Technically!
Both are great reels for the surf, However, IMO the ZX25 is far superior to the VS200, I have owned them both.
The body size of the ZB is more compact and powerful than a VS200. ZB has two clutch bearings, one under the spool rotor and one on the crank shaft as a backup. The VS has one on the crank.
Crank shaft and main gear are made from one solid piece of hardened SS. for strength.
The spool shaft is guided with ball bearings to reduce friction and improve cranking power.
It cranks very smoothly and lays line perfectly as it was designed for braided lines.
The drag is extremely smooth with it's fine linear adjustment from no drag to more than you'll ever need.
No mail in down time, 100% self-serviceable. It's truly one of the easiest reels you could ever work on without getting yourself in trouble, (VS locked out, by misaligned transverse cam).
Swappable different spool options, line pickup options or bailed.
ZB has an inspection cover that aids in a visually inspecting of possible water intrusion before the internal parts rust and seize up.
One can purchase every single internal moving part, (seals, bearings, clutch bearings) to have on hand.
And has no annual service fee or commitment required.
I've been using one of the early gray, premium series ZBs #0110 for four seasons now, without a single problem. It's seen the crashing sandy surf, banged around in the boulder fields and hardly ever rinsed.
Truth is, if you fish the crashing surf, both will do the job very well. But the ZB is a more advanced designed reel, with the fancy new fishing lines in mind and is truly 100% self-serviceable, pinion gear and all.
My opinion after owning and fishing both these reels and all other brands out there.
Good luck this season to all!
Threaded Mode