.....unless I win one or two of them like you did, oh great one...

I think one of the main things it comes down to is "how you fish". If you are on the rocks all the time be it the Ditch, Narragansett, the Block, etc and don't "wetsuit" then you don't NEED an $800 reel. If you are one of the "young guns" who wetsuit and have your reel constantly submerged then you NEED a tank for a reel. Note the operative word here is "NEED".

God know, that in the 70s and 80s there were those of us who experimented with Cracks and Luxors. We almost to a man, either went back to Penn 704s or 706s or Sqidders. Those 3 reels probably have accounted for more Stripers than all the VS reels ever will.

I am not bashing the VS. They are great reels and I fished one for 2 years but I do not wetsuit so my reel stays dry enough so a rinse and drag washer cleaning every so often is all I need to do. if you are afflent enough to be able to afford a VS or Saltiga and just want that luxery, then go for it. It's like owning a Mercedes. You don't NEED one to go grocery shopping but it's a nice car to own.

And be lucky enough to have this ride it


Now thats funny

Brian,Looks like they did some good things to that reel.Like SD siad to make thm current.They had an issue with some of the spools and drags.The drag would actually loose as line came out.I have watched Steve C do try to get the drag stack out on some older ones it is not easy..They changed the drag configuration in the spool It will be much smoother...They installed a sleeve on the inside with new bearings and washers they replaced the line roller and bearing...Them little parts add up.And you should not have most of that expense in the future.
It will be better with a smoother drag.Ya it cost some but you will be happy..
Me I maintain em myself.Mobil one 50 weight oil.Fells like my Penns did.I love it.
I also lubed the drag stack up with the cal's grease.I jammed like three spoonfulls in there an squeazed out the excess.. smooth as silk.You can also use a yamma lube.stay away from teflon grease with the VS as it will eat the rubber seals.

what do you think the solution is for people that fish in places that will result in the reels spending a considerable amount of time under water?


Read the last line of Redlite's post...:hee:

Its called the marching soldier swim. Its a cross between a one handed dog paddle and a one handed breast stroke :ninja:

My Saltiga does go under many times and I just rinse it off at the end of the night.:bath:

Read the last line of Redlite's post...:hee:

Its called the marching soldier swim. Its a cross between a one handed dog paddle and a one handed breast stroke :ninja:

My Saltiga does go under many times and I just rinse it off at the end of the night.:bath:

Makes sense. I sink like a stone in the water, so the concept of swimming with one arm out of the water would never cross my mind.

Last year I used a Stradic that was dunked quite often. It's a great reel, but I know it's just a matter of time before a trip gets cut short due to it seizing.

Last year I used a Stradic that was dunked quite often. It's a great reel, but I know it's just a matter of time before a trip gets cut short due to it seizing.


I use the Stradics also...the issue I ran into was the Handle seizing.

I think one of the main things it comes down to is "how you fish". If you are on the rocks all the time be it the Ditch, Narragansett, the Block, etc and don't "wetsuit" then you don't NEED an $800 reel. If you are one of the "young guns" who wetsuit and have your reel constantly submerged then you NEED a tank for a reel. Note the operative word here is "NEED".

.


I disagree slightly. Every hardcore guy needs a dependable tank. The reason I decided to buy a Saltiga (direct from Japan for $550 when the exchange rate was favorable) is because I had a Mitchell Nautill %$%$%$%$ the bed on me with a 25# on in the canal--the spool came detatched from the base, and I had no drag. The fish got around a bridge abutment, got itself hung up, and I had to listen to Slip and Mac crack my nuts about not knowing how to fight a fish for the 20 minutes it took me to somehow get the fish to move off the snag, and then palm the spool the whole time cranking it around the bridge and into the rocks. We had to keep the fish because it couldn't be revived.

I don't think a VS is just for swimming. If your in the rocks and in the surf its not bad to have one. I will rock hop waist to chest high and not worry about the reel going in the water and can use the rod with the reel submerged to find holes. And when I do fall or set up in heavy surf. I'm more worried about falling and my safety and not concentrating on trying to save my reel. I beat the CRAP out of my 250 last year and had no problems I washed it down maybe 25% of my outings. When I opened it it was clean as a whistle. If it last a couple more years of heavy abuse I would say it was worth the $.

I wish Daiwa would bring this reel to the American market. They don't make any decent smaller higher end spinning reels for the salt from what I can tell.

DAIWA SALTIGA GAME 3500 (http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=1608014)

I'd already have one if I had a place to get it serviced.

I wish Daiwa would bring this reel to the American market. They don't make any decent smaller higher end spinning reels for the salt from what I can tell.

DAIWA SALTIGA GAME 3500 (http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=1608014)

I'd already have one if I had a place to get it serviced.

They'll service it at the San Diego heaquarters, I'm sure. Both of my reels came from a vendor in Japan with japanese instructions and I still have mine serviced in SD. Some folks mentioned they wouldn't service it in the US, but that was BS. If its a Daiwa product they'll service it, I'm sure.

Why don't you sell me your Z and buy the new game 3500? You know you want it and now there's no excuse...:uhuh: Besides, they don't need expensive weekly service...its not a VS, you know...:hee:

I'm keeping an eye on the BST forum. :laugha:

They'll service it at the San Diego heaquarters, I'm sure. Both of my reels came from a vendor in Japan with japanese instructions and I still have mine serviced in SD. Some folks mentioned they wouldn't service it in the US, but that was BS. If its a Daiwa product they'll service it, I'm sure.

Why don't you sell me your Z and buy the new game 3500? You know you want it and now there's no excuse...:uhuh:

It's all about who you talk to like anything else. I called Daiwa myself and they told me no. I'm sure the next person would give me another answer. Maybe I'll send them an e-mail and give it another try. At least that way I could send in the documentation with the reel.

My Z isn't going anywhere. Neither are the VS's. I should have my new gold bling 275 any day.

My Z isn't going anywhere. Neither are the VS's. I should have my new gold bling 275 any day.

You are a certified reel whore, or a CRW...:btu:

They'll service it at the San Diego heaquarters, I'm sure. Both of my reels came from a vendor in Japan with japanese instructions and I still have mine serviced in SD. Some folks mentioned they wouldn't service it in the US, but that was BS. If its a Daiwa product they'll service it, I'm sure.

Why don't you sell me your Z and buy the new game 3500? You know you want it and now there's no excuse...:uhuh: Besides, they don't need expensive weekly service...its not a VS, you know...:hee:

I'm keeping an eye on the BST forum. :laugha:


Every Saltiga I ever heard about came with a Japanese language manual. There's no way to tell a US market Saltiga from a JDM Saltiga. The reel graphics are in English, but all the paperwork in the box is in Japanese. If Daiwa sells the reel in the US market, they will service it.

and i still haven't found out where

to get my Chinese VS ripoff??? same technology, same alloys
smeared serial ###'s, for about 350 on the black market!!!!

C'MAWWWN China, i thought you were better than that!
:grins: :wall: :wall: :wall: :grins:

Shame the old Mitchells don't all work with braid. Load them with vasaline and fish them submerged all you want with few problems. You can do the same with the penns today. Landed loads of big fish with them and still use some when I can find the parts for them.Between them and the old Penns the new stuff is poor at best in comparison and doesn't hold up long when used hard. Ron

If I shared price info on how I scored a VS 200 at cabelas using a combination of THEIR offers........... you would vomit.

If I shared price info on how I scored a VS 200 at cabelas using a combination of THEIR offers........... you would vomit.

true story, i almost craped my waders :biglaugh:

Thumper... i think I ran into you the day after I got it! Funny thing is, for the first month, I actually didnt like the reel very much, and considered ebaying it... There is an adjustment period... but now I wouldnt be without it

true story, i almost craped my waders :biglaugh:

We ran into him down the hill that night it was crappy... But yes good deal on that...

If I shared price info on how I scored a VS 200 at cabelas using a combination of THEIR offers........... you would vomit.

I would actually appreciate knowing in case I wanted to try pulling the same scam in the future. I'm sure others would be interested also. :)

reel was on an un-advertised sale for 501.00, combine that with a free 150$ store gift card for spending 500$ or more... brings the reel to 351.00
Not sure why it was on sale, but I didnt ask... Cabelas often mails card holders coupons that offer 150$ gift cards for spending 500$ or more... so a 750$ reel would be 600 bucks... I have also convinced cashiers to combine multiple coupons...

80 bucks, you got off easy for what they did

so what does "LIFETIME WARRANTY " REALLY MEAN?.......Does it mean that they will service your reel for $ 200-300...WTF KIND of waranty is that? I think I need to send mine in cause I put some grease in there last year and it seems to be emulsifying...but I am going to send them a letter with it saying if YOU think it needs all these new parts just send the F#$$$@$ THING BACK AND DONT TOUCH IT...I am pissed cause I aint forkin over 2-300 bucks for that %$%$%$%$

reel was on an un-advertised sale for 501.00, combine that with a free 150$ store gift card for spending 500$ or more... brings the reel to 351.00
Not sure why it was on sale, but I didnt ask... Cabelas often mails card holders coupons that offer 150$ gift cards for spending 500$ or more... so a 750$ reel would be 600 bucks... I have also convinced cashiers to combine multiple coupons...

They are generous with the coupons.

Wow, what did I start! :eek:

1. I love my VS. It is an older model and I bought it on ebay in ~2001? for under 400.00. It has been back once outside of service for an issue, but otherwise it is a workhorse of a reel and I beat the snot out of it.

2. My main issue, after the sticker shock wore off, was not a rip off in what they did, but rather what I view as a lack of communication on their part. While they stipulate they will not notify unless over 150.00, with shipping came to 149.00... WTF.. I would have a appreciated an email saying we have updated some parts and to do all of the replacement work will be X dollars over the 50.00 service charge. I was expecting 50.00 for a cleaning and such, and be back fishing. Could have avoided a case of sticker shock, b/c I still would have moved forward with the work!

regardless I got my M-1 reel back, now just waiting 6 more weeks till she gets wet...

Wow, what did I start! :eek:

I hope we answered your inquiry.

I hope we answered your inquiry.

Whatever plug poser.
:smash::jump1:

I have an older 3 digit 200, have had little trouble but maintenance costs really irk me. Went to a Saltist 5000H, at $200, for the Canal, can't wait to try that and don't expect any real problems that will cost mucho $$...

You can always sell it! , they do hold there value [resale].
Something people I guess need to know of VS is maintence is costly.