Should I send in my VS for service?

[JohnnySaxatilis]

I've had a vs200 going on 4 years here, never had a problem with it, still very smooth, never sent it in for servicing. But the rotor cup is starting to develope a little "play" goin in the wrong direction. basically fished it like that all year w/o a problem. Should I send the thing in or just keep fishing it until it really craps out? I've heard that ppl send them in and have nothing but problems, but tis the season for servicing. Any thoughts please

[Jackbass]

I send my 250 our every year to Oklahoma to maintain the warranty usually comes back in less than 2 weeks with out a problem.
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[Jackbass]

Generally costs me about a hundred dollars
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[Bronko]

Hey Johnny,

Sounds like you are due. I have had mine about 7 years. I sent it in after 4. They swapped out some parts and did a once over. Cost like $105 ish. It's too nice of a reel to let deteriorate. I'd send it in, they will fix your issue and replace what needs replacing. Definitely worth $100 to keep it in top form. Shouldn't have to send it back for another 4-5 years.

[Canalman]

I've skipped two years, I'll be sending it back this year. I will say though, it hasn't skipped a beat. And I am not nice to them, I almost never rinse them... but they still do their job without complaint. That's why I don't think I'll ever buy a Z.

Before the flames come down on me. I'm not saying that Z's are bad, I'm just saying I'm happy with my VS's.

[ivanputski]

bring it to rivers end... I would NOT ship it to oklahoma... thats just me.

[Pete_G]

For almost everything with a serial number above 7000 sending it to Rivers End or your nearest service center is the way to go.

Below 7000, unless things have changed, is best handled by Oklahoma.

Loose rotor cup could be a tired 1-way bearing or a few other possibilities. I think it's finally due.

[Sgt Striper]

Originally Posted by JohnnySaxatilis

I've had a vs200 going on 4 years here, never had a problem with it, still very smooth, never sent it in for servicing. But the rotor cup is starting to develope a little "play" goin in the wrong direction. basically fished it like that all year w/o a problem. Should I send the thing in or just keep fishing it until it really craps out? I've heard that ppl send them in and have nothing but problems, but tis the season for servicing. Any thoughts please

You will get a little movement at the rotor, how is at the handle if you try to turn in reverse? If it's solid at the handle you just need to get a full service (seals, main bearing) If you have movement in reverse at the handle you need to send it back to Okl. Service centers do not change out radial and A/R bearings in the sideplate.

[JohnnySaxatilis]

Guess I better send it in

Originally Posted by Sgt Striper

You will get a little movement at the rotor, how is at the handle if you try to turn in reverse? If it's solid at the handle you just need to get a full service (seals, main bearing) If you have movement in reverse at the handle you need to send it back to Okl. Service centers do not change out radial and A/R bearings in the sideplate.

Its only the rotar, handle is still solid. serial # is in the 20k so looks like rivers end. Thanks everyone for the responses!

[Jackbass]

Mine is #348? Something that's why it goes to Oklahoma
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[tlapinski]

Definately get it serviced. Mine go in at least once a year even if they are fine, multiple times if there is an issue of some sort. I have an older reel that must go to OK and have no complaints. My newer reels go to Rivers End and I couldn't be any happier with the work Q and the guys do on the reel. The only benefit to Rivers End is that I work about 20 minutes away and therefore don't have to deal with the shipping required of my old reel.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by tlapinski

Definately get it serviced. Mine go in at least once a year even if they are fine, multiple times if there is an issue of some sort. I have an older reel that must go to OK and have no complaints. My newer reels go to Rivers End and I couldn't be any happier with the work Q and the guys do on the reel. The only benefit to Rivers End is that I work about 20 minutes away and therefore don't have to deal with the shipping required of my old reel.

Good to know!

[the point]

Will be sending mines in this season,, Havent serviced it for 3 seasons without a problem,,But She is due.

[tlapinski]

I have a question for those that don't service your reel: Why not? Do you service other reels you own (the ones you can do yourself)?

I couldn't imagine letting any reel carry over from one season to the next without service. Even if the reel feels like it is doing fine, the drag washers are getting warn down, oil & grease gets broken down, etc. All of my reels get cleaned, lubed and drags replaced every off season, even the ones I have to do myself.

[the point]

Originally Posted by tlapinski

I have a question for those that don't service your reel: Why not? Do you service other reels you own (the ones you can do yourself)?

I couldn't imagine letting any reel carry over from one season to the next without service. Even if the reel feels like it is doing fine, the drag washers are getting warn down, oil & grease gets broken down, etc. All of my reels get cleaned, lubed and drags replaced every off season, even the ones I have to do myself.

I do all other reels myself,,this year it will be sent out.( no reason for not servicing it) Its been submerged, dunked, put in the sand With a quick rinse here and there...Kinda wanted to see the beating it could take before service.. And a it did great,,Slight oil leak where the handle meets I noticed this year,,so I think I service if a must this year

[WESTPORTMAFIA]

I had one for 4 years with no issues. Decided it was time even though it was perfectly fine. Sent it to rivers, got it back and it was never the same. I ended up selling it. If its not broke don't fix it. In Johnny's case it seems its time. I will NOT send the one I have had now for 2 seasons in unless there is something definitely wrong with it. Would you replace your guides every year if they were ok?
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[tlapinski]

Originally Posted by WESTPORTMAFIA

#^&Would you replace your guides every year if they were ok?
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No, but I do check & clean my guides throughout the season & give them a thorough check every winter. I never said you have to replace unworn or unbroken parts, but for me, I will replace anything that is not 100%. My feeling is that if people did not get charged for a VS service, or could easily do it themselves for no cost, then 99% of people would do it. Do you service your non VS's?
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[WESTPORTMAFIA]

Originally Posted by tlapinski

No, but I do check & clean my guides throughout the season & give them a thorough check every winter. I never said you have to replace unworn or unbroken parts, but for me, I will replace anything that is not 100%. My feeling is that if people did not get charged for a VS service, or could easily do it themselves for no cost, then 99% of people would do it. Do you service your non VS's?
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I only send my other reels in for service when they are acting up. which is more often than the vs. My emblem has to go every year along with my penn 975 sometimes twice or they would be unfishable. I don't mess with anything at all unless its giving me a problem. The 975 is being replaced next season as its a breakdown machine. Out of about 8 reels that get use only those 2 needed service.
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[new jack]

Think a bearing is gone in my 275. Every once in great while It will spin backwards a quarter turn when fighting a fish.
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[numbskull]

Holy crap, $105 a service cycle?????? That adds up fast. I think you can do better with a Z. I service my own and keep some parts (which I've not needed so far) on hand. It only costs a few bucks/reel that way. Even a Stella is only $27 to service.

[Sgt Striper]

Originally Posted by new jack

Think a bearing is gone in my 275. Every once in great while It will spin backwards a quarter turn when fighting a fish.
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Yup, that's a bad A/R (clutch bearing) when they go bad that's what you will feel, skipping.

Originally Posted by numbskull

Holy crap, $105 a service cycle?????? That adds up fast. I think you can do better with a Z. I service my own and keep some parts (which I've not needed so far) on hand. It only costs a few bucks/reel that way. Even a Stella is only $27 to service.

George, if you send them back every year it's about $47. Sounds like quite a bit but it gives you a warranty, it's worth it. My buddy send his back which was in need of repair and they changed just about every internal part and charged him $45.

[shadow]

That's not true iv sent mine back every year and the last three years it been going to rivers end and I get charged for every part that needs replacement and in the last three years it's been in at least 2 times a year because it keeps getting water in it and the main bearing has to be replaced this year I should of sent it in weeks after I got it back. Iam going to send it to ok. With all my paper work. Iam done paying $130 dollars twice a year to keep water out of my waterproof reel. Bf the service centers started repairing them zebec always fixed everything at the cost of service but as soon as I started using the service center near me iv been charged for everything.



George, if you send them back every year it's about $47. Sounds like quite a bit but it gives you a warranty, it's worth it. My buddy send his back which was in need of repair and they changed just about every internal part and charged him $45.[/QUOTE]
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[tlapinski]

From the VS site RE the service fee & cost for parts:

Van Staal Factory Service
The Van Staal Factory Service Program is designed to give fishermen reels that work harder and last longer than any others. A Van Staal reel is unique. No other reel is sealed water-tight to resist the sand, salt and surf. Only a Van Staal can be submerged in saltwater and still perform without having to be immediately opened up and cleaned. Waterproof seals and casings keep oil and grease inside your reel and saltwater out of it. This keeps Van Staal gears properly lubricated and away from the abusive corrosion that can quickly occur in a saltwater environment.

Your reel is made from the finest machined aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. And like any fine machine made of these materials a periodic cleaning and maintenance is important. The harder you use your reel, the more important proper maintenance is to ensure that all parts and mechanisms are clean, lubricated and in good working order. If you submerge or fish your reel in the surf, we recommend you have your Van Staal reel serviced annually. If you are fishing from a dock or boat and not submerging your reel — and are confident that seals and lubrication is still intact — then you do not need this service as often. However, time and weather do eventually dictate that seals and lubrication will need to be changed and a good cleaning is also recommended. Service by a trained Van Staal service and repair specialists will maintain your reels performance and add years to its life.

For $49.95, plus the cost of parts and return shipping, Van Staal factory-trained technicians and engineers are prepared to inspect and service your reel. This service includes opening the sealed body; cleaning, inspecting, lubricating and re-sealing the reel water-tight so it is ready to face the elements without limitations. We recognize that your reel is an investment and we will work with you to protect and ensure maximum performance, while maintaining reasonable cost for you. We find joy in getting your reel ready to go back out, get fished hard, and hook the fish of a lifetime.

To get your reel serviced and maintained, simply call or send the reel, along with a completed Product Return Form, and we will acknowledge its receipt, perform the maintenance, communicate as needed and send it back to you for more fishing. For your convenience we have three Authorized Service Centers to serve you:

And here is the warranty info:

Van Staal Spin Reel Warranty Information

Registering your Van Staal reel will help us to better serve your Warranty Service needs. Click HERE to register your Van Staal product online.
(VS/VSB/VM Spin Reels) One-Year Limited Warranty*

Van Staal spin reels are warranted for a period of one (1) year from date of the first retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials. This warranty is offered only to the original owner of the reel. Van Staal reserves the right to make all decisions, at its sole discretion, regarding whether a claim qualifies as eligible warranty work. During the warranty period, Van Staal will repair or replace the product, at its option, at no charge to the original purchaser. A dated sales receipt must accompany all warranty claims. The product should be shipped directly to Van Staal at 6109 E. Apache, Tulsa, OK 74115, postage prepaid and insured.

This warranty does not cover Van Staal products damaged due to abuse, misuse, corrosion, normal wear and tear, neglect, or products that have been altered or modified in design or construction. Nor does it cover loss or damage due to improper maintenance of the reel. This warranty will be considered VOID if any damage or corrosion is found as a result of service performed by persons other than a Van Staal Authorized Service Center.

ALL INCIDENTAL AND/OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY INSERT. IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE LIFE OF THIS WARRANTY. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

The warranties described herein shall be the sole and exclusive warranties granted by Van Staal and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to the purchaser. Correction of defects, in the manner and time period described herein, shall constitute complete fulfillment of all liabilities and responsibilities of Van Staal to the purchaser with regard to this product, and shall constitute full satisfaction of all claims, whether based on contract, negligence, strict liability or otherwise. Van Staal shall not be liable or in any way responsible for any damages or defects caused by repairs or attempted repairs performed by anyone other than an authorized servicer. Nor shall Van Staal be liable, or in any way responsible, for any incidental or consequential property damage. Van Staal reserves the right to amend or change this warranty at any time.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

The provisions of this Warranty are in addition to, and not a modification of, or a subtraction from, the statutory warranties and other rights and remedies contained in any applicable legislation. To the extent that any provision of this Warranty is inconsistent with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed voided or amended as necessary, to comply with such law.

*This warranty applies to all reels with serial numbers above #6999

Even the reels under SN6999 include a charge for parts from Oklahoma. It has been a loooong time since it was all covered under the service fee.

[WESTPORTMAFIA]

BTW. Has anyone ever had to service freshwater reels? I myself have never once. It seems like they never have issues. Besides not having the saltwater abusing them you would figure they would crap out but they seem to live forever. I've only really fished shimano and daiwa but picked up a couple of okumas over the last couple of years
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[Linesider82]

Originally Posted by WESTPORTMAFIA

BTW. Has anyone ever had to service freshwater reels?

Yes, every year due to heavy use. Easily 100+ days of fishing, long weekends otw last ice to first ice etc. Takes its toll, especially pike and smallmouth fishing on Champlain. When the evergreens produce pollen the water is tainted with so much pollen it looks like pea soup, then again when the cotton woods release their seeds the water looks like a planes flew through the entire migrating flock of snow geese. As the bail spins and the line comes through the roller these elements spray all over the reels, esp the pollen it gets embedded in braid. But mostly the abuse is from fish on the drag and while fishing from a yak there is most tendency for the reel to be dunked, submerged, splashed. Which is also why my fly reels for fresh water are so bad, when I release a fish the reel is almost always in the water. Parts are cheap and reel grease is cheap, I have always done the work myself. Mostly fish Shimanos Sustain (pike) & Stradic (smb), Pfluger president (smb), Diawa Exceler (brook trout/drag now failing after 5 years), penn battle (smb/drag problems 1st year). Sustain and Stradics being the best. However this is the first year where I have only fished freshwater maybe a dozen times with spinning gear the rest was flyfishing or in the suds.

[spence]

My old style 250 has only been in once when the anti-reverse seized up. Granted it hasn't seen heavy use but I don't see the point in service if it's acting fine.

-spence

[Clogston29]

i usually do every two years, thats usually when they start making noise on me. Usually get a call from Pat at River's End asking what I did to my 200s to get so much rust inside (my 250 is always fine).

[numbskull]

I'm not sure, but I think ZeeBaas will replace parts free in reels that leak for a year after they have serviced them. I think VS charges you for parts even if they have serviced the reel.

Am I wrong about that. I'd like to get a VS150 but the whole service issue (and worries about poor line lay) have me hesitant.

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by numbskull

I'm not sure, but I think ZeeBaas will replace parts free in reels that leak for a year after they have serviced them. I think VS charges you for parts even if they have serviced the reel.

Am I wrong about that. I'd like to get a VS150 but the whole service issue (and worries about poor line lay) have me hesitant.

My ZeeBaas started leaking with about 2 weeks to go in the season last year. I sent it in and they seviced and fixed it for the cost of shipping and a couple small parts. On top of that, they put a new little rubber band thing on the knob to replace one that fell off and sent me extras without me asking.

I'm also looking to pick up either a used VS 150 or the VM 150 if I can find a decent deal. I've heard enough good about them that I'm not too concerned about the service.

[chefchris401]

Johnny instead of sending it anywhere, OK or rivers end, ill offer another idea.

Go to the service class the edge does over the winter, they usually do two.

Buy the service kit, Craig from VS comes down and goes step by step of cleaning, replacing parts, install and reassembly.

if you need other parts, bearings, drag stuff, seals, he has it all with him.

That why, youll see what the issue is, learn how to do it while being overseen by the guy that handles the company.

Just another way to go.