Quote:
Originally Posted by Sea Dangles
I've had my 200 for over ten years,I have at least ten 40's on it and I have never spent ten cents in maintenance.Never rinsed it after dunking,reel is bombproof.If BB caught fish the washers may be an issue.Ask redlite about his VS, that had no oil in it and still hammered fish nightly,what he thinks.AS FOR DRINKING FROM THE CUP;I guess I'll let you take a sip.In all fairness,the daiwa is a great canal reel.
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I get absolutely no endorsement, not even free service from VS, so this is my take on them which I post every time this battle comes up.
I used to think anyone who spent $800+ on a reel was an arsehole, especially if they said they sucked. Back then I wasn't wetsuit fishing and swimming around, so I had no need for a VS. If you're not dunkin the reel all the time, then I agree it is a waste of money. I used to bash them everytime. Then I started the swim thing and the Shimanos weren't cuttin it. Wife bought me a 200 for our wedding 3 years ago (holy SH#t, can't believe she has still stayed with me for this long!!!) and now I wouldn't fish with any other reel.
First year was flawless. 2nd year after having it serviced, I blew a seal right at the start of commercial season. I fished it with 0 oil in it for the whole 2008 season. Never let me down. The insides were so bad that the guys at Rivers End didn't even know how to classify it. Cost me about $100 to get it redone. I have beat the ever living bag out of the thing and NEVER even rinse it off, yet it still keeps going.
As I stated, unless you are swimming with your reel, there are better, more economical options. It is in my opinion a function specific reel, but for me well worth it.
Will update on how much it costs me for this year once I send it back in....
Back beach is a hoot to watch swim a couple of hundred yards holdin his rod out of the water.......