I dunno. Maybe I am cheap ( Bassmaster would agree with that) I can't see spending that kind of money for a reel. Especially one with questionable history of company survivability. Repairs are way too expensive as well. I think it's one of those hype things where if you don't have one you feel somehow inadequate or beneath the contemplation of other fisherman, you know, like having one lashed to your rod picks you out as a surf star and anyone who see's you with that VS automatically will think you are the balls in the surf fishing community. As for the pliers thats another thing as well. I have a pair of needlenose pliers that have been on my surf belt for nye on ten years, I paid 2.99 for them at Ocean State Job Lot. Once every couple of weeks they get a shot of WD-40, they have never failed to do what they are supposed to do and if I lost them I wouldn't take a serious cash flow hit just a little sentimental hit would be all as I have become attached to the rust coated little guy thinking of the thousands of bass bluefish, Albies, Bonito they have help unhook. Functionality wise there are reels for way less money that do just as good a job and that is a fact. If you can afford one and it will make you feel somehow more secure in your fishing appearence then by all means get one. I have used VS reels and to me they just ain't worth the sticker price. Just my two cents, you may fire at will.
