New Reel Advice

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by ChiefLinesider

I'm sure some people have seen this post title more than they'd like to...but....

I have had my mind set on buying a VS200 for the past year or so. Saved up the money but Ive recently read alot of situations where the case starts to leak oil .

Is this something that happens to the pre-zebco reels?
Do I need to keep the warranty valid and send it back each year? Is it worth investing the $50+ year?

Any other reel suggestions? First hand experiences?

Any information would be appreciated.... Relative newbie here to the site

My 200 leaked, but was repaired under warranty by vanstaal. They replaced the older, red fluid with a less viscous type lube. No problems since. If you want my input, check out the saltiga z4500 for a spinning reel. Very happy with mine, so much so that I bought another. Same price range as a VS 200.

[JeffH]

I have both the 150 and 200. The 200 is old style and 150 is older with waterproof drag and internal counter balance. They do not change the shafts unless you request it, although I always state "do not repair beyond $36.95 without consent"

My 200 has original shaft and it works fine I sent it in earlier this year and it came back with a bag of old parts, no extra charge, but still old version. The 150 had problems with the original stainless shaft becoming loose. At first they replaced the shaft sleeve and last year they replaced the shaft with one of the gold Ti-Ni shafts both times no charge.

They are great reels but are a P.I.T.A to maintain.

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

If you want my input, check out the saltiga z4500 for a spinning reel. Very happy with mine, so much so that I bought another. Same price range as a VS 200.

I agree with Backbeach. Look closely into the Daiwa Saltigas. My Van Staals leaked oil after 2 seasons so I sold them and bought 2 Saltiga's. After 3 seasons with them I've had no problems and they are very strong, smooth, and durable reels. I bought another this season.

[spence]

Originally Posted by JoeP

I bought another this season.

So if they're so great...why do you need three?

-spence

[luds]

Originally Posted by spence

So if they're so great...why do you need three?

-spence

That's the only way you can get a spare spool.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by spence

So if they're so great...why do you need three?

-spence

BLING

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by spence

So if they're so great...why do you need three?

-spence

Are you serious? Isn't it pretty self-explanatory even for your simple mind. Gee, I bought another because they suck...

Go back to your Scuppers blabber...

[Pete_G]

The oil leakage issue is made out to be much more then it is. It's rare and with a quick rebuild at VS it's gone, no charge if it's within warranty.

It happens, but John R nailed it right on the head. There are gaskets and they can fail but it's not that common. When you think about how hard many VS owners fish and where they fish it's suprising they last like they do. Really the gaskets are a big part of the reason the reel is what it is, simultaneously it's probably it's weakness.

Some leakage is normal. You don't want a river running away from the center shaft, but the reel is supposed to "lose" oil on to the main shaft. It should have a slight gleen from being coated in oil and not too much more. Slow loss where the handle enters the body is normal too. Anything that is literally dripping would be an issue.

The reason VS wants to get reels back yearly is that a fast leaking reel will be running VERY low if it's not out after an average season. A reel that loses very little oil could probably go a very long time. Hard used VS reels that go for a decade before rebuild isn't uncommon.

As for "maintenance" versus a "major repair", it won't be any different. At the factory each reel is completely stripped down, parts are checked, cleaned, replaced if they are outside acceptable tolerances, and then the reel gets put back together. You effectively have a new reel after servicing.

Lastly, to me a "low number" VS when buying used is anything with that stainless shaft. We can debate all day whether the lack of support for old reels based on it is right or wrong but it isn't going to change the fact that the parts for it are either extremely limited or already gone and the upgrade will be expensive. The hit you are going to take on a used reel (with the titanium nitride shaft) will be directly related to how many parts, if any, need to be replaced. If nothing needs to be replaced it will be an inexpensive visit. That to me is the only real risk of buying a used VS with a titanium nitride main shaft.

Uncle Rob, I wouldn't buy a Stella for the surf.

[surfer4life52]

So do the newer VS's, the ones with the counterweight outside the spool have the titanium shafts??

Thanks
AG

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by surfer4life52

So do the newer VS's, the ones with the counterweight outside the spool have the titanium shafts??

Thanks
AG

The titanium nitride shafts are distinctly gold or bronze colored, that's the only dead giveaway.

I'm not sure exactly when the switch to the external counterweight took place, so it doesn't necessarily indicate a nitride shaft.

Plus there are a number of reels now that have been upgraded, so you can also have fully updated reels with internal counterweights.

[ChiefLinesider]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

I wouldn't buy a Stella for the surf.

Would you get a saltiga for the surf? As often as I go? Or VS?

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by ChiefLinesider

Would you get a saltiga for the surf? As often as I go? Or VS?

I've never used a Saltiga for an extended period of time so I can't really comment on it. After taking a real close look at the ones that were in the shop for a while I'd be scared to submerge them in the same way I do a VS. Bottomline is a VS can roll around the bottom of the ocean for a week or two and when it comes out be immediately ready for business.

Getting dunked while changing plugs, going under while being used as a walking stick, or tumbling across the rocks doesn't phase a VS. It's simply built for that.

The Saltiga is NOT built to be a surf reel, but obviously it works well for some. It was intended to be on a boat vertical jigging for tuna and other brutes. Serious fish to sure, but it's not just fish a surf reel has to hold up to.

The stresses the Canal puts on a reel (a spot where the Saltiga seems to dominate) are quite a bit different from what we deal with in Newport, in my opinion.

I think that's part of where reel wars come from. Just like I don't have a clue what I would need in a Canal reel, people don't necessarily see why I love my Van Staals.