Looks like I've drawn the short straw on this one so go easy on me guys
No shooting the messanger
Here's a couple answers:
1. Parts Availability
Van Staal seems committed to making the parts / lube readilly available. This means you'll only need to buy the kit once to get the tool to open your reel, and the series-specific quad seal tools you'll need. After that you'll only need "refills" on the seals and lube.
2. New Lube Vs. Oil Loss System
Two potential drawbacks with the oil-loss sytem reels have been addressed with properties of the new lube that comes with the kit: first off the new lube stays-put creating an additional "hydrophobic barrier" where it's placed. The viscoscity is also unaffected by cold weather meaning your VS should perform better at colder temperatures than reels with the old system
3. Drag Servicing
The self service kit shown in the video does not provide for the servicing of the drag as a press is needed for this process. Reels that need the drag serviced will still need to go back to a Van Staal Service center like Rivers End in Connecticut or can be sent back directly to Van Staal.
For of the more specific questions:
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I wanted to ask if one already has the wrench will you be able to purchase the kit without it?
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Good question here. It would depend on if you need the quad seal tools designed to help w/ the placement of the quad seal. My current understanding is that the quad seal tools are only available in the series specific kits. Not sure if it'd be worth to buy both these and the seals/lube individually as it might negate the savings of purchasing the standard or "refill" kits. My advice: wait for your buddy to buy the kit then ask to "borrow" his quad seal tool
... Now that nobody will ever lend me anything ever again... Let's move on
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I wonder if the self service kit will cost more than sending it out or void the 1 yr warranty if you do it yourself.
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as per the price comparison, not sure what the final price will be on the kit yet but it comes with enough lube & seal for 3 servicings. After that you'll only need "refills" as you'll already have the tools. The standard VS factory maintenance is currently $49.95 plus $12.50 for shipping ($62.45 Total) for one service, that'd be ($187.35 for 3 servicings) not to mention the time spent waiting for your reel. Like I said I'm not sure of the price yet but all signs point to it being signifcantly less than the current price of sending your reel back for 3 servicings. Couple with that the fact there'll be no downtime and it's easy to see why this kit will be a positive for reels seeing heavy use and only needing the basic maintenance.
as per other questions not answered here email Craig at
ccantelmo@vanstaal.com
He'll be happy to help out.