Yet another Van Staal Question

[fishpoopoo]

Flap doesn't fish some of the spots a lot of VS owners do.

[ChiefLinesider]

Originally Posted by Bassturbed

if you're not gonna dunk the reel there's no point in getting a VS.

Thats a bold statement that I dont agree with.

The overall durability of the reel is what was appealing to me. It is inevitable though that my reel will get dunked at some point during the night. And the VS shines in this situation. I have owned many other reels in the past, and they just dont seem to hold up. I took great care with them. & bail would not close/drag clicker would stop working/would start to feel very rough during retrieve.

You pay for the simplicity & reliability of a VS in my opinion. No anti reverse buttons, Interchangeable left/right handle features, nothing, Its in my opinion what a reel should be, strictly business.

But if I was only fishing 15% shore. I wouldnt be looking at a VS. The abuse a reel gets on shore is not equal to what it gets on a boat. But to each his own. If you like them & have the money go for it. I like the size of the 200. Just use some common sense when chosing a reel size. Dont let someone else tell you what size you need. Chances are if you are buying a VS, if you think it through, youll know what you need. Compare the VS sizes to what you have used in the past, along with the retrieve rate.

On a sidenote: Reel ownership is always connected with customer service & maintenance. VS is easily contacted & seems to make sure your happy.

[fishpoopoo]

Originally Posted by ChiefLinesider

Thats a bold statement that I dont agree with.

The overall durability of the reel is what was appealing to me.

the overall durability of a VS is severely wanting in my opinion.

ever scratch that body on a rock?

[fishpoopoo]

Originally Posted by ChiefLinesider

You pay for the simplicity & reliability of a VS in my opinion.

That is laughable. Say that with some conviction after you've had a VS literally fall apart in your hands while you have a fish on. Happened to me on more than one occasion (VS 150B, VS 300G).

IMO the drag system needs to be improved. Herky jerky.

Also, have you taken a close look at the line-winding on your VS spool? See the belly? So much for reliability.

If you want simplicity and reliability, you can get a whole lot more bang for your buck with a Penn 706Z.

[ChiefLinesider]

Originally Posted by Bassturbed

That is laughable. Say that with some conviction after you've had a VS literally fall apart in your hands while you have a fish on. Happened to me on more than one occasion (VS 150B, VS 300G).

IMO the drag system needs to be improved. Herky jerky.

Also, have you taken a close look at the line-winding on your VS spool? See the belly? So much for reliability.

If you want simplicity and reliability, you can get a whole lot more bang for your buck with a Penn 706Z.

And the reel wars begin....

Originally Posted by Bassturbed

if you're not gonna dunk the reel there's no point in getting a VS.

So if you do dunk your reel....Your still advising against buying a VS?

[tattoobob]

If you want the reel and you feel good about using it, you get a positive feeling when having it, bottom line if you can afford it then go for it, it's all about the joy of being out there and what makes you feel good. it is a piece of equipment I wouldn't fish with out. who cares what anyone opinions are

[tattoobob]

Oh and compared to a penn z series, The VS is like a virgin, and the penn is a sloppy whore on payday

[Rockport24]

We have these reel wars all the time. Is it worth it? Isn't it worth it?
Too much money? blaha blah blah...
I think we should all admit that a VS is a Surfcasting status symbol, even if that is just for yourself and your own enjoyment.
The high-end will always have a market because people like to think they have the best thing available. simple as that.
Bob's right, who cares if it is worth the money or whatever the hell we want to argue about, if you like it, go for it, it is what it is.

[fishpoopoo]

Originally Posted by ChiefLinesider

And the reel wars begin....




So if you do dunk your reel....Your still advising against buying a VS?

No, I did not say that.

I am saying that while the VS reel is amongst a handful of reels that are suited to a particular application (really wet fishing), it is far from perfect and has a number of features that need to be improved to justify a $700 initial investment.