Van Staal VR Spinning Reels are the latest innovation from Van Staal, the leader in sealed reels. The VR-Series is fully sealed and fully submersible, like their proven predecessor, the X-Series. They are forged and machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, with a solid stainless steel center shaft and titanium nitride coating. These reels have a powerful, waterproof drag system with MicroClick tuning accuracy and a lightweight design, due to the cut outs in the body, rotor and spool. Another innovation with the VR-Series is the easy conversion from a bailed reel (packaged this way), to a bail-less reel, using the tool, parts and instructions included. The VR is often chosen by fishermen who want all the features of the VSX with the option to switch between a bailed reel and bail-less. They've also been popular with surfcasters looking to save a few ounces and build the lightest rig possible as most models are even lighter then the already light VSX bailed reels. Note - The Van Staal VR50 will not come with a kit to convert to bail-less.
M**K
Makes surf fishing more enjoyable!
Update: Leaked oil from the shaft of the handle, after 3 months of use. Called Van Staal, sent the reel to New York for warranty service. Came back after 2 weeks. Will see how long it will last this time.I have been using Penn Slammer and a few of the Daiwa LT series reels for surf fishing. None of these are truly sealed, despite some those gimmicky IPX ratings. So I have to take extra care not to dunk them. Sealed Japanese reel like stellar and saltiga are too expensive for me.This reel is not as light as Daiwa LT, not feel as solid as penn, not as smooth as either one of them. But it is way more enjoyable to use. Because it is truly water and sand proof, I can focus my attention on enjoying fishing, rather than worrying about keeping the reel out of water. As a matter of fact, when the reel is dirty, just dunk in the surf and let the wave clean it.The reel also looks great, is well designed and a piece of art. It feels like a Rolex watch, beautifully made, fashionable, but at heart is an effective tool.Like most of the reels I’ve used, there was a break-in period, and getting smoother with use.Bail closure is manual, takes time to get use to at first. However, there is no accidental close either to cause losing rigs due to line breaks.As for areas for improvements, there is no line clip on the reel. I worked around by using a rubber band to wrap around the spool. A built in line clip would be appreciated.While it is mostly sand proof, for example, no gritty feelings on main shaft, handle knob, line roller, but the bail can get stuck with sand. Yes, all reels has this problem. That does not mean it cannot be improved by VS.It is quite expensive, but i found this is the only reel I use in the surf now, after bought and tried many other “sealed” reels. Has I stated with this one, I would have saved much more money on those other reels and the maintenance cost. So I think it is a good value.
W**6
Great price
Upon opening box a real nice comfy fit. I loved that it came with Manuel pick up bail included. Drag was a little choppy but I can live with it. Good price for this reel as it withstand abuse over time.
S**1
Curious....
Nice looking reel. Haven’t used it yet but upon inspecting the reel I noticed this was missing a printed label on the bottom “Kdesign” or something like that on the other reels I’ve seen printed on them but this one I received was blank. Just want to know why mines didn’t have it printed on. Is it an old model? Is it a display model? Is it a prototype? Very curious other than that nice reel a little on the expensive side
D**K
Back play in anti reverse bearing
I received a reel with a bit of back play in the rotor before locking up. I sent it back for another one and the second one has the same issue. I confirmed with my friends vr50 and this isn’t normal. I won’t be wasting any more time for a third attempt. I have to pay for shipping to VS warranty center now if I want a properly working reel...
W**N
I'm crushed!
The VR175 did not have the original logo Design wording in the bottom of the reel. So that makes me question if the reel is legit or not. On that note, It will be returned ASAP. Opened it, Inspected it; NOW HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED!
S**R
Well built and top of the line
This reel is an excellent saltwater performer. Super lightweight yet strong to get you through those long days of fishing. Does well surf fishing as it is designed to survive being submerged. Will be enjoying this reel for a lifetime.
R**S
Sexy and light
It’s just beautifully machined, incredibly light and pairs well with other high end light rods like g loomis. My whole setup with this reel and rod is around 13oz and can pull a 40lb striped bass easy.
M**A
It ok
Happy with that I expected For the price A little bit more
Trustpilot
2 months ago
1 day ago