I see that VS now offers a self service kit but it doesn't seem to cover the 250 (no bail). Does anyone know if it is available? Also, can you get all parts that may be needed?

My reel has developed the "spool wobble" that many others have after tossing heavy jigs in the ditch and I would like to be able to replace the bushing.

Warranty is up and I've always serviced my own gear - no need to pay for shipping if it doesn't get me anything but 8 weeks without my reel.

I have that wobble on my VS 250.....Unacceptable on a $700 reel...

Now I am drowning a ZX 27 instead...
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I have that wobble on my VS 250.....Unacceptable on a $700 reel...

Now I am drowning a ZX 27 instead...
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I'm looking to build a lighter rig for fishing the smaller stuff. My 250 is on a 10-6 mojo 2-6 oz rod. I was looking to build a 9' rod with a vs 200. I might have to look at the ZBs.

Doesn't the service kit for the 200 fit both 200 and 250?

it should, same gear houses, only diff is the spool diameter, no?

yes service kits do the 250, its just the basics, gaskets, seals, oil/lube etc, no bearings.

if it has a wobble, it might need a bearing or bushing, which are not in the kits.

send it to rivers end, have them do the service.

what your experiencing is a common vs issue.

The wobble could be main bearing inner race not being stationary on it's y-axis
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Sounds to me if it's that much a problem it should be a warrantee issue.

I sent my reel to RE for service. Got a call from Pat the day after I sent it out to let me know that they received it and what he thought was the issue with the spool cup. He replaced the sleeve guide and body bushing and the reel is mint again. No charge as it was all warranty. Turnaround time was about a week. Great customer service by the way!

I talked to the VS rep at the RISSA show yesterday and he tells me that the spool cup wobble was most likely there from the beginning and as the reel broke in, it became more noticable.

He said is was definite not related a premature ware issue, caused from fishing heavy jigs but was a manufacturing issue that has been corrected and should not happen again. The new parts are under warranty and if the issue happens again, the parts will be replaced under warranty again.

Looked at the ZBs at the show. Look awesome. How does that drag under the spool cup hold up after swimming it for a season. Didn't look sealed to me?

I have that wobble on my VS 250.....Unacceptable on a $700 reel...

Now I am drowning a ZX 27 instead...
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Had the same problem with my 250. Thus the reason I no longer own a VS. From what I hear, the ZB is the balls

There have been some disturbing instances of total main gear failure on VS reels. Not a lot, but enough to convince me that if I ever have a need for a waterproof reel again some day, it'll be a ZB.

BTW---the original Van Staals, the Stratford ones with the counterweight inside the rotor cup, were notorious for rotor cup wobble. But since most of the guys who bought them were moving up from Penns and Cracks, it wasn't a big deal. :D

Youse guys done been spoiled. ;)