Van Staal vs. Van Staal

[jj_turbo]

Other than the obvious 'no longer made in america', has anybody had a real technical issue with the new van staal products? I have a mid 4-digit serial # VS 150 that I have used for a few years now and been very satisfied with it. The only thing is I keep switching it between two different rods depending on where I am going. I would like to get another (if I don't switch, I have a stadic 4K on the other, and I don't like dunking ir, or having to be worried about it), but I am a little hesitant until I get a little feedback from our members here. I guess the choice is buy a used one here or if no technical issues, just buy new. I figure some of you guys have one of each and are able to compare apples to apples. Thanks

 

JC

[SurffishNJ]

I've had the "new" production VS 200 for a few weeks now and have fished it side by side with the made in USA. So far its been under water and had several nice fish caught. "I" see no difference in the quality of the reel, it feels a little smother in fact. Please note that this is a relatively short period of time. I think 4 - 6 months would be a better assesment. But so far very good.

[JohnP]

Why oh why couldn't they just go back to the pre '94 design, with the removeable side plates and make spare parts available?

[jj_turbo]

SFNJ - Thanks very much, that is exactly what I was looking for. I agree that the real difference (if there is any) will show up over time with wear items and fatigue. However if general maintence is done, I would think you would have a quality product for a long time to come. I'm kind of leaning toward a new one, hopefully get some more feed back here too. Thanks again.

 

JP - Thanks for your input. Although I agree with you, that is not an option, and unfortunately the input does not do me much good. The design was not continued and I don't see things going backwards. It kind of like wish in one hand, crap in the other, and see which gets full first.... Thanks again for your opinion.

[fcap60]

I wouldn't be suprised if the newer, Made In Asia reels are actually better than the USA reels....maybe not now, but SOON.

 

Just my .02

[JohnP]

I have #574 and #2752. I made a decision to go to reel seats to change reels between rods. If I had to buy a VS today, I would probably buy a used one if the sealed drag was still being used. I was not a big fan of the sealed drag. The factory drag on my earlier reels was "upgraded" with penn drag washers. The reels spend quite a lot of time underwater.

[BassAddict]

Had a Chinese 200 that developed some sort of problem after 50 fishing hours. Made a scraping noise after every turn of the reel handle. Was told it was some sort of bearing issue. Brought it back for full refund and then got a new 250. No problems after 100 hours or so.

 

IMO buy new, fish the crap out of it and if any probs develop VS will take care of it if it's within the first year. Very little risk involved.

 

Edit: I see you're in CT so if there is a problem you don't even need to send it in. Take it to River's End and they will fix it while you wait.

[impalervlad]

You can also look around to see if you can find a shop with USA made reels still in stock. To my knowledge, the shop I mostly deal with in NJ still has USA made reels in stock. I'll check tonight and try to post tomorrow. If they do and you are interested, I'll PM you.