Van Staal VSB250 Opinions

[La Vida]

does anyone own or has used a Van Staal VSB250?, looking at one for general offshore work for cobia, dolies, tuna and mackrel. Or would I be better of with a daiwa saltiga or shimano stella SW???

any comments would be appreciated.

[Horse]

If you were fishing in the surf then the Van Staal would be the clear winner due to its waterproof seal system. From a boat I would choose one of the other options. None of the fish mentioned would worry any of the larger mid to upper priced reels

[rainbowrascal]

Hi La Vida I own a vs150 and use it offshore for plastics fishing, it is designed for surf but is excellent as a spinning reel, nice robust construction and very smooth drag. I used to work in a tackle shop and I can assure you the van staal is a lot better than a stella or saltiga. Just look after the reel well as servicing/stripping the reel could be a problem.

[grave41]

Gotta agree with rainbowrascal i owned a vs250 the drag is far better than my stella's or saltiga's but i could not get used to having no bail arm. They take a while to break in but after that they are as smooth as silk. You can buy the service kit for $80 and do it your self, to easy. Hope this helps
Graham

[La Vida]

thanks guys for the input, I think i am now sold on one, any ideas where to buy one cheap?

[johnlikes2fish]

The reel is a specialist surf fishing reel, why would you spend the best part of $1000 on a surf reel for a boat.
They are quite heavy and the retrieve rate is not the best, buy the right tool for the job.
$80 per service which is required annually to fulfill warranty obligation as opposed to $20 plus post from the major manufacturers

[La Vida]

The reel is a specialist surf fishing reel, why would you spend the best part of $1000 on a surf reel for a boat.
They are quite heavy and the retrieve rate is not the best, buy the right tool for the job.
$80 per service which is required annually to fulfill warranty obligation as opposed to $20 plus post from the major manufacturers

I do like things that a bit different. I have seen the VSB units in a RH whind. Just read a few good things in the us with people using em on sail, wahoo and tuna.. haven't made the final decision yet. If I pay top dollar I just like things that are a quality piece of engineering

Thanks for the comment

[nigelr]

"I do like things that a bit different. I have seen the VSB units in a RH whind. Just read a few good things in the us with people using em on sail, wahoo and tuna.. haven't made the final decision yet. If I pay top dollar I just like things that are a quality piece of engineering."

Have you seen the Zeebaas range? Just in case, here is the link.
http://www.zeebaas.com/our_products.html
Don't know whether RH wind is an option tho'.
Cheers.

[La Vida]

Thanks Nigelr, no I hadn't looked at one of these as yet, they do look very interesting and they seem to get a great rap in the US. looks like they a RH jigging model coming out in june.

Have you seen one in the flesh or used one??

[nigelr]

Nah mate, no such luck; as you say, big rap on them in the US especially with the striped bass fishers.
Here is another US spinner with a big rap.
http://www.accuratefishing.com/produ...spin_index.php

[reggy]

great to see someone interested in something other than the popular brands.
I have a couple of Avets that take a little more care (maintenance) than my other overheads, but the benefits are worth it.
I quite like servicing my reels anyhow. Which ever one you choose, I`m sure you will enjoy and admire a VS or ZB for many years.

[La Vida]

Nah mate, no such luck; as you say, big rap on them in the US especially with the striped bass fishers.
Here is another US spinner with a big rap.
http://www.accuratefishing.com/produ...spin_index.php

another choice??? crickey i know ell like my wife i a diamond shop!!!! have always admired accurate overheads. just have to find wither the right place local or overseas now who may sell all or a couple who may or maynot give an unbiased opinion??? might hope for world piece as well.

interested in further opinions on which one you would all buy if in my shoes...use is in initial thread above and I would probably run either 50 or 80lb braid.. rod to match? well here is another decision!!!

Thanks Marty

[nigelr]

Pretty sure a couple of Ausfishers own Accurate twinspins, a search in this forum might bring them up. All of those three are beautiful bits of gear, drool drool.
Good luck with your choice, and as Reggy says, I'm sure you'll enjoy owning whichever one you buy.
Pretty sure there is an Accurate service agent in Brisbane.
Cheers.

[johnlikes2fish]

Jones Tackle Chermside stock the accurate reels