Do you really get what you pay for?

[NJJan]

I was lookng through the Cabelas catalog and found Van Staal reels. Has anybody used these? Are they really worth $600 to $750? My father always bought whatever brand was found at the flea market, so that much for a real is foreign to me. They are nice looking reels, but are they worth it?

[ped579]

They might be good but the average guy can't afford one especially in this state. 

Plus if it has to go in for main. they will charge you $50.00 not copunting parts.

That is way to much for me to even think about.  You can go through 5-6 plus reels and not get to that price for spinning reels.

If I have got to worry about a reel being scratched scraped or dropped in the sand or on a deck.  I DON"T WANT IT!!!

Happy Catching

Paul

[bassnblues]

I think everything gets to the point where it's good enough. IMO, Van Stalls are way over that line.

[Bucktail]

While they are priced outside of my budget as well, the main benefit of a Van Staal is that they can handle a lot of abuse.  They are especially popular for surf rats who frequently get their reels dunked in saltwater, i.e. the wetsuit guys at Montauk.  Although there are many great quality reels on the market, most will not function very well (if at all) after being submersed in the salt.  A Van Staal will.

IMO, if you want one of the best surf reels, this is it.  If you're boat fishing and you can spend the same money, I would probably go with a Shimano Stella.

-Bob

[Luna Sea 5]

 

[NJJan]

They are pretty looking, but I'm a firm believer that if you spend the money on something, get every pennys worth out of it. Id abuse the s*** out of it. Thats interesting knowing they are able to be submerged like that.

Now that I think about it, I dropped about the same money for my bow. But theres a noticable difference between it and much cheaper bow.

[fly2fly]

way too expensive on my min. wage burgerking job.

[Duffman]

I had the pleasure to try one out a few years back. A bud of mine has 2. Yes 2 
 Smooth, nice feel. Worth the dough? I couldnt tell ya. I'm not the spinning type.
 If I could pop the coin on one I would do it. They have that good a feel and look to them.

Bottom line, if ya can afford the Benz, would you buy the Kia instead?

[Capt.Dave]

Right now the big thing is the high end reel.  Shimano considers the Stradic a low end reel and I can't believe how many of them i sell.  Personally the lower mid range of reels is phenominal.  From $30 to $50 there is an amazing variety of quality tackle out there.

Right now Shimano gets my nod for quality at this range.  Even the $20+ AX series will hold up for years and it has a great drag which is the most important aspect of any reel.

Quantum, ABU, mitchel, Jarvis Walker, Okuma and more make great reels in this range. 

If you can afford a boat load of Van Stalls for every fishing situation more power to you, but I feel you are better off seeking a variety of rods and reels at reasonable prices to cover the variety of fishing conditions you may encounter.

[Capt Craig]

Yes, I agree with Capt Dave. They may be a very good reel but I am not willing to pay the price. The equipment I use for my customers and for my self are at that mid range, low mid price point. They fish very well and take the work load. They bring fish to the boat and last for a good while.

[bassnblues]

Bottom line, if ya can afford the Benz, would you buy the Kia instead?

I think the VS's are more like a Ferarri. If I could afford a Ferarri, I'd still buy a Benz.

[Bucktail]

Bottom line, if ya can afford the Benz, would you buy the Kia instead?

I think the VS's are more like a Ferarri. If I could afford a Ferarri, I'd still buy a Benz.

If you think a $700-$800 Van Staal is a Ferarri, what would you compare a $1300 Zeebaas to?

[IrishAyes]

For that price is better bring in the fish, clean it, cook it and be a good bed partner.   

[bassnblues]

Bottom line, if ya can afford the Benz, would you buy the Kia instead?

I think the VS's are more like a Ferarri. If I could afford a Ferarri, I'd still buy a Benz.

If you think a $700-$800 Van Staal is a Ferarri, what would you compare a $1300 Zeebaas to?

A padded truck driven by 2 men wearing white suits.

[NJJan]

Now that I would have to drawn the line on. If I was a die hard surf guy, I would consider a Van Staal, as long as it would last a lifetime. But I would rather put $1300 into resurecting the pile of rot and fiberglass in my driveway that I call my boat.

[ped579]

 

[PeggyLee]

Too rich for my blood.Do you think the fish knows what is on the other end.Penn,Abu, Shimano,Vs.Calcutta,Flea market reel,or some gum chewing kid with a hand me down.....everbody starts and ends somewhere.

[Bucktail]

Yeah, but it comes in a wooden box!

[mboy]

Yeah, but it comes in a wooden box!

So do a lot of people when they die!

[ped579]

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