Bama
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Thinking abou getting a VSI think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a VS. Been wanting one for years, and I finally have the finances to make it work. The only thing that I'm somewhat concerned by is the 1 year warranty. Correct me if wrong, but before VS was bought by Zebco they offered a lifetime warranty. Has the switch lessened the product causing them to change the warranty or what? Before I drop the money on a reel like this, I just want to be sure I'm getting what I pay for.
Anything else I need to know from people who own them?
Thanks.
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blaminack
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If I was spending that kind of coin I would be looking at ZeeBaas Rough series. Still made in the USA and they are made by the original Van Staal guy as far as I know. It seems like they have the same level of service that Van Staal used to be known for however I have heard of a ZeeBaas with some return type of trouble. But I believe they have a better warranty. Similar price range, and a self maintenance kit so you don't have to send it off yearly. There are folks around that own both.... get lots of feedback from owners. I had myself convinced but now I am refurbing some old school stuff instead.
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kingling
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if i was going to buy one right now i would try to find an older one for sale that is in good condition
what size are you thinkling about getting?
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Tiderider
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As long as you send it back every year for maintenance it will remain under warranty.
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Bama
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| kingling wrote: | if i was going to buy one right now i would try to find an older one for sale that is in good condition
what size are you thinkling about getting? |
Yeah, I've been trying to find one lower than 7000 on ebay, but they are few and far between. I've also read that it costs close about $150 or so to switch an old reel over to your name if it has already been registered.
Thinking about getting the 150.
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kingling
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are you just going to fish for kings with it or are you planning on cobia fishing also
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Bama
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Both, but mostly kings.
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kingling
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i would highly advise getting a 200 if you plan on doing anything besides king fishing
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robertyb
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If getting a VS get the 250 instead of the 200. Less than an ounce of weight difference and holds more line. Same money.
I have an original. If sent in every year for service it stays under warranty. I will do my own service as it costs $75.00 for service and shipping. The new ones have a one year warranty but you can do your own service.
If you buy a used original they will hit you for about $200.00 or so 1st service and place it back under warranty.
If buying new I think I would get a Zeebass.
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inshorefisherman
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| Bama wrote: | | kingling wrote: | if i was going to buy one right now i would try to find an older one for sale that is in good condition
what size are you thinkling about getting? |
Yeah, I've been trying to find one lower than 7000 on ebay, but they are few and far between. I've also read that it costs close about $150 or so to switch an old reel over to your name if it has already been registered.
Thinking about getting the 150. |
for 7 grand you can get 7 or 8 
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Rick
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I think the 7000 related to the serial number or it was a typo and he meant $700.
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Bama
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| Rick wrote: | | I think the 7000 related to the serial number or it was a typo and he meant $700. |
All VS serial numbered under 7000 were made in the USA and have the lifetime warranty. Those numbered over 7000 were made in China and have the 1 year warranty.
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Bama
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Found a mint condition Stella 8000fa for 375 - think I should go ahead and get this over the VS?
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Kingfshr
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Just get a 706 and be done with it.
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stvtackett
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+1 on da 706, hell buy 2 and have change left over.... 
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ghettowrapped
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just be honest with yourself...why are you leaning towards buying one? if you want one just because everyone else has one, then it's yours. if you want something to catch all the fish you really target, then(i cant believe i'm agreeing with tackett) buy the workhorse 706. remember, just because you have a race car doesn't mean you're a race car driver.
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stvtackett
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| ghettowrapped wrote: | | (i cant believe i'm agreeing with tackett)mean |
 ghetto,whats wrong with agreeing with tackett. i don't think we know each other.
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Bama
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| ghettowrapped wrote: | | just be honest with yourself...why are you leaning towards buying one? if you want one just because everyone else has one, then it's yours. if you want something to catch all the fish you really target, then(i cant believe i'm agreeing with tackett) buy the workhorse 706. remember, just because you have a race car doesn't mean you're a race car driver. |
Trust me, I realize just because you have a nice reel doesn't you're a great fisherman. I currently have a Penn 712z, Fin-Nor Ahab 8, Shimano Spheros 4000 and Shimano Baitrunner 4500B, so nothing really spectacular. I've just saved up some money and would like to treat myself to a nice reel. That's all.
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FishAddict
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Ditto on the 706 and you can work on it yourself with no kits or "send in" requirement. You'll pay for the 706 by avoiding 2 yrs of maintenance. But if you have the change and money is not a big deal, then go for it. They are nice and nice looking.
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ghettowrapped
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Bama, didn't mean to clump you in with the many posers on the Gulf Coast. just making a point. they (ZB and VS) really are works of art and engineering masterieces.
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ghettowrapped
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ghetto,whats wrong with agreeing with tackett. i don't think we know each other.[/quote]
i was formerly transplanted and i think we may have had a disagreeable moment or two in the past. 
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stvtackett
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transplanted, i knew i had not seen you, water under the bridge transplanted. no hard feelings on my end. but i still want see some of those custom reels. i just like to see what others are doing...
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the original pier pest
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A disagreeable moment with tackett, no never. Once you meet him in person he is actually a great guy that has a huge passion for fishing. I know we have been in a fued for about two months now and I fished with him this weekend and couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable person to fish with.
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ghettowrapped
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10-4...hatchet buried...work really puts a damper on my fishing and i haven't been able to spend as much time on projects as i want. i'm gonna see if it would be OK to make stickies out of our 302 and 706 projects. that way, the gearheads could all learn and share our trials, tribulations and accomplishments.
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Kingfshr
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$18,000 for a motorcycle,$1000 for Leather and 300 miles on the road does not make you a biker same senario.
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blaminack
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Yeah Ferd! I would love to get ahold of one of your rollers, hopefully soon. Trouble is I am amassing an ever growing collection of Mitchells with manuals... I may never get them all fully straight...
Having seen Ferd's rollers first hand, all I can say is, dang they are freaking cool! I would love to see what the guy could come up with for a complete reel.
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