?MEGA

Anybody familiar with this reel? Got an offer to buy one, I was wondering if anybody has used one before and had some input on the performance of the reel. Don't want to buy it for just a conversation piece.

John B.

there is a reason they stopped making them.... i know about 8 years ago GBB&T had one brand new, 1800 bucks... i believe it sat for over 3 years.

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JoeZ

$1,800?

Ummm, yeah, I'm surprised it's not still sitting there.

?MEGA

thats what the offer was made for. 1850. i think there was only -+50 of the reels made, or so I'm told. maybe be good to just nab as a collectors item. what you think?

biggamefishr

its really not practical for anything except dropping back a lure, or maybe running it out of a rigger. I believe they were around 4lbs, held 800yds of 80? and like john said, they were 1800 bucks new and GBBT had one forever. It would probably be a good collectors piece, but only if it had the original box, paperwork, bag, etc. and was in like new condition. I wouldn't buy it expecting to fish with it though.



BTW...these things are HUGE, they make an 80w look like a baitcaster (maybe a little exaggeration, but still)

nb&twil

I think a collector's item would be all you'd get out of it. It's WAY too heavy to actually throw. And, if you wanted to troll, there's plenty of reels that will do a better job for a lot less money. Plus, you'd have to spend a pretty penny to have a rod built for it. I think it's only real use fishing would be if you had a 10-15lb pitch bait you wanted to drop back to a marlin, but again, it's not tough to drop back with a 50W.

You'd certainly have a conversation piece, but if you want a big spinning reel to target big game, get a VS300 and just Daiwa's Samuria braid as backing.

nb&twil

I wouldn't say that's too much of an exageration... That reel probably compares to an 80W like a Shimano 2500 compares to a 200 baitcaster.

biggamefishr

picture really doesn't do it justice when it comes to size...but i got this off of another site





There is only one word to describe the VS400* Offshore Spinning Reel...revolutionary. A first-of-its-kind spinning reel for serious deep sea use.



The VS400 is engineered with the same innovation and simplicity found in the full line of Van Staal Spinning Reels. But it takes reel design a step further with unique added-value features for fishing the "big game."



Its huge spool capacity holds up to 750 yards of 80 lb braided line, making that "big catch" a true adventure. The solid titanium spool lip is designed for smooth casts and durability. The maintenance free double manual line rollers are designed with 4 sets of stainless steel ball bearings to assure smooth line retrieve. This design also eliminates line twist. The oscillation is designed to produce cross line placement and prevent line dig-in.



The VS400 has a unique rear lever drag control system with Precise Strike Setting Indicators and Strike Stop Adjustment Controls. This maintenance free drag has a 40 lb maximum setting that allows for quick adjustment to any change in the action with gradation indicators adjustable to exact pound settings.



Another added value design feature is a four-speed crank handle. An easy press of a button and the handle adjusts for high speed retrieve or low speed power cranking. Like the Precise Strike Setting Indicator, this feature allows for the quick and easy power adjustment required to land your game. The spool has airflow vents allowing for maximum heat dissipation and weight reduction.



The precision design and advanced engineering of the drag system used in the VS400 is the same patented system found in the complete line of Van Staal Spinning Reels. Its high quality construction is designed for maximum water resistance and maintenance free operation. As in all Van Staal products, the VS400 is engineered to last, taking advantage of the industry's lightest and most durable materials, including stainless steel, aircraft grade aluminum and titanium.



Designed to handle the work. Constructed to last. Built for pure pleasure. The Van Staal VS400. A revolution in deep sea fishing that takes the challenge- and the challenger- to a new level.

kingling

they are rather large

?MEGA

it has all those items. And its 1,000 yards of 80 so I can only imagine the size of it. sounds like a godzilla reel. So the consensus is that it isnt a useful reel but it IS a collectors piece?