Van Staal VS X Series Bailess Spinning Reels

Best reel for surf fishing and a nine foot rod

This is hands down the top of the line.

Ok, so for one it's not even close to being considered smooth. It makes noise on retrieve and even when free spinning at home. It's way too tight of a retrieve. The factory handle knob absolutely will drive you insane and force you to buy an upgraded or aftermarket handle knob. This reel is NOT made in the USA, I dont care what anyone tells you, they are made in china now, says right on the reel stem MADE IN CHINA. Yeah it looks nice and its watertight, so what?!.... For a reel that's designed to cast lures all day you would expect something smooth to not exhaust you after 100+ casts. And don't get me started on the drag, it advertises at over 30lbs, I pretty much lock it down and drag gets pulled by small fish, you can get 35lbs of drag from a $199 Cabo that's alot stronger and smoother. Traded mine up, got a new Daiwa Satist BJ4000, people make mistakes, I did buying a vsx150, but now I'm a recoverd idiot-oholic. Unless you're fishing specifically for bluefish and stripers up north dont waste your money.

as a person who has gotten to use a butt load of rod and reel combos and tackle over the years BUY THIS! It just doesn't stop going! Best overall spinning reel I've ever Used!

Reel does it's job and has never failed. Whether on the jetties or in the surf getting pounded the staal performs flawlessly. The reel retrieve isn't that fast but is makes up for it with power. The deep spool also helps a tremendous amount.

This is by far the best reel I have ever owned and or used. A bit pricey but is worth the investment in the long run. You can use this reel in any situation, I have caught everything on this reel.

I finally found the one reel that can really be used in all fishing situations! What an amazing reel! It can do anything in the surf because it's a Van Staal and it allows you to fish light tackle with confidence. 350 yds/ 20lb braid and 30lbs of drag is plenty to fight practically anything in the surf and you can take it on the kayak or boat and go after the deep water fish as well. It's much smoother than I expected and I had a shimano twin power before. I feel this reel can go around the world fit every application and you will forget how much you paid for it!

This reel is the best reel ever, it is the most dependable reel out there. Have had this reel for 5 years and still works like it's brand new.

I believe this is the ultimate surf reel. At the present time, I own several Van Staal VS Reels and never had any problems. With the exception of line lay, (which is not really a major concern) and with a little effort can be reasonably corrected. My Van Staal VS275XP is a visual work of art. No machine marks anywhere, made with top grade materials and is truly water proof! And the (small) line lay problem has been corrected. Is it the ideal Blue Water spinning reel? Not really, but after all, it was designed for the surf and for this objective, it is absolutely perfect! I would like to thank Kraig Friedman and the other fine people at TackleDirect for bringing this wonderful product to my attention.

I bought this reel for my bucktail/swishad/spoon setup. The reel is paried with 8'6 century slingshot--and would not pair the reel with any rod over 9-9.5'. My only complaint is the distance from the rod to the reel is limited. Be prepared to hit your knuckles when reeling if you like to keep your rod hand up high near the spool.

I got the VS 250 X series it does everthing that Van Staal said it would do and more. what a top of the line reel. I can't wait to use it on the Cape Cod Canal bring in those 40# plus striped bass this spring.

This reel is pricey but totally worth it. Capable of any fish you run in to and takes abuse and just keeps going. Very happy with my 250 and it has been going strong all year.

Beautiful fit and finish. Line lay with braid is excellent.

This is the best reel for surf casting this reel can be put through anything and still land big fish