Van Staal [SIZE="1"]made in china[/SIZE]

[JohnR]

Where did you hear this? Hope not...

[cheferson]

the other site

[Pete_G]

Definitely true.

Although I have to say they gave the shop one early this year with the usual instructions to try and destroy it. They wouldn't tell us what was new other then that it was different until a couple days go.

The anodizing was better (we didn't put 2 and 2 together at the time), it was smoother, and it caught a lot of fish.

Sad though, regardless.

[cheferson]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

Definitely true.

Although I have to say they gave the shop one early this year with the usual instructions to try and destroy it. They wouldn't tell us what was new other then that it was different until a couple days go.

The anodizing was better (we didn't put 2 and 2 together at the time), it was smoother, and it caught a lot of fish.

Sad though, regardless.

No negative differences? Same parts and materials? Are they gonna knock the price back??

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by cheferson

No negative differences? Same parts and materials? Are they gonna knock the price back??

It's the same exact reel as far as I know. Just made there. We tried for a long time to identify what was different about the one we got and there's just nothing obvious.

I highly doubt you'd see a price drop and I haven't heard anything at all about price change.

If the Saltiga and Stellas having some parts made out of cast metal still sell for $600 to $700 made overseas there's just no way I can see a price drop on similarly priced but instead all machined reel made overseas.

[Skitterpop]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

It's the same exact reel as far as I know. Just made there. We tried for a long time to identify what was different about the one we got and there's just nothing obvious.

I highly doubt you'd see a price drop and I haven't heard anything at all about price change.

If the Saltiga and Stellas having some parts made out of cast metal still sell for $600 to $700 made overseas there's just no way I can see a price drop on similarly priced but instead all machined reel made overseas.

On SOL there has been posts by regular canal jiggers having busted handles among other issues. Someone mentioned that the metal might be inferior but do not know if that is just surmised.

[tattoobob]

I'm switching to conventional

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Skitterpop

On SOL there has been posts by regular canal jiggers having busted handles among other issues. Someone mentioned that the metal might be inferior but do not know if that is just surmised.

It's old news, from early this year or last. That's not to say there isn't a reel or two out there that could still have that flaw. A batch of the bolts that hold the handle together had been machined too agressively and were snapping. Usually it revealed itself pretty quickly and it wasn't just happening in severe Canal service, I saw a 150 or two that it happened too as well.

If you actually see one it's immediately obvious that it was WAY too thin.

Once again Mike_P, this is just what it is, not an apology, nor is it a subjective viewpoint. No need for some snide comment.

[fishpoopoo]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

Sad though, regardless.

Why? If VS is getting better margins, then that means the reel will be around for that much longer. If quality (for a VS) remains consistent, then why should we care?

17,000 VS reels in circulation IIRC (correct me if I'm wrong).

WTF cares - parts made overseas ain't gonna make a dent in our balance of trade or employment situation. Drop in the bucket.

People ain't gonna stop buying or using VS reels just because they are made in China. This prejudice is irrational.

[JohnR]

Togue - good post - pretty much sums it up other than our failing of parenting and education in addition to the lack of manufacturing capability... The Van Staal, at the forefront of American stability and National Pride - Who Knew?

Weewee, the prejudice is not irrational. Our country's lack of desire to deal with, compete, and force a level playing field is irrational.

[fishpoopoo]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Weewee, the prejudice is not irrational. Our country's lack of desire to deal with, compete, and force a level playing field is irrational.

uh, we can't force a third-world country with a much lower cost of living (versus the US) to be a "level playing field."

the only thing that China has "fixed" is its currency. Even if the currency is allowed to double vs. the U.S. dollar, we'd still have a huge trade deficit with China.

China is coming along in many respects ... it's the old Red Guard that's holding it back with silly insular regulation. When they die off, changes will accelerate.

China is not going to be like this forever. At some point, the growing Chinese middle class, who have a savings rate of 35% (vs. negative for us) are going to be spending money on American things. Maybe Van Staal reels.

[spence]

Originally Posted by fishpoopoo

uh, we can't force a third-world country with a much lower cost of living (versus the US) to be a "level playing field."

We sure can if we decide not to trade with them or place restrictions on trade...yea, water under the bridge...but.

When you're trading with a country that has zero IP protection, little environmental or worker protection laws etc... that's not a level playing field.

Granted, some of this we've done to our selves by regulating many types of manufacturing out of the USA.

-spence

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by fishpoopoo

Why? If VS is getting better margins, then that means the reel will be around for that much longer. If quality (for a VS) remains consistent, then why should we care?

17,000 VS reels in circulation IIRC (correct me if I'm wrong).

WTF cares - parts made overseas ain't gonna make a dent in our balance of trade or employment situation. Drop in the bucket.

People ain't gonna stop buying or using VS reels just because they are made in China. This prejudice is irrational.

Just a feel good thing mostly.

But I agree, misplaced. Personally I don't care that much, but there's no question many care VERY much about the move.

[fishpoopoo]

...and...unless y'all are chewing on your VS' 24/7, it's unlikely you'll get sick from a Chinese-made VS.

unless, of course, the metal is radioactive. hey ya never know.

[bart]

this thread comes down to two groups.one group being people who have an "IN" with VS supporting this s hit move, and the other, previous and current owners feeling deceived by the company that is now making their supposed american made 700 dollar reel over in china at a cheaper price.

i think VS should come out from hiding and explain themselves instead of tackle shops always defending them. a lot of people bought VS because of the whole notion of them being American made. I think a lot of people feel cheated by this move..