Should I send in my VS for service?

[numbskull]

Holy crap, $105 a service cycle?????? That adds up fast. I think you can do better with a Z. I service my own and keep some parts (which I've not needed so far) on hand. It only costs a few bucks/reel that way. Even a Stella is only $27 to service.

[Sgt Striper]

Originally Posted by new jack

Think a bearing is gone in my 275. Every once in great while It will spin backwards a quarter turn when fighting a fish.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Yup, that's a bad A/R (clutch bearing) when they go bad that's what you will feel, skipping.

Originally Posted by numbskull

Holy crap, $105 a service cycle?????? That adds up fast. I think you can do better with a Z. I service my own and keep some parts (which I've not needed so far) on hand. It only costs a few bucks/reel that way. Even a Stella is only $27 to service.

George, if you send them back every year it's about $47. Sounds like quite a bit but it gives you a warranty, it's worth it. My buddy send his back which was in need of repair and they changed just about every internal part and charged him $45.

[shadow]

That's not true iv sent mine back every year and the last three years it been going to rivers end and I get charged for every part that needs replacement and in the last three years it's been in at least 2 times a year because it keeps getting water in it and the main bearing has to be replaced this year I should of sent it in weeks after I got it back. Iam going to send it to ok. With all my paper work. Iam done paying $130 dollars twice a year to keep water out of my waterproof reel. Bf the service centers started repairing them zebec always fixed everything at the cost of service but as soon as I started using the service center near me iv been charged for everything.



George, if you send them back every year it's about $47. Sounds like quite a bit but it gives you a warranty, it's worth it. My buddy send his back which was in need of repair and they changed just about every internal part and charged him $45.[/QUOTE]
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[tlapinski]

From the VS site RE the service fee & cost for parts:

Van Staal Factory Service
The Van Staal Factory Service Program is designed to give fishermen reels that work harder and last longer than any others. A Van Staal reel is unique. No other reel is sealed water-tight to resist the sand, salt and surf. Only a Van Staal can be submerged in saltwater and still perform without having to be immediately opened up and cleaned. Waterproof seals and casings keep oil and grease inside your reel and saltwater out of it. This keeps Van Staal gears properly lubricated and away from the abusive corrosion that can quickly occur in a saltwater environment.

Your reel is made from the finest machined aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. And like any fine machine made of these materials a periodic cleaning and maintenance is important. The harder you use your reel, the more important proper maintenance is to ensure that all parts and mechanisms are clean, lubricated and in good working order. If you submerge or fish your reel in the surf, we recommend you have your Van Staal reel serviced annually. If you are fishing from a dock or boat and not submerging your reel — and are confident that seals and lubrication is still intact — then you do not need this service as often. However, time and weather do eventually dictate that seals and lubrication will need to be changed and a good cleaning is also recommended. Service by a trained Van Staal service and repair specialists will maintain your reels performance and add years to its life.

For $49.95, plus the cost of parts and return shipping, Van Staal factory-trained technicians and engineers are prepared to inspect and service your reel. This service includes opening the sealed body; cleaning, inspecting, lubricating and re-sealing the reel water-tight so it is ready to face the elements without limitations. We recognize that your reel is an investment and we will work with you to protect and ensure maximum performance, while maintaining reasonable cost for you. We find joy in getting your reel ready to go back out, get fished hard, and hook the fish of a lifetime.

To get your reel serviced and maintained, simply call or send the reel, along with a completed Product Return Form, and we will acknowledge its receipt, perform the maintenance, communicate as needed and send it back to you for more fishing. For your convenience we have three Authorized Service Centers to serve you:

And here is the warranty info:

Van Staal Spin Reel Warranty Information

Registering your Van Staal reel will help us to better serve your Warranty Service needs. Click HERE to register your Van Staal product online.
(VS/VSB/VM Spin Reels) One-Year Limited Warranty*

Van Staal spin reels are warranted for a period of one (1) year from date of the first retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials. This warranty is offered only to the original owner of the reel. Van Staal reserves the right to make all decisions, at its sole discretion, regarding whether a claim qualifies as eligible warranty work. During the warranty period, Van Staal will repair or replace the product, at its option, at no charge to the original purchaser. A dated sales receipt must accompany all warranty claims. The product should be shipped directly to Van Staal at 6109 E. Apache, Tulsa, OK 74115, postage prepaid and insured.

This warranty does not cover Van Staal products damaged due to abuse, misuse, corrosion, normal wear and tear, neglect, or products that have been altered or modified in design or construction. Nor does it cover loss or damage due to improper maintenance of the reel. This warranty will be considered VOID if any damage or corrosion is found as a result of service performed by persons other than a Van Staal Authorized Service Center.

ALL INCIDENTAL AND/OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY INSERT. IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE LIFE OF THIS WARRANTY. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

The warranties described herein shall be the sole and exclusive warranties granted by Van Staal and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to the purchaser. Correction of defects, in the manner and time period described herein, shall constitute complete fulfillment of all liabilities and responsibilities of Van Staal to the purchaser with regard to this product, and shall constitute full satisfaction of all claims, whether based on contract, negligence, strict liability or otherwise. Van Staal shall not be liable or in any way responsible for any damages or defects caused by repairs or attempted repairs performed by anyone other than an authorized servicer. Nor shall Van Staal be liable, or in any way responsible, for any incidental or consequential property damage. Van Staal reserves the right to amend or change this warranty at any time.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

The provisions of this Warranty are in addition to, and not a modification of, or a subtraction from, the statutory warranties and other rights and remedies contained in any applicable legislation. To the extent that any provision of this Warranty is inconsistent with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed voided or amended as necessary, to comply with such law.

*This warranty applies to all reels with serial numbers above #6999

Even the reels under SN6999 include a charge for parts from Oklahoma. It has been a loooong time since it was all covered under the service fee.