Van Staal Reel

[gotcha]

I saw there stand at the Fly fishing Show in Sommerset. The reels looked nice for their display; however, I did not fish them. So how about it ? I know that Zebco bought them over. Did the new reels mantain the same quality. Has anyone in this forum purchased/used these reels since the acquisition. How is the customer service ? How would you compair them to the heavy weights (Abel,Tibor).

[capemike88]

There spinning reels are sick, there submersuble machines...ever heard of skifishing? :brow :brow

Not sure about the fly reels though..

Mike

[Count]

Hey Gotcha,

I think the Van Staal are nice looking reels, too, but I've tried on many occasions to get someone at their factory (the new location) to return my e-mails. No dice.

One thing I don't like about the reels is their handle. It needs to be bigger and it has an odd taper. They also raised their prices on these reels.

I still don't know why Zebco would buy Van Staal. The two seem incongruous.

I'm sticking with Abel and Tibor. These reels are proven and spare parts/spools should be available, at least in the foreseeable future.

[Jacob K.]

....skishing.....

There spinning reels are sick, there submersuble machines...ever heard of skifishing? :brow :brow

Not sure about the fly reels though..

Mike

[bryston]

i like that, now do we cast or should we troll...mmm

[striperblues]

I have fished the Van Staal fly reel 9-12 combo kit for two seasons now. I love everything about it and never had an issue. I don't know if I would pay the new price now, but I bought mine on E-Bay from a Singapore dealer for less than what they originally were.

I think it feels best on a 10wt. or more. I use a Loop Evotec on my 9Wt. from an Australia dealer. Also bought on E-Bay for short money.

I don't feel too guilty about not buying reels from my fly shop. I bought my fly rods there and plenty of flies, leaders, misc.

[smolt]

I have one of the pre-Zebco C-VEX fly reels. I had a minor problem with the spool. I telephoned the new operation in OK and told them about it. They told me to send it in, which I did, and they replaced it in the wink of an eye. Nice people, fast, courteous service. Can't beat that. And the reel is great too.

[capemike88]

Alright Jacob you got me there..