In the market for a lighter saltwater reel

[Sea Dangles]

I had problems with my cabo series reels
The VS 100 doesn't cast too well
The stella 5000 is a great drag and caster but durability is suspect
The 150 is outstanding all around

[puppet]

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

I had problems with my cabo series reels
The VS 100 doesn't cast too well
The stella 5000 is a great drag and caster but durability is suspect
The 150 is outstanding all around

Interesting. I have never had problems with the casting distance on
my VS100. Even though their weight on paper is nearly the same, I
have never really considered comparing them closely. I use the
VS100 for really light stuff, so I consider them more to be apples and
oranges.

But it raises a point. It really depends on the application, and
what you want to use it for and what you pair it with. I don't think
that the VS100 pairs well with a regular surf rod, its like the spool head
is undersized for the guides or something. It seems to pair nicely
with a steelhead rod, and I bet it would be good with a boat rod.
Also, the heaviest braid I can put on it is 15 #. I tried 20# once and
it really effected casting distance. I bet 10# would be even better.

What I like about the VS100....is that I can use it with a freshwater
rod if I want. Its really a sick reel. In CA, I have used it for both 5lb
halibut all the way up to 25 lb BlackSea bass. Its a solid little reel.

I do agree with Sea Dangles on the VS150. I really like using
the 150 and most of the time I am using it over my Z25. I match it
up with either my 1084 or ss9m. I mostly fish the LI sound and
about 90% of that is with the VS150. If you buy a 150...the z25
might become your backup. Unlike the 100 you can put it on a 10'
rod in a pinch...and it will still perform decent. After re-reading your
intended use as a backup....it might be a better choice.