New Reel Advice

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by rockyroady

So what's the deal if you find a used vs and send it in for yearly/first service? Do they wack you for a crazy first time fee thaen x amount every year after?

They'll probably whack you $200 the first time, but you'll be covered for warranty service. When you send them a reel, I understand the deal is that they don't have to get your prior approval for any repairs/upgrades that cost $200 or less.

I have 2 old style VS, before they went to the supposedly better waterproof drag, titanium shaft and new spool. One of the reasons I never send them in for service is because I want to keep my old drag, stainless steel shaft and old spools. I have a spare spool for each, and once they get their hands on my reel, I'd have 4 useless spools.

[piemma]

I have a VS250. Sent it in for service last winter and had a problem during the summer (won't go into it but it was major). They paid shipping and fixed it free of charge. I fish real had about 100 nights and I swear by the VS

[ChiefLinesider]

Originally Posted by piemma

I have a VS250. Sent it in for service last winter and had a problem during the summer (won't go into it but it was major). They paid shipping and fixed it free of charge. I fish real had about 100 nights and I swear by the VS

what is the turn around time on a major repair/ small repair? Is everything covered under warranty? New spool?

& What numbers are low number VS's?

[luds]

Originally Posted by ChiefLinesider

what is the turn around time on a major repair/ small repair? Is everything covered under warranty?

& What numbers are low number VS's?

I would not be concerned about the serial number. They are all quaility IMO. Turn around time varies by time of year. If you send your reel back for yearly service in March it will take 4-6 weeks because every other vs owner is sending it in at the same time. If you send it in earlier it will take closer to two weeks. During the season is even faster because everyone is fishing their reels not sending them in for service. Seems that any guy that has had a major problem has received extremely fast service.

I would check out the VS site for warranty info and read it for yourself. As long as you send it in yearly you should not have any problems and whatever it costs is worth is because you basically get a new reel back every year.

I personally would not buy a used one. Buying used always has some risked involved. Piece of mind is worth an extra $100 to me when you're buying something that expensive.

[luds]

Oh yeah. What rod/rods are you looking to use the reel on?

[ChiefLinesider]

I have a stiff 9 foot calstar that I use on the boat. I am also planning on maybe a 1201-m from shore, which would get nearly 90% of the use... Any other rod suggestions for a 95% pluggin set-up, thowing mainly 2 oz plugs up to 3 oz? I have always used my 9 foot from shore, and have never felt I need to go bigger to a 10ft. I don't really need the distance at the places I fish. Any 9 foot suggestions? I am not happy with the action of my current rod (too stiff)

[luds]

Originally Posted by ChiefLinesider

I have a stiff 9 foot calstar that I use on the boat. I am also planning on maybe a 1201-m from shore, which would get nearly 90% of the use... Any other rod suggestions for a 95% pluggin set-up, thowing mainly 2 oz plugs up to 3 oz?

If you get a 1201m and are going to use it the most I would go with a VS250. I have a 200 and a 250 and find myself using the 250 the most by far. I think the 250 is perfect on the 1201m.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by ChiefLinesider

what is the turn around time on a major repair/ small repair? Is everything covered under warranty? New spool?

& What numbers are low number VS's?

I sent my reel in in late December for the yearly maint and had it back in 3 weeks. When I had the major problem I sent it on a Tuesday overnight and had it back the following Monday. So 6 days counting the weekend.
Basically what happened was the handle and side plate came right off of the reel. It seems that there was a bad seal they put in during the yearly maintenance. They effectively rebuilt the entire reel for me. Must have been over 100 parts on the replaced parts list. No charge.
I know $36.95 plus shipping every year seems like alot of money but for service like that I'll keep doing it. I have dropped this reel on rocks fallen with it and had it underwater a ton of times. It has not failed me other than the problem I had.