Review-The Van Staal VS-200

Van Staal is known throughout the east coast as a manufacturer of some of the best surf fishing tackle in the world. This review is a compilation of many fishing trips which have culminated over the last 10 years. You can bet I know this product rather well...

The first thing you will notice about the VS-200 is the absence of bells, whistles, and other extraneous paraphernalia, that is often found on the competition's product. This reel is manufactured using the tried and true adage of K.I.S.S. (Keep-It-Simple-Stupid) and is an engineering masterpiece. Inspection of the reel reveals all the attention to detail that Van Staal is known for. The reels come in three differing finishes, black (the most popular), silver and gold. These finishes are flawless. The rotor cup is machined aluminum with diagonal lightening holes, as is the spool. This reel is so smooth, it feels as though the parts are frictionless. The anti-reverse feature on the crank is superior. There was little tendency of the rotor cup to back-up, making the anti-reverse positive and precise. This reel is bailess, and the roller guide is of fine quality. A version with a bail is available on special order. The spool fits perfectly to the rotor shaft, without a bit of play, up or down, or side to side. The drag is sealed and contains bearings to make adjustment very precise. The drag-knob is situated on the front of the spool a-la Penn or Krack, and has low profile finger wings that won't pick up line by mistake.

I use about 300 yds. of 20 lb. Berkley Big Game Mono as a backing, filling the spool to just below the outer edge of the lightening holes on the front. To this I added 200 yds. of Power Pro braid. This reel is meant for a 10-11 ft. rod and has a perfect feel and balance on with this setup.

The first cast will reveal that the VS-200 is a true beach machine! I could throw a 1 1/2 oz bucktail 100 turns (90 yds) consistently. The retrieve is effortless and silky. Throwing plugs brought the same results. A Musso Darter would do about 100-110 turns with no headwind. The lack of a bail takes a little getting used too, but this feature is more of an asset than a liability. There is less to go wrong, such as a faulty bail to break off that expensive Beachmaster plug. With the anti-reverse feature, hook-ups are instantaneous and sharp. Fighting large fish is a pleasure with the VS-200. The gears move smoothly under load, and reeling is effortless.

Those of you who know me, know just how hard I fish. I am an "extremist". I will often be found submerged up to my neck in the water (swim-fishing, rock climbing, surf pounding, etc...). In this respect, the VS-200 is a winner! The watertight system is a big plus for those of you who pursue trophy bass beyond the beach. I have often fought fish with the reel fully immersed, and I have had no problems with corrosion.

I found that all I need to do to maintain the reel is a wash-down with fresh water, and then give it a good squirt of Teflon spray lube, when I get home. The black finished reels do show scratches rather easily. I would suggest the silver or gold finish for those of you who are concerned with this. I would also highly recommend that you return your VS to the factory for service at the end of each season. This is required to keep the warranty valid. Van Staal will clean and service the reel, and exchange any broken or worn parts. I have compared the reel to other high end machines of equal workmanship and found the Van Staal to be the most trustworthy. Servicing is performed in a timely and professional manner by sending the reel to an authorized service dealer. Replacement parts are readily available.

The VS-200 is one of the most durable and reliable reels on the market today. I have been using my reel for 10 years now and I love it. There is no other reel on the market today that would stand up to the abuse that I have put my VS-200 through... The $700.00+ price tag does remove it from the average man's pocketbook, but dollar for dollar, this is a good buy. For those of you who require the best, I would say you are truly getting your money's worth.