Van Staal Turnaround - FYI

[Chris in Mass]

For those getting ready to send in your reel(s) and want an example of how long the current turnaround is taking. Sent 2 in on 12/11/06, normal shipping (5 days). Got them back yesterday, 1/3/07. 3 1/2 weeks.

I imagine that the shop volume may go up as the season gets closer, which could cause an increase in turn-around. However, the increase may be offset since we are no longer in the middle of a major shipping and holiday season. Just guessing on this one.

Not looking for this to turn into a Van Staal bashing thread. I'm satisfied and just looking to pass on a real turn-around example for others VS owners who like to plan

[Pete_G]

It's smart to assume at least a month anytime of the year. That way you're never disappointed, and possibly excited if it shows up back in your hands only 2 weeks later.

We are quickly reaching the danger zone though, where longer then a month is possible due to a large number reels migrating to Tulsa.

[tattoobob]

Thanks guys I am sending mine in tomorrow,

[vanstaal]

it takes just about a week to get there anyways unless u send it priority
and that cost 80.00 for the 300 spool included almost 3#

[BigBo]

Originally Posted by vanstaal

it takes just about a week to get there anyways unless u send it priority
and that cost 80.00 for the 300 spool included almost 3#

What have you been ?
Priority mail for a 3# package through USPS to Tulsa, OK is $7.55

[BassNuts]

Originally Posted by vanstaal

it takes just about a week to get there anyways unless u send it priority
and that cost 80.00 for the 300 spool included almost 3#

Sheeeesh!!!! They even rape you for the shipping of a VS Maybe you meant $8.00????

[2na]

Hey, it's not like we don't have other reels we can use in the spring if VS is a little backed up. I sent mine in last mid-February and got them back in about a month. Not a problem in MA....

[tattoobob]

I went to the post office and sent two reels in the same box,
$7.55 priority mail
$15.95 insurance
$.50 tracking

total $24.00 ouch,

[vanstaal]

well I sent it out threw Staples using UPS next day was 78.00 I didn't do that
was like 7 change sent it out Tuesday they said it will get there on Monday UPS.

[tattoobob]

I got my reels back today, I mailed them 1/5/06 and they can 2/7/06 1 month 2 days, I would think that by now it is a 5 to 6 week wait.

[Casting Z's]

I talked to Dan @ VS, a couple of weeks ago, he said that at this time of the year he'll have as many as 250-300 reels on the bench for service for the next few months. That's a lot for any shop to handle. VS is still very close to a mom and pop buisness, so you need to have patients.

[Terence]

HAve patients or learn to strip them down. Casting Zee's can strip a 150 and put it back together with new bearings and seals and lube in less than an hour. Its not that hard . If I watched him 2 more times I bet I can do it myself and I cant even hook up the surround sound.

[tattoobob]

I would rather send them in I don't need them until middle of may any ways so I am in no rush to get them back. I think I like the idea of someone that does it for a living to repair it, like hiring and electrician or a plumber, they have the parts and no what needs to be done. PLus opening it your self voids warrantee I do all my penns though.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by tattoobob

I went to the post office and sent two reels in the same box,
$7.55 priority mail
$15.95 insurance
$.50 tracking

total $24.00 ouch,

Exactly!!

[tattoobob]

Hi Paul

[fishpoopoo]

i got tired of sending them in and then wasting time trying to pick them up at UPS.

[Terence]

Are you maintaining them your self Bassturbed?

[fishpoopoo]

Originally Posted by Terence

Are you maintaining them your self Bassturbed?

no, i got rid of all my van staals. i didn't like the negative cash and time annuities that these reels were turning out to be. when i owned more than one the expenses added up.

i'll evaluate other less service-intensive dunkable reels this spring/summer.

for now i'll make do with a trusty Fin-Nor Ahab 16 which I've packed with grease.

[Casting Z's]

Sending your VS in for service is optional. These reels would continue to work forever without service, especially if your not in the habit of dunking it during every fishing trip.
The weakest point on the VS is the spool basket's oil seal of the 100 and 150.
After rinsing these models, you should hang the rod/reel horizontal as opposed to standing it upright. This will allow any sitting water to drain away from the seal and not seep into the bearing below.

[ThrowingTimber]

spk/w Craig last night and they're approaching the 5-6 week turnaround period.

As an aside Craig is a great guy to be out there representing VS no? I dont know maybe its just me but a guy who ends any interaction with "If there is anything I can ever do for you let me know" I think that is great. I dont mind paying a little more for something if I get good service in the future and its stuff like this that'll keep customers happy.

[tattoobob]

Craig is a great guy I bought him a beer last time I was with him,
I hope t6 see him Saturday to.

I got 2 reels back and I have a bag of prats they replaced for each reel no extra charge.

So far I have nothing Bad to say about these reels, I just bought a 300

[LeCounts1099]

Craig is amazing-- he just "gets" it! Saved my late Fall when he called the factory & told them to ship me replacement bolts when I popped the shaft of my 250's handle in Nov. Had TWO new ones waiting for me 3 days later after I called him... both of which I needed, as I popped another (new) bolt one day in late Nov. after C & R'ing 45 big bluefish & medium bass! With the last bolt keeping my VS alive, I did 12 bass from 21- 28.5 lbs. on Dec. 5 & 6 & lost a brute to a straightened 3/0 VMC 4x treble...

Not blaming VS handle- pins really (though they are surprisingly thin at the connection- point to the reel)... I'm an old- school mono.- only Surf guy... looking always/ "only" for my "50"... & I set up harder than most, I guess?