Which is more "fishconomic": VS200 or ZX-25? Base on their specifications, the two reels appear to be "functionally equivalent". In addition, they are both waterproof and have self-service kits. But, based on field experience are they "functionally equivalent"? I welcome your feedback. Thank you in advance for keeping the discussion open, honest, and focused on the technology of the products.

.................................VS200............ ........ZX-25 [/B]
MONO CAP.............400 yds / 15 lb.......400 yds /15 lb
BRAID CAP.............400 yds / 40 lb.......450 yds /30 lb
GEAR RATIO..........4.25:1.....................4.75:1
WEIGH.....................21.6 oz..................18.5 oz
SPOOL DIA.............2.5..........................2.5
LINE RETRIEVE......33.5 in/turn.............35.5 in/turn
Max Drag..................?........................... .35 lbs
Cost.........................$739.00.............. ..$919.00

Get the VS.

From my experiences they cant be beat.

Ive had mine for 5 years, no issues. My 250 did have a bad seal and get some water inside, they took care of it, it was covered under warranty.

I dunk my reels and generally beat the hell out of my gear, for the money there the best deal.

You can find really good deals on a used one, look around.

if you buy it new make sure they spool it up for you for free, most places will. The place I bought mine did.

I got my 275 from this site used. But its literally brand new and not a scratch on it, you would never know it was used if it wasnt for the braided line on it.

The Z has alot of changes and redesigns. I know about 14 people personally that have them and theyve ALL had issues. Most of them have sold off their Z reels and gone back to the VS.

Thats my 2 cents.

Why no copmparisons to the Saltiga

Don't listen to anybody who has not owned both. Too much ego, emotion, and strong opinion unsupported by actual experience in this topic. They all are good, none are perfect, as best I can tell.

Why no copmparisons to the Saltiga

The Diawa website states: "Washable design with sealed drag system". What does that mean exactly? Can the reel be dunked like a VS or ZB? If so, then I can add the reel to the table above.

I would contact Pete G from the Saltwater Edge and this site he has tested both and with the results being the VS 200 is the one you want to get.

Don't listen to anybody who has not owned both. Too much ego, emotion, and strong opinion unsupported by actual experience in this topic. They all are good, none are perfect, as best I can tell.

X2
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

The Diawa website states: "Washable design with sealed drag system". What does that mean exactly? Can the reel be dunked like a VS or ZB? If so, then I can add the reel to the table above.

As I understand it, neither the Stella SW nor the Saltiga are meant to be submerged for any extended period of time. They are well sealed against incidental water exposure, however. For most striped bass fishing that is all you need.

The VS and ZB are meant to be submersible, but how well they can stand it depends on the condition of your seals (which are similar between reels I think) and all seals wear/fail eventually. Trouble is sometimes they do it before a season has passed. I can see where the ability to inspect your oil for water intrusion via an inspection port (as on the 2nd gen ZB) could be useful....although I doubt most guys do it.

i own/fish both a zb25 and a vs200. as much as i like the craftmanship of the zb and fishing it, if i were stranded on an island and could only have one reel- i'd choose the vs200. it is build like a brick chithouse and has my complete confidence.

Technically!
Both are great reels for the surf, However, IMO the ZX25 is far superior to the VS200, I have owned them both.
The body size of the ZB is more compact and powerful than a VS200. ZB has two clutch bearings, one under the spool rotor and one on the crank shaft as a backup. The VS has one on the crank.
Crank shaft and main gear are made from one solid piece of hardened SS. for strength.
The spool shaft is guided with ball bearings to reduce friction and improve cranking power.
It cranks very smoothly and lays line perfectly as it was designed for braided lines.
The drag is extremely smooth with it's fine linear adjustment from no drag to more than you'll ever need.
No mail in down time, 100% self-serviceable. It's truly one of the easiest reels you could ever work on without getting yourself in trouble, (VS locked out, by misaligned transverse cam).
Swappable different spool options, line pickup options or bailed.
ZB has an inspection cover that aids in a visually inspecting of possible water intrusion before the internal parts rust and seize up.
One can purchase every single internal moving part, (seals, bearings, clutch bearings) to have on hand.
And has no annual service fee or commitment required.
I've been using one of the early gray, premium series ZBs #0110 for four seasons now, without a single problem. It's seen the crashing sandy surf, banged around in the boulder fields and hardly ever rinsed.

Truth is, if you fish the crashing surf, both will do the job very well. But the ZB is a more advanced designed reel, with the fancy new fishing lines in mind and is truly 100% self-serviceable, pinion gear and all.
My opinion after owning and fishing both these reels and all other brands out there.
Good luck this season to all!:wave:

if i were stranded on an island and could only have one reel- i'd choose the vs200.

Sounds like Cutty....:uhuh::uhuh:

I have one of each and have fished both extensively.
I like both, I trust both (bottom line).
Performance-wise the Zee is better. Smoother all the way around. Great drag and great power.
The Zee is my number one reel, I fished it extremely hard all year last year from start to (almost) finish, in all extreme conditions, it was glaringly good.
That said I own several VS's and use them just as much, in other applications.

If asked which one to buy, it is tough to say, I would probably say go with the VS because I am not sure about the future of Zee Baas. If I had assurance that ZB was going to be around in 2-3 or 10 years, I would feel a lot better about it. There customer service is awesome.