Van Staal

[BayTalker]

Anyone ever fish for stripwer with this reel? Has no bail correct? I was over my buds house and his brother said he has been fishing with it for like 8 years and is just like he bought it never any trouble. I thought it was something out of a space museum. I fish with reels like penn. I am missing out on all this high tech stuff I guess. How long has this company been around? I looked at it didnt really ask him much about it he was in and out.:)

[glennexit13]

Theres nothing terribly "space age"about a Van Staal. The price may lead one to believe they're some sort of wildly extravagant, forged of inobtainium, hand rubbed by virgins double secret miracle reel but what you get for the money is more tank than Ferrari. They're built to be near indestructable, and to function with a minimum of care and fuss for core surf guys to drop on the sand, bash around rocks, dunk in the brine on a swim out to a sandbar, and to keep on rolling. A good number of folks dig theirs for boat work as well. Worth every dime if the type of fishing one does tends to eat lesser spinners.

[2dogs]

I have a 150 that was a gift 8 years ago. I use it more every year. Takes some getting use to without the bail. It has never failed and the drag has never chattered. I use 20lb power pro with a floro leader. It is light and comfortable for holding all day. I have it matched up with a G Loomis rod. Bested some very large rays last Friday. I would really like one with a bail. Guess the next time I turn 50 someone will buy me one.

[Mirrobass]

all this talk about a bail trust me bailless is the way to go. we laugh at guys with the bails go big or go home. bail we dont need no stinkin bail.

[RyanF]

I dont think it is as high tech as your making it out to be. Quality parts and sealed with no frills. Dunk it in the salt, drop it in the sand, swim with it and you shouldnt have problems. If you are not going to be doing that then it is nothing more than donning the full Orvis outfit from head to toe in a 6" inch deep trout stream catching stocked trout.

I dont have one BTW but I have played with them and currently looking a buying a ZeeBass if the waiting list goes down a bit before the fall, if not I am looking VS

RyanF

[RebelMusicNP]

i have a 150 and a 250. you won't regret a cent of it.

[basslover]

Here is my opinion...

VS is a bulletproof reel, that is very expensive for most fisherman. As others have said in the post, drop it in the sand, on the rocks, in the water, shoot...cast out and dunk it while reeling in, and it will still be like new! But as far as being economical, I think it's as far from it as you can get. Here is why: VS will only warranty a reel that has been sent it for it's annual service. (You need special tooling to disassemble them). They charge $40.00 for the service, and $12.00 shipping x2 for round trip. So far that's $64.00 per year, just for service. And, if the amount of time you use it is average, or above average, they will send you a letter telling you that some parts need to be replaced (drag components, normal wear/tear items), which they charge about $100.00 to fix. So, that's $164.00 per year. Say you fish it for 4 years and send it in every year, that's $656.00. Hmmmm, isn't that how much a brand new one costs?? I got these figures from some of the folks I know that own them, and most of them have paid these amounts for service.

I'm am not against VS reels. I think they are superior reels, but, that's alot of money. You pay over $600 for a brand new reel, and over the course of 4 years, you've spent $1300.00:eek:. Ooooo, $1300.00...isn't that the price of a Zeebaas?
me? I'd rather spend a couple hundred on a shimano or quantam, give it a freshwater rinse after every use, and take it to my local tackle shop for yearly service.

Like I said in the beginning...this is just my opinion. Thanks for listening:D!!

Ryan

[BayTalker]

Wow that much to take care of them? I think I will stick to my regular reels. Alot cheaper to maintain and they catch just as many fish. :)

[WOOKIEFISH]

Here is my opinion...

VS is a bulletproof reel, that is very expensive for most fisherman. As others have said in the post, drop it in the sand, on the rocks, in the water, shoot...cast out and dunk it while reeling in, and it will still be like new! But as far as being economical, I think it's as far from it as you can get. Here is why: VS will only warranty a reel that has been sent it for it's annual service. (You need special tooling to disassemble them). They charge $40.00 for the service, and $12.00 shipping x2 for round trip. So far that's $64.00 per year, just for service. And, if the amount of time you use it is average, or above average, they will send you a letter telling you that some parts need to be replaced (drag components, normal wear/tear items), which they charge about $100.00 to fix. So, that's $164.00 per year. Say you fish it for 4 years and send it in every year, that's $656.00. Hmmmm, isn't that how much a brand new one costs?? I got these figures from some of the folks I know that own them, and most of them have paid these amounts for service.

I'm am not against VS reels. I think they are superior reels, but, that's alot of money. You pay over $600 for a brand new reel, and over the course of 4 years, you've spent $1300.00:eek:. Ooooo, $1300.00...isn't that the price of a Zeebaas?
me? I'd rather spend a couple hundred on a shimano or quantam, give it a freshwater rinse after every use, and take it to my local tackle shop for yearly service.

Like I said in the beginning...this is just my opinion. Thanks for listening:D!!

Ryan

Guess I'll be shopping for a difernt reel now. I always wanted one until I learned this. :(

I try to but good stuff because I beat the Hell out of my gear. But I'd rather replace reels than pay that kind of money! :eek:

[SaltwaterEdge]

I think the VS Warrenty and service program has changed the past few years and it is no longer required to send it back for yearly maintenance. You can read the VS policy here (http://www.vanstaal.com/Warranty.html). According to what is written there it's a 1-year warrenty against mfg defects. What's included in the standard servicing is found here (http://www.vanstaal.com/maintenance.html). And the basics of the service program here (http://www.vanstaal.com/Service.html).

The whether or not to buy a VS isn't a price issue. I like the analogy used earlier on in this thread. The VS reels are designed for a specific task, they're like tanks. I'm sure a tank is pretty expensive too, but I wouldn't think about taking my fuel efficient honda civic into a warzone :). Based on the way you fish (including how good you are about servicing your reel) you may or may not need a reel that performs like a tank.

Bassballer hit it on the head. Is a VS an ecomonomical reel? No. Is it built like a tank? Yes. Where price get's involved is whether or not one can afford a tank.

The VS slogin isn't "Very Economical" it's "No Limitations". Not economical, and not trying to be :D .

If your style of fishing demands a tank, try to get the tank.

[Mako13]

Thanks for the info

[phillyfishing]

talk to russ.. rjf over in the surf fourum

[rjf3]

I have VS reels that are over 5 years old, never serviced, never broken, never failed..... And VS stands behind their stuff. BayStalker had one several years old with an issue, never anually serviced, they made it right, no charge.

They do not give them away like party favors, but you get a well designed, well made reel, that can take some serious abuse, and keep right on delivering top performance.

If you are a die hard surf fisher, that wants to be able to do what it takes to catcth bass, no matter what. Things like wade/swim out to sand bars, fish in pounding surf in foul weather gear, ect. You will get your moneys worth out of a VS.

JMHO

Russ

[wentfishn47]

I agree with Russ!

I can not see myself buying a new Shimano Speros ever year which I did twice then bought the Staal had it for 4 years now no issues here on my end and will be going out for service this winter or if they release the self service kits soon then I will be doing it myself...

[BILLO]

Here is my opinion...

VS is a bulletproof reel, that is very expensive for most fisherman. As others have said in the post, drop it in the sand, on the rocks, in the water, shoot...cast out and dunk it while reeling in, and it will still be like new! But as far as being economical, I think it's as far from it as you can get. Here is why: VS will only warranty a reel that has been sent it for it's annual service. (You need special tooling to disassemble them). They charge $40.00 for the service, and $12.00 shipping x2 for round trip. So far that's $64.00 per year, just for service. And, if the amount of time you use it is average, or above average, they will send you a letter telling you that some parts need to be replaced (drag components, normal wear/tear items), which they charge about $100.00 to fix. So, that's $164.00 per year. Say you fish it for 4 years and send it in every year, that's $656.00. Hmmmm, isn't that how much a brand new one costs?? I got these figures from some of the folks I know that own them, and most of them have paid these amounts for service.

I'm am not against VS reels. I think they are superior reels, but, that's alot of money. You pay over $600 for a brand new reel, and over the course of 4 years, you've spent $1300.00:eek:. Ooooo, $1300.00...isn't that the price of a Zeebaas?
me? I'd rather spend a couple hundred on a shimano or quantam, give it a freshwater rinse after every use, and take it to my local tackle shop for yearly service.

Like I said in the beginning...this is just my opinion. Thanks for listening:D!!

Ryan

For the initial $ outlay at purchase - why is there a need to service EVERY YEAR ?!? If it is so indestructable - there shouldn't be anything bothering the inner workings for quite some time even with lot of use. Is this maintenance recommended by the manufacturer (as in a new car manual)
or does it really need that kind of service ? I guess if you are used to taking your vehicles to the dealer for every little thing then you wouldn't feel like being ripped off! EVERY YEAR ?? Shipping ?? Top secret tools so that a tackle/bait shop CANT touch them -- Sounds like a 'cornering' of the aftermarket by VS - Thats just BS !!!!!

[wentfishn47]

For the initial $ outlay at purchase - why is there a need to service EVERY YEAR ?!? If it is so indestructable - there shouldn't be anything bothering the inner workings for quite some time even with lot of use. Is this maintenance recommended by the manufacturer (as in a new car manual)
or does it really need that kind of service ? I guess if you are used to taking your vehicles to the dealer for every little thing then you wouldn't feel like being ripped off! EVERY YEAR ?? Shipping ?? Top secret tools so that a tackle/bait shop CANT touch them -- Sounds like a 'cornering' of the aftermarket by VS - Thats just BS !!!!!

You no longer have to get it serviced every year because the newer ones do not have the life time warranty on them anymore. Secondly they are coming out with the self-service kits which comes with the tool to open them up with some time this fall.

[RebelMusicNP]

mine still fish like the day i bought them so why service something that isn't broken?

[rjf3]

mine still fish like the day i bought them so why service something that isn't broken?

Great minds think alike.....

Russ

[basslover]

Yes, you guys are correct about the current VS warrany. It's covered for only one year. I got this info from another source, but this is what is going on...

If you buy a new Van Staal, you get a 1 year warranty. After that, it's not covered. However, if you do send it in for service, they re-up you another year. Kind of a weird way to give you a lifetime warranty. If you don't send it in, and something fails on it say...3 years from now, they will fix it for you, and charge you for the repairs, then will ask you to pay for the yearly service, then you will be covered for another year. I think I just confused myself.

Like I said in my previous post, I am in no way against VS. I was about to by one myself this past winter until I saw all these numbers and did the math. They are great reels, just too much money for me.

Oh, and for those of you close to IBSP, and the Seaside area, there a B & T shop just before you enter IBSP (on the right) who will be a VS service center soon. Last time I talked to him, he was supposed to go to the VS service center HQ for training, and they are gonna provide him the the $15,000 tooling set to perform repairs and servicing. That will save some money for the Jersey guys.

[j0hnnyv]

I think the VS Warrenty and service program has changed the past few years and it is no longer required to send it back for yearly maintenance. You can read the VS policy here (http://www.vanstaal.com/Warranty.html). According to what is written there it's a 1-year warrenty against mfg defects. What's included in the standard servicing is found here (http://www.vanstaal.com/maintenance.html). And the basics of the service program here (http://www.vanstaal.com/Service.html).

The whether or not to buy a VS isn't a price issue. I like the analogy used earlier on in this thread. The VS reels are designed for a specific task, they're like tanks. I'm sure a tank is pretty expensive too, but I wouldn't think about taking my fuel efficient honda civic into a warzone :). Based on the way you fish (including how good you are about servicing your reel) you may or may not need a reel that performs like a tank.

Bassballer hit it on the head. Is a VS an ecomonomical reel? No. Is it built like a tank? Yes. Where price get's involved is whether or not one can afford a tank.

The VS slogin isn't "Very Economical" it's "No Limitations". Not economical, and not trying to be :D .

If your style of fishing demands a tank, try to get the tank.

Thanks for clarifying their annual service program and warranty. That is indeed the CORRECT information.

Theres nothing better than working a wooden plug in the surf with your VS, reel is indestructable and will last your lifetime.

[rubberheels]

Just sold 2 of them. A 100 and a200. Way overrated and too heavy. Strong? Yes They felt to tight for me. I still like the Stella and Sustains. Not cheap either. I see alot of Penn Slammers at Manasqun jetty.I guess I'm lazy But my Van Stahls just wore me out.

[Brian E. Mullaney]

if you are a wetsuit plugger who swims to rocks, kayaks, they are not overated.

They are made for a specific type of fishing - a niche market - the Sustain or Stella would not survive in the world Van Stalls are meant for. They are excellent boat reels along with the Diawas

[striper2278]

When the waves are crashing over you...this is the only reel that will hold up in the long run!!!!PERIOD!

[Supafly]

I don't like the drags on them. It seems like the ZeeBaas have better drags. My friend has caught multiple 100lb plus bluefins on it this year and he has no complaints. He bought the reel mainly for wetsuit striper fishing but found it handles tuna well.

[j0hnnyv]

if you are a wetsuit plugger who swims to rocks, kayaks, they are not overated.

They are made for a specific type of fishing - a niche market - the Sustain or Stella would not survive in the world Van Stalls are meant for. They are excellent boat reels along with the Diawas

Well said, anyone thats going underwater and getting splashed in the most intense conditions is bringing their sustain or stella out there...van staal all the way.

Stellas are awesome reels, everytime I had a chance to use them I was in heaven but for that application they do not beat a VS. Throwing live bait to slobs from a boat on the other hand...... :D

[pwcrab]

getting any sort of salt water on a stella would worry me with the amount of bearing in the reel the vs is designed to take a major beating in the surf and it does its job very well

[Belmo]

Despite their otherworldly price tag, I actually think that ZeeBaas reels are a better deal. They're designed to be serviced by the owner. By the time you get done being nickel-and-dimed to death by Van Staal, you could have bought a ZeeBaas.