360Tuna - View Single Post - Any Van Staal 275 tuna jiggers out there?

BAOSABI · 05-23-2008, 08:27 AM

I bought one because I was trying to get my rod and reel combo as light as possible for jigging. The only thing I liked about the reel was the sound of the drag clicker. After back to back BFT, it seems like I was fighting the fish and the reel. I know people say that it should get smoother after continuos use but I'm not that patient. The next issue is the tiny knob that you're suppose to grab on too while fight a fat tuna. I guess it would be fine if hobbits were using the reel. The last and most annoying thing is how the line is laid on the spool. You get this funky uneven hourglass shape that prevents you from adding that extra 50 to 70yds. of line. I don't think a reel of this caliber and price should have any of these issues. I had the 275 on a OTI 600g. rod. I didn't catch anything big enough to really test out the drag. I think that you would be much happier with the Saragosa. I really wanted to try the full bail ZeeBaas but since it's made by the same creator of the VanStaal I wonder if it going to have the same line laying problems. It would be a dream come true for me if I can find a reel with the same features as the Stella 20K that weighs about 20oz. I think I would pay up to $2k if there was such a reel. I mean no disrespect to VanStaal. The reel is built like a tank and would probably last a lifetime but it just does not fit my preference. I hope this helps with your decision on your next reel.

05-23-2008, 08:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
BAOSABI Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Garland, TX Posts: 165	I bought one because I was trying to get my rod and reel combo as light as possible for jigging. The only thing I liked about the reel was the sound of the drag clicker. After back to back BFT, it seems like I was fighting the fish and the reel. I know people say that it should get smoother after continuos use but I'm not that patient. The next issue is the tiny knob that you're suppose to grab on too while fight a fat tuna. I guess it would be fine if hobbits were using the reel. The last and most annoying thing is how the line is laid on the spool. You get this funky uneven hourglass shape that prevents you from adding that extra 50 to 70yds. of line. I don't think a reel of this caliber and price should have any of these issues. I had the 275 on a OTI 600g. rod. I didn't catch anything big enough to really test out the drag. I think that you would be much happier with the Saragosa. I really wanted to try the full bail ZeeBaas but since it's made by the same creator of the VanStaal I wonder if it going to have the same line laying problems. It would be a dream come true for me if I can find a reel with the same features as the Stella 20K that weighs about 20oz. I think I would pay up to $2k if there was such a reel. I mean no disrespect to VanStaal. The reel is built like a tank and would probably last a lifetime but it just does not fit my preference. I hope this helps with your decision on your next reel.