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Joe-
I fished a VS150 and a VS200 in the 2002 and 2003 seasons and they held up and performed nicely. I fished these in surf conditions with waves getting them wet and the occasional dunk.
However, because the company was sold (the former owners, Rick et al were great), because I had to send them in for an annual $35 factory service, and because the no-bail system and the somewhat antiquated rotor mechanism and movement got a little annoying, I sold them this winter.
I purchased 2 Daiwa Saltigas as replacement reels and they have been absolutely amazing reels. They have the solid, sealed and waterproof construction of the Van Staals BUT also have the smoothness and modernized features of the Shimano Stellas. They are extremely braid-friendly and with their specialized line-winding system and large long-cast spool, they cast further than the Van Staals. Also, as these reels were actually built by Daiwa for larger offshore fish, the drags are very smooth and strong.
Essentially, the Saltigas are a combination of the Van Staals and the Shimano Stellas.
I tell you this only because if you are going to plunk down $600 for a new Van Staal there is, in my opinion, a better alternative at that price range. Also, the Saltiga's are available online at certain sites for around the $600 price of a new Van Staal.
PM me if you need any other info.
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