Van Staal RIP OFF - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

RIROCKHOUND · 03-31-2010, 07:03 AM

Holy %$%$%$%$ did they jack up the service charges.

I have an older model, so it should be 50.00 plus parts. Frigging parts equated to 80.00!

Time to pony up for the self service kit, and do it myself. What a frigging rip off.

luds · 03-31-2010, 07:11 AM

Yup, I'm also getting a self service kit this year.

Dick Durand · 03-31-2010, 07:14 AM

That's a significant increase. That's the nature of things, however. When they started manufacturing reels in China at a lower cost, Van Staal reaped a greater profit. The reel cost less to make, yet the price increased.

The Dad Fisherman · 03-31-2010, 07:20 AM

What were the parts they replaced that cost $80...was it just the basic seals or did the need t replaced something else.

The Self Service kit is $90.....and if you still needed additional parts you'll still have to buy those seperately.

I will agree....$130 is rediculous for service on a reel

RIROCKHOUND · 03-31-2010, 07:24 AM

The list is below:

I would have thought for a 4000ish serial number a lot of these would have been 'wear' parts as part of the service charge. If anyone knows from experience these are wear parts, let me know. The only one I can see is the roller is a non-wear.

I already sent a sharply worded email back to them.

1 SERVICE - ANNUAL SERVICE FEE 49.95
1 ORQ2 - O-RING, QUAD CROSS SECTION, BUNA .281 X .070 0.44
1 OSPR2 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .375 X .562 X .125 3.60
1 OSPR4 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .500 X .750 X .125 2.20
1 ORR5 - O-RING, METRIC, 53MM ID X 1MM CROSS SECTION, BU 1.59
1 ORR6 - O-RING, .864 INCH ID X .070 CROSS SECTION, BUNA 0.12
1 WSLCIT1 - WASHER,LOCK,INTERNALTOOTH,10-32 STAINLESS ST 0.53
1 BGRS3 - BEARING, RADIAL, METAL SHIELDED, METRIC 4.13
1 BGND1 - BEARING, NEEDLE, CAGED OPEN END, METRIC 3.52
1 BGRC1 - BEARING ROLLER CLUTCH 13.48
1 BGRO2 - BEARING,RADIAL,OPEN 3.25
1 90000 - MISCELLANEOUS PART SEE TEXT 0.00
1 SR2039 - SR200/250 SEAL CARRIER 3.28
1 VSB2024P - 200/250 SPOOL RETAINER - PASSIVATED 4.50
1 VSB2040P - 200/250 SPOOL HUB - PASSIVATED 12.93
1 ORR3 - O-RING, METRIC, 9MM ID X 2 MM CROSS SECTION, BU 0.10
1 SR3020 - LINE ROLLER 21.57
2 OSPR3 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .750 X 1.00 X .125 4.56
4 SR3038-2 - CARBON FIBER SHEET 1MM THICKNESS 5.84
---------------------------------------------------

Back Beach · 03-31-2010, 08:03 AM

Another reason I'm glad I dumped my VS 200(it was the biggest POS reel I ever owned)in 2004 and purchased Saltigas in 2005. I can't for the life of me understand the amount of service these VS reels need given the cost.

My Saltigas have been back to Daiwa once in the five years I've owned them for simple maintenance and it cost me $40 for both reels. They're(Saltigas) fished hard, dunked, slammed, sometimes kicked

and they're literally bulletproof. Don't see where VS is superior in any area besides the cost.

Sorry Brian, rant over...

luds · 03-31-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Another reason I'm glad I dumped my VS 200(it was the biggest POS reel I ever owned)in 2004 and purchased Saltigas in 2005. I can't for the life of me understand the amount of service these VS reels need given the cost.

My Saltigas have been back to Daiwa once in the five years I've owned them for simple maintenance and it cost me $40 for both reels. They're(Saltigas) fished hard, dunked, slammed, sometimes kicked

and they're literally bulletproof. Don't see where VS is superior in any area besides the cost.

Sorry Brian, rant over...

I had the drag fail on my saltiga this past season and sent it in after the warranty period had ended. They replaced the drag system at no cost to me.

Back Beach · 03-31-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luds

I had the drag fail on my saltiga this past season and sent it in after the warranty period had ended. They replaced the drag system at no cost to me.

Surprised to hear you had an issue, but the drag washers go for $25 each and the reel takes 3 washers, so they did you right on the service end.

I don't want to get this thread off course by praising Daiwa, so let's stick with the VS bashing.

luds · 03-31-2010, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Surprised to hear you had an issue, but the drag washers go for $25 each and the reel takes 3 washers, so they did you right on the service end.

I don't want to get this thread off course by praising Daiwa, so let's stick with the VS bashing.

But I only used my Daiwa maybe 5-7 nights and I got a 40 on it. I used a van staal on 3-4 times a week all season and got one 40 fishing them. I'm just saying......

BigBo · 03-31-2010, 08:34 AM

Put a thin coat of Cal's drag grease on the Saltiga drag washers and you should be all set.

pmbrac · 03-31-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Another reason I'm glad I dumped my VS 200(it was the biggest POS reel I ever owned)in 2004 and purchased Saltigas in 2005. I can't for the life of me understand the amount of service these VS reels need given the cost.

My Saltigas have been back to Daiwa once in the five years I've owned them for simple maintenance and it cost me $40 for both reels. They're(Saltigas) fished hard, dunked, slammed, sometimes kicked

and they're literally bulletproof. Don't see where VS is superior in any area besides the cost.

Sorry Brian, rant over...

I actually got got a saltiga after a few recommendations on this site including BB and couldn't be happier.. Just sold my VS275 and plan to buy another saltiga.. I had no issues with the VS, just like the feel and smoothness of the saltiga WAY better.. plus I don't ever wetsuit or swim with my gear.. looking forward to getting some fish on it the spring!!

HowieGee · 03-31-2010, 02:24 PM

I have been thinking about getting my first VS, probably a 200 or 250. But this thread now has me thinking. I have owned Luxors, Cracks, Penns and now a Shimano Saragosa 1800, which I just landed a 100# sailfish on while in Costa Rica. Pitched the fish a live goggle eye and bam....off to the races. The Shimano Saragosa worked beautifully. Never owned such a smooth reel.

If the VS is touted as such a great reel, why then does it need such intensive service. In the past, all my Cracks, Luxors and Penns just needed a good rinse and periodic cleaning.....and all have lasted for years without replacing anything except a drag washer here and there. SO WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT THE VSs and the ZEEBAASs. If they break down without constant service, why should they cost so much?

Howie

Adam_777 · 03-31-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

The list is below:

I would have thought for a 4000ish serial number a lot of these would have been 'wear' parts as part of the service charge. If anyone knows from experience these are wear parts, let me know. The only one I can see is the roller is a non-wear.

I already sent a sharply worded email back to them.

1 SERVICE - ANNUAL SERVICE FEE 49.95
1 ORQ2 - O-RING, QUAD CROSS SECTION, BUNA .281 X .070 0.44
1 OSPR2 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .375 X .562 X .125 3.60
1 OSPR4 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .500 X .750 X .125 2.20
1 ORR5 - O-RING, METRIC, 53MM ID X 1MM CROSS SECTION, BU 1.59
1 ORR6 - O-RING, .864 INCH ID X .070 CROSS SECTION, BUNA 0.12
1 WSLCIT1 - WASHER,LOCK,INTERNALTOOTH,10-32 STAINLESS ST 0.53
1 BGRS3 - BEARING, RADIAL, METAL SHIELDED, METRIC 4.13
1 BGND1 - BEARING, NEEDLE, CAGED OPEN END, METRIC 3.52
1 BGRC1 - BEARING ROLLER CLUTCH 13.48
1 BGRO2 - BEARING,RADIAL,OPEN 3.25
1 90000 - MISCELLANEOUS PART SEE TEXT 0.00
1 SR2039 - SR200/250 SEAL CARRIER 3.28
1 VSB2024P - 200/250 SPOOL RETAINER - PASSIVATED 4.50
1 VSB2040P - 200/250 SPOOL HUB - PASSIVATED 12.93
1 ORR3 - O-RING, METRIC, 9MM ID X 2 MM CROSS SECTION, BU 0.10
1 SR3020 - LINE ROLLER 21.57
2 OSPR3 - CUP SEAL, STEEL CLAD, .750 X 1.00 X .125 4.56
4 SR3038-2 - CARBON FIBER SHEET 1MM THICKNESS 5.84
---------------------------------------------------

Eighty bucks for an overhaul and a service is a good deal if you ask me.Not to be a jackass but the 3 bearings in the side cover can't be replaced all that easy.After a service like that you should be set for a bunch of years.Depending on how long you hold it underwater on each trip.I use marine grease and gear oil in mine.I'll take mine to CT for any major repairs I can't do myself.I'd pay 80 bucks for that service if the reel doesn't need it again for at least five years.I treat mine like a red headed stepchild and it keeps coming back for more.Best reel I've ever owned and hopefully the last saltwater spinner I'll ever buy.

MAKAI · 03-31-2010, 05:46 PM

What does a high end driver cost ?
I don't know, I hope to make an analogy.
My VS's are under water enough to grow gills.
Only send back for routine every 5 or 6 years.
Was getting expensive replacing the penns and such.

Bronko · 03-31-2010, 06:05 PM

Absolutley positively love my VS 200. Best piece of fishing equipment I own. Sent in once (by me just for routine mantainence) in 5 years. I fish it all season long and it is a beast.

Highly recommend it to anybody.

Rmarsh · 03-31-2010, 06:48 PM

I like my vs 200 very much. Never had a problem. I can't say that about all the penns and schimanos I have bought that didn't hold up well at all. Spent alot of money on those and they all went into the trash.
Seems like alot of reels out there weren't meant to be exposed to saltwater or sand.

Nebe · 03-31-2010, 08:07 AM

StriperSwiperRI · 03-31-2010, 09:01 AM

I've never had any problems with my Quantum Cabo's or any of my Abu's. Literally fished them everyday from May-December. I just can't justify spending that much on a spinning reel.

Islander77 · 03-31-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StriperSwiperRI

I've never had any problems with my Quantum Cabo's or any of my Abu's. Literally fished them everyday from May-December. I just can't justify spending that much on a spinning reel.

I am with Paul on this.. He fishes his Cabos daily and just oils and greases them once a year, besides roller and handle. I could not justify spending that much on a reel, I had a hard time buying a Saltist LW 20.... The cost for a VS In my opinion is just to high.. But to each there own... I fish old penns and convench so.. what do I know..

bart · 03-31-2010, 10:08 AM

I like my 704s and 706 a lot, but I want to wetsuit and swim so my next reel will be a VS. just don't have the funds

ThrowingTimber · 03-31-2010, 09:18 AM

I got leant over the barrel by them as well this year. My serial is below 2000 so it had to go to Tulsa. 3 pages of replaced parts. And 250.00$. I mic'd out all the bearings rings and seals and I'll be ordering the rings and seals from a transmission shop. I'll be ordering the bearings in ceramic from boca bearings. I'll order parts as needed from vs directly.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

ThrowingTimber · 03-31-2010, 09:37 AM

in all fairness I will say that I do beat on my vs 300 as if it were a borrowed mule. The maintenance fee still sucks tho.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

slow eddie · 03-31-2010, 10:07 AM

i do wonder just what you do get for $800.? paying 200 just for yearly maintence and parts does seam like a little much for such a high end item. i buy old used penns, made in usa. part breaks, strip a reel. good to go.

piemma · 03-31-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow eddie

i do wonder just what you do get for $800.? paying 200 just for yearly maintence and parts does seam like a little much for such a high end item. i buy old used penns, made in usa. part breaks, strip a reel. good to go.

I had a VS 250. I fished it for 2 years and then sold it. I had some mild disatisfaction with it because of failure of the seals. Keep in mind I spend close to 40 years in the surf with 704/706 Penns.

Well, I am back in the surf again after a 3 year hiatus and am happy to say that last fall I fished an old 704 without issue. Now I am too old to be wet suiting around and swimming to rocks so the 704 works fine. I also bought a used 850 on flea bay that I love and my Calcuttas when I am throwing conventional. I cannot see a reason to buy another VS. Hell, I have over 100, 40s on 704s.

eastendlu · 03-31-2010, 03:00 PM

I own a 150 and 250 and both have seen extensive use and without one problem reels are a tank and easy to maintain i have never had them serviced and the 250 is US made with the nonsealed drag.

Pete F. · 03-31-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow eddie

i do wonder just what you do get for $800.? paying 200 just for yearly maintence and parts does seam like a little much for such a high end item. i buy old used penns, made in usa. part breaks, strip a reel. good to go.

Shh, you're gonna drive the price up.

hardbait · 03-31-2010, 02:49 PM

I NEED TO GET A SCREW FOR MY VS WITH A BAIL HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH TO JUST ORDER A SCREW

ivanputski · 03-31-2010, 03:21 PM

they say a VS will last you a lifetime... but what reel wouldnt if you continuously threw hundreds of dollars into it every few years??? I have a VS200, and i will NOT get it serviced until something is absolutely wrong... some people open them up for service just because its been a while, and regret it... if it works, let it work...

Back Beach · 03-31-2010, 03:35 PM

In all fairness to VS, if they were $300 and lower maintenance I'd buy one. I don't see the value above that.

Why do some folks buy them? Some people see a pic of a guy in a wetsuit having just "battled the world's most extreme elements" and is holding a big fish.
People then figure hey, its the reel....if I get the reel I'll be just like the guy in the picture.

I think others get em just to look the part....nowadays if you own a VS, wetsuit, or a tricked out canal bike you're considered a highliner, right?

JohnnyD · 03-31-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Back Beach

In all fairness to VS, if they were $300 and lower maintenance I'd buy one. I don't see the value above that.

Why do some folks buy them? Some people see a pic of a guy in a wetsuit having just "battled the world's most extreme elements" and is holding a big fish.
People then figure hey, its the reel....if I get the reel I'll be just like the guy in the picture.

I think others get em just to look the part....nowadays if you own a VS, wetsuit, or a tricked out canal bike you're considered a highliner, right?

If it's a status symbol (and I don't agree that for many, it is), what do you think the solution is for people that fish in places that will result in the reels spending a considerable amount of time under water?

Personally, I don't own a VS but have used them. After a full day of casting a bailess VS150 Makai let me use, I feel in love with it - smooth, no wobble on the retrieve and comfortable.