Zee Baas - The Successor to the VS

[JohnR]

I think it comes down to the VS debate on steroids...

If it is the best reel in the world, some serious anglers will buy it for that reason. The other significant sales will be from those that want to be seen with it... I really like the VS and I probably would like this one too but it is tough - for me - to justify stocking the stable with the current VS and Saltiga rate...

Me, I'm still looking for the sub $250 submersible reel. Imagine if the Nautil did not have a PLASTIC housing . That reel would have been a lot better...

[Karl F]

chef...
Great point.
There is a niche market for everyone. People paying 30 bucks for a drink of water, and the guy grabbing the free stuff outta the bubbler, both thirst quenched.
Where I work, true story, very weel dressed young guy comes to counter with a $59 bottle of Grey Goose Vodka, I'm just finishing up waiting on a biker dude with a 9.99 bottle of Guzzlers Vodka.. biker guy looks at the young fellow, winks, and holds up his jug.. "Both do the same thing, get ya drunk, make ya puke, only difference is, I wake up with an extra $50 in my pocket!"... maybe, maybe not ... young guy just looked like he was disgusted...
Like my friend that sells used cars says, "There is an ass for every seat!"

I gotta buy another spinning reel soon, (new 1088) don't wanna (really can't) go over 150 bucks.... wanna good one tho.....

[NIB]

While we are Quoting people PT Barnam Said "theres a sucker born every day".

[Joe]

I think we are more apt to see a dunkable, improved 704/6 clone at $400-$500 before we are likely to see one at $130-$250.
Why would a company take on the inherent risk and cost of a new product for the lower end of the market when there is nothing in the middle? Now, they may say they mean to produce it cheaply and they may solict input to that end, but I really can't see them passing up the vacum that exists in that middle range.
I think VS has got it down pretty good with respect to price matching quality - how much more value can you add in order to justify another layer on the market?

[ProfessorM]

Over time I have heard a lot of guys talking about the 704/6 reels. I don't fish with them, nor have I ever, but it seems that everyone seems to think that they are a great reel as far as price and durability. Seems to me to be a reel for the common man, which I am one of and probably make up most of the fisherman out there. It would be great to be able to afford 1500 dollar reels but I sure in hell can't. Most think that they could be made better and would be willing to pay additional money if these upgrades could be addressed. I would love to know what modifications would need to be made to make them better. Maybe it is something that could be done at a reasonable cost, maybe not. Maybe it has already been done. Anyone know? Anyone got a busted one they don't use that I could take a look at to see if I might be able to figure something out. Not saying I can but would like to maybe give it a try. Hope this doesn't fall under the spam heading if so sorry and never mind. Paul

[piemma]

So if I could change anything on a 704 it would be to make the dog spring stronger and the body and drag system waterproof. other than those 2 things, it's a great reel.

[tattoobob]

Other than the things that Piemma said a paint that dosen't rash

[Marc Z]

First let me say that I am not justifying this reel, just giving you the info that I got. I saw this thing and spoke to the maker yesterday at River's End. It's $1,299 and what he said is that the holes on the knob allow air to pass thru to allow longer casts???? Whatever. And that duhickey that sticks off of the stem is a switch for the reel if you want it with a bail that allows manual flip of the bail or automatic, and also serves as a hook hanger.
I still use a 20 year old 704 as my main reel and it still catches many bass.