[ocean46]

Bought a VS 2oo 18 mos ago,have been very satisfied. Last week it started to squeak, sounds like it just needs grease, ordinarily not a big deal. Spoke with VS today, no owner access to the case and I must mail the unit to them with $50.00 plus advance reverse shipping costs or the warranty is voided.

It goes without saying that not having use of new my reel during peak season for the length of time this process will take is unrealistic and a unacceptable policy. Since VS will not authorize retail dealers do perform service I would like to know what others are doing.

It doesn't seem like a big deal to open the case but on the other hand it's a considerable investment and I don't want to VS to then quote chapter and verse legalese corporate crappola to legally void my warranty.

My feeling is that if VS will not authorize a service dealer network, the Zeebass's higher initial investment but long term user friendly serviceability may prove the better lo

Thanks in advance for your input on VS services.

 

[sparky1871]

First off congrats on your VS.I own a vs250 best reel I ever bought.I also had to send mine in for service.That was after 5yrs of hard use. I wouldn't try opening it on your own.Maybe if you use it more it might lube it's self.But if not send it back after the season.

 

[chalatko]

Great Reel!keep using it to the end of the season!!, I'm having the same issue here with my VS200, it wobbles when retreiving, I contacted VS and I was told to send it for repair (49.99 yearly service + 12.99 shipping + new parts $$$ warranty is over after 1 year), I think it will need a new shaft)and they are taking about 2 weeks to get it fixed, I'll use it to the end of season! or when it breaks, I can't wait that long speacially with the good bite at MTK and fall run coming! we need authorized dealers near us to service this reels!

 

[fattony12]

they will never allow local service because it keeps their pockets full in off season when people arent spending 700 on reelz ....listen get a zeebass....i am trying to convince myself to go tonight to get one and i just bought a new daiwa saltiga surf wich is a great reel ...i actually love its smoothness and flawless drag i have caught some decent fish on it with little effort ...but its finicky when wet so im gonna keep it for a north shore reel the south shore is to ruff on it ....do your self a favor make the move van staals are great if u dont have problems with them ...

 

[643518]

The gear case should be filled with oil. Have you noticed any oil leaking from the reel around the shaft seal under the spool? If not, seems likely to me you have a problem besides lack of lubrication....unless for some reason the reel was dry when you bought it. If you are adventurous, and want around the time delay, there are threads at SOL about self servicing VS. Be warned, you can lock up the reel if you put it back together incorrectly.

 

[ocean46]

Practical Serviceability ?

If owning a Ferrari required shipping the car back to Italy each year for routine maintenance & service how many cars would they sell ?

If VS does not reconsider their service policy this is my last one.
My other reals may not have the "panache" VS claims to offer but with frequent use, especially during the fall run I can perform routine maintenance myself or if need be take to a local authorized service provider. VS policies require me to be without my reel during the best part of the year, bad business and a policy blunder that has to be factored when buying their products.

 

[CanoeCrew]

For the cost i would think it would be a breeze to service a reel like that. Guess i'll have to stick with my "subpar"