want opinions on reel

[fishbreath13]

Does anyone on the board have a van staal spinning reel? Very interested in aquiring 1 if they last as long as they claim. Don't mind spending the money if they are worth it. would be for stripers and blues and skips or small yft and last but not least sailfish.Probably looking for the 150 or the 200. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. THANKS IN ADVANCE:D

[Bob ECT]

What type of fishing do you do? They're very good if you constantly dunking reels and wear them out. They're a bit clunky to fish with. The annual service to keep the warranty up is also a pain in the butt and expensive.

[fishbreath13]

would use it mostly for stripers and sailfish in fla. Also for skipjacks and smaller yft just like to use lighter tackle. But am getting tired of buying new reels after each season or two. dont mind spending the money if it will last year after year with routine maint.

[glennexit13]

I don't use one since my typical beach fishing doesn't require that level of strength and toughness but from what I've seen and have come to understand that the coin you drop on a Van Staal isn't buying you a Ferrari...its buying you a tank.

For some reason when I first handled one I was expecting some sort of Stella-smooth-annointed-from-upon-high-oiled-and-massaged-by-virgins blessed fine-tuned instrument of angling nirvana...and that ain't what a VS is all about, they're made the way they are for a specific purpose...to be dragged down to the beach and drowned, bashed, sand packed and beaten without a hiccup.

[Bob ECT]

If it's not for dunking and banging around in the surf you'll be happier with a Saltiga or Stella for offshore. I've used a VS300 for tuna and didn't really like it too much.

[insomniac]

Glennexit13 really summed it up. I know someone who uses a vs100 for light tackle and raves about it but I don't know. If you could break the reel in and it was smooth, than great. Weight is my concern . Fatigue from the weight of the reel from plugging all day for 10 hours makes a very light Stella pretty tempting.

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you , my 2500 stradics only give me 100% for about 4 to 5 months and then its down hill. I'm still waiting for Avet to bring its spinning reel to market then I'll consider stellas if I have to.

[fishbreath13]

thanks for the replys. would u recommend the diawa 4000 or 4500. looking to spool with 30 pound braid for stripers in the ocean and susquehanna flats in md also in jupiter fla for live baiting sails.


P.S. notice ur logo do u sell these? would rather buy it from 1 of us instead of the big guys if $$ are about the same.

[WaltJr]

I don't know much about the Van Staal reel other than they are really expensive but have a good reputation. But I do have a 30 year old Penn 704 that is used hard every year and still works perfect! If it is cleaned after each use, not thrown on the boat floor, not layed down in the sand, lubricated, etc...then just about any quality reel will last a long time. Just my opinion. I hate over spending...

[Capt Steve]

That Van Staal is proably the best surf reel thare is since it is sealed so well, and you can actually dunk it to wash sand off with no ill affects. The new Fin-Nor Offshore reel is a real tank. The come in 4 sizes and are built like a brick sh-thouse. The drags are excellent and they are very smooth. I used them on my boat last summer and they are a great choice for offshore fish that you mentioned. A big plus is that you can buy 3 or 4 for the price of 1 VS. They range from 139 to 170 bux as I understand it. Real workhorses!

[fishbreath13]

thanks guys keep them comming still trying to decide. appreciate all ur opinions and input.

P.S. So u know guys i currently have a shimano stradic 4000.just getting tired of getting it fixed

[bigfrank]

how about the shimano stella, was going to pick one up over the winter.is this reel a brute or does it have to be serviced once year for warranty. no beach just offshore.

[chops67]

Don't forget about the Shimano Thunnus.

[Echo Island]

i just bought a vs 250s. i have it on a ron arra 1322. i have waited a long time for this dream set up. but i fish montauk, wade out to rocks, etc. if you need something to take a beating, you supposedly can't destroy this reel.

on the boat, it's a different story. drifting live bait or bunker chunks, i prefer a trinidad 30 with a st. croix swc stick 30-40#.

for light tackle casting from the boat a vs150 on a g loomis would be killer. but don't forget about shimano stradic/stella and i hear daiwa is great, but i have never owned one. i have a bunch of old penn greenies 710z/712z that i use for light tackle, but i'm sentimental about these beautiful old warhorses.

[Even Steven]

The Thunnus are very nice!

[spooled up]

Take a look at the Quantum Cabo's as well. Very smooth and superior drag. Nice looking reels as well.

[boostedcpe]

Take a look at the Quantum Cabo's as well. Very smooth and superior drag. Nice looking reels as well.


ding, fries are done!!! Cabo PT/s and Energy PTi, both great reels.

[STRIPEREYE91]

I'd Go With The Thunnus. Great Reel. I Used The Van Staal, Built Great, But Very Heavy To Me. I Like Shimano. Very Reliable!!!

[445 supermag]

I also agree about the Quantum Cabo PT reels. I love my Cabo PT's I have 2 of them and I plan on getting another one soon. I used to get the Sustain and the quantum PT Cabo is better in every way especially the drag is superior. Now I have never handled a Stella but under the stells the sustain gets beat by the Quantum Cabo PT reels. MHO. Oh I will give you one small down side compred to the sustain is that it is a little bit heavier. Thats it:)


Brian

[hyperstriper]

I have a vs 250 that i mainly use in the surf and will sometimes bring it on the boat. Most of the time i'm wetsuiting in RI and Montauk so a VS is neccessary.

[JerseyJoeC]

These are worth looking at too.http://www.zeebaas.com But they'll cost you more than every reel mentioned here. They're awesome inshore and off.

[roadkill]

One of my fishing friends has a Van Staal and loves it. I'll talk to him Friday and get an opinion for you

[Bob ECT]

thanks for the replys. would u recommend the diawa 4000 or 4500. looking to spool with 30 pound braid for stripers in the ocean and susquehanna flats in md also in jupiter fla for live baiting sails.


P.S. notice ur logo do u sell these? would rather buy it from 1 of us instead of the big guys if $$ are about the same.

Not much difference in weight between them (20.3oz vs. 21oz) so I'd go with the 4500 for the extra capacity. They're both a little heavy for bas but perfect for sails. They have a very solid feel to them so they don't feel as heavy as they are. We do carry them.

[fishbreath13]

just wanted to thank u all for ur recommendations they have given me much to consider. still havent made a decision yet so if there are still some out there with new ideas i'm open to them.:D