NEW Van Staal VSX2 vs Old Van Staals. Comprehensive Review Guide

The new Van Staal VSX2 was recently released and this which updates a legendary surf fishing reel the Van Staal VS/VSX. The Van Staal has been dominating surf fishing for the past 30 years and the new Van Staal VSX2 provides many upgrades to last reel. Although originally built for surf fishing this reel has gained a ton of popularity among pier, jetty, and boat fisherman. The high quality components present in this reel give it many advantages over other reels. In this comprehensive guide of the Van Staal VSX2 review video I document what is different between the van staal vsx2 and the van staal vsx. I also touch on the van staal VR and the Van staal VSX2 Bailed.
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[@colbyfletcher6107]

have you had any issues with the line hitting the roller bracket while drag is being pulled out? i see people complaint bout it but i just caught a 100 lbs yft on a 250x2 and had no issues.

[@RyanMorie]

You know, a few people reached out to me after this vid was posted. I didn’t notice it before filming, but after some investigation I’ve noticed that if the spool is bottomed out and you pull drag, at some point the line will touch the bracket. I was bummed when I saw this, then I did more testing. The only time I could get the line to touch was with a full spool of line, so when fighting the fish with any line out the likelyhood of the line touching definitely decreases. I also tested multiple models of old VSX and VS, and with a full spool of line and bottomed out spool, the line touched the bracket on all of them. A reel with 3/4 of spool filled did not. So, without ample hours fishing the new VSX2, I would say the following: - The line shouldn’t be touching the bracket at any point. This is a design flaw. - Since the old models might’ve also been doing this all the time, it might not be a catastrophic issue. - More time will tell how problematic this may be

[@colbyfletcher6107]

@@RyanMorie okay cool. i think if the old reels had the same issue then should be fine in regards to it breaking. but like you said still bummed it’s still an issue and only time will tell

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

@@RyanMorie the older VS's have a notch cut into the flyer so if the line does rub it wont fray your line. seems like it was purposely designed that way, whereas the VSX2 is not, definitely a design flaw, which i'm sure VS will address.

[@RyanMorie]

@@surfandstreamfisher5749 Yep, you're correct on that one. My hunch is that if they take a notch outta this one it will exacerbate the flex towards the spool while under extreme tension. I'm interested to see if it ever is addressed.

[@samuelczaikowski9232]

@@RyanMorieI will respectfully disagree with you about the vr series of reels specifically the new revamped version. A, I talked to the original creator of van staal at a fishing show, who now makes visser reels, and said he personally designed them and has the same sealing power and same beefed up shaft and drag power as the vs series , it just maybe not be as smooth or powerful, but that’s not why u buy a van staal. I think you personally should fish one and abuse one before u start dissing it, not to mention u said u had a friend who loves his and swims with it and catches big fish with it. I have abused mine and swam w it for 2 seasons, absolutely perfect, no issues. U of course can have ur own opinion, but I think u should personally own one and give it a chance before u start saying it’s not the “real thing”

[@meb212]

Love the reviews. Your reel reviews are what brought me to your channel earlier this year when I started saltwater fishing.

[@RyanMorie]

Happy to help where I can!

[@heyjoejp]

Best review by far and wide. Sold! Vsx-2-bailed 200. For everything up and down the east coast.

[@rossginn1171]

Absolutely the best overview on KZbin of these reels, especially reminding folks about handle length 🤣 some dudes just don’t get it

[@davidmaharajh4378]

Let’s gooo been waiting for this one. Ryan you have the absolute best reviews on KZbin 🥳

[@RyanMorie]

I appreciate you!

[@Fish-pi6my]

Thanks for your review. It helps me to decide .

[@edwardbranch3520]

I really enjoy the reviews! Awesome video!

[@The_Ortiz]

I’ve been waiting for this. Thinking about picking up the new vs x2

[@AttilahMeneldor]

This is the review I needed. I've been eyeing on upgrading my VS. I'm glad you pointed out where the foot connects to the body. I slam them into the beach like you showed. And yes, the seal was comprimised on both of mine. The new construction looks to be an upgrade. Like you said, roter/shaft flex has never been an issue with Van Staals. On the flipside, I do like the VRs, but only as a jetty reel. Something that can take some abuse, but not VSX level of abuse.

[@RyanMorie]

Thanks for watching! The VR is definitely a capable reel, just not my cup of tea 🤙🏼

[@RyanMorie]

It’s been a minute since we did a reel review video! I know a lot of you had questions about the VSX2. What other questions do y’all have that weren’t answeres this vid?

[@Dink_master_fishing]

You should do an ultralight reel review with the vanford and like the ballistic mq

[@captainkyle2669]

Will I catch more fish if I buy the gold one?

[@Dink_master_fishing]

@@captainkyle2669 yes

[@peter791]

was waiting for this one. waiting for some old VS to hit ebay for cheap as people pick up their vsx2

[@RyanMorie]

@@captainkyle2669 you definitely increase your “clout” as the kids say

[@RM-iy7xx]

Great overview and comparison video

[@RyanMorie]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@jamieketchen-nu8so]

I'm interested in buying the new Van VS250 and really appreciate you. You break it down awesome 1st time watching one of your videos? And I'm immediately hooked. No pun intended. I'll be with you from here on out. Thanks.

[@TJ89741]

Ryan you are the Rick Shiels of fishing tackle. Love your reviews and your videos dude.

[@slamvibes]

A+ video and appreciate the authentic and detailed breakdown. I do disagree tho as someone who kayak fished Penn reels for years, VR50 can't be beat in certain applications. Just sayin!

[@Tightlinefishing694]

I really appreciate this review on the vsx2. I've owned a number of van staal reels including the VR and was wondering whether or not to purchase this new model. Your video has definitely influenced me and I will be purchasing this reel. Thanks bro.

[@jy8191]

Great Vid man! Very comprehensive and informative. Love my vsx 250 and I’ve only serviced once in like 3 or 4 years. I don’t purposefully dunk it. It’s Built like a tank and has never failed on a big bass or blue even in Montauk’s worse conditions. That being said it’s heavy as hell when fully spooled even with just 30lb braid. Added weight for frequent surfcasting can be a difference maker. If the vsx2 selling point was also that is was noticeably lighter it might entice more folks to explore. Still can’t go wrong given Van Staal’s history….Lookin forward to your next video 2-3 years down the road. Tight lines till then.

[@ShorrockPaul]

Looking forward to you doing a review ona Penn Authority... is also in my crosshairs

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

been fishing VS reels since 1998. N.E. surfcaster. i bought these reels because my wife & me were fishing about 150-160 days/nights a season. we fished Penn Z's or Daiwa BG's (the original ones) prior to owning VS's. we don't fish our reels under water or swim with them. but we do dunk them. only once did my VS200 not make it an entire season and had to be sent in for service before the season end. no regrets owning a VS, all 3 of our reels are American made. but now for where & how i fish i think a Penn Slammer or Shimano Saragosa would fill the task just fine and would probably be the way i'd go.

[@RyanMorie]

Thanks for the comment! The slammer and Saragosa are some of my favorites. Definitely great for almost everyone

[@fishing4good337]

Great video. Good job. Thanks for sharing your experience with these reels. What kind of line do you use for shore & salt water fishing? In The Netherlands I have customized rods with down lock reel holder. Which results you have no screw thread anymore in the palm of your hand.

[@fredmiller6038]

Would much appreciate review of the Van Staal VR and differences from VS reels. Thanks

[@Loganisfishing]

The best KZbin channel out there❤

[@fishslayergreg]

hey

[@Loganisfishing]

@@fishslayergreg 👋

[@DanEvan]

I’d like to see the drag tested on the VR150. I have owned multiple VS150s from the original to the VSX to the second generation VSX2 and it has a claimed 32 pounds of drag. I have personally tested (using a drag scale) over a dozen VS150s from out of the box to used at full lock and not a single one of them surpassed 11lbs of max drag. Some were as low as 9 pounds. All reels were tested with 50 yards of braid. Don’t get me wrong, I love the new VSX2 and the changes they’ve made. The power knob, bigger drag knob, and more space between the reel foot and the spool so no more skinning knuckles.

[@jaidenbenson3355]

Love your videos. You should try Dania Peir. It is really good for snook and kings.

[@RyanMorie]

Maybe one day I’ll make my way down there!

[@undisputedtruth4954]

These things are costly, but the people I know with them love'em to death. I went with the cost effective version; tsunami saltx to pair with my all time favorite saragosa swa10000. I think 1 Van Staal costs what both of mine cost together!😂 One day, later this year, I'll snag a VS, but I don't think the fish care what reel puts'em on the dinner table.😁

[@Sp1der--Man]

Awesome video

[@RyanMorie]

Thank you 🍻🤙🏼

[@francessmith4822]

Hey Ryan big fan been watching for a while

[@RyanMorie]

I appreciate you!

[@stripervince1]

I had a original gold 250 in the early 1990s, made in Connecticut, # 89, bought it at causeway tackle in Wantagh Long Island. Used it all over Montauk and cape cod, it was a great reel. Caught some 50+ pound stripers. The drag was marginal tho. The made in China thing does bother me tho. I was thinking of getting a new VR150, but looking at saragosa, and daiwa maverick (australia model) too. Sealed isn't important to me anymore I river and lake fish now. Not sure now

[@wills2397]

Take a shot every time Ryan says the word “shaft”. Ryan knows shafts, got it. Great vid! 🤣

[@RyanMorie]

😂😂😂

[@user-hf1wo6mp3d]

Very interesting video of the few that exist. If you can do a presentation of the interior of the new vsx2 which is not available anywhere even in pictures. Thanks!!!

[@Tristan1990.]

VS will still continue to support the original VS and VSX models for the next 10 years according to Craig Cantelmo when I asked him at Striper day last month in LI.

[@ShorrockPaul]

Which brand braid did you spool the VSX2 with ? Also can you use bail less to cast bait and use sand spike or would it be awkward. The newer' VR Gen II is a sealed reel, same as VSX. the spool seals and drag material are identical to VSX and so are the other seals. The Gen I had different spool seals and drag. The shaft on VR II is thicker than VRI to mitigate flex and hence ovaling the shaft seal which caused leakages, However it is stainless and not Titanium as in the VSX. . The materials used in the VSX series are higher grade than the VR series, cant remember the details offhand. Would be intereesting to see Alan Hawke compare the VR GenII and VSX , as he dives into the materials used etc. Thanks for this video, comes at the right time for me as am looking hard at the VSX2

[@chrisviverito24]

Your reel reviews are some of my favorites of your videos! What size would you suggest for a NJ surf fisherman? 150?

[@RyanMorie]

Probably a 150 for most situations, if fishing in a place with a lot of current like the canal I’d probably say 200.

[@chrisviverito24]

@@RyanMorie thank you bro!!!

[@louietres]

Could you snorkel fish with vs x2? Like fully submerge for hours and fighting fish the whole time

[@casperwestbroek7745]

Hello, i am from the Netherlands and a fan off your channel. Hope you do some reviews off spinning reels again. I enjoyed your reviews a lot. Maybe the Penn authority against the Twin power SW i have both and you will be surprised about the results off the Penn i adore mine I have the Twin Power SW5000 and the Penn authority 4500 HS absolute my favorite reels but i would love to see your outcoming taking them apart. Sorry for my English i am Dutch

[@isabellam1936]

This thing is there of reels that you have for their whole life and pass down to you children and grandchildren. The raw steel version is masterpiece.

[@1RAYALLEN]

I don’t understand anything you said.

[@ShorrockPaul]

Why did you not get the VS300X2 as it retrieves the line much faster, as you do more lure fishing for Tarpon etc down your way. I hear the 300 is great for Tarpon. or was it the weight consideration ?

[@joshgiambrone9463]

What size reel do you recommend for pier fishing for decently bigger fish?

[@user-bh3uj6kp8c]

What rod to you recommend for the VSX2? I have the opportunity to to go off shore fishing.

[@eternalabyzz9386]

if only i had money to buy a stall lol great video ryan

[@RyanMorie]

Definitely not necessary to catch good fish, just a cool piece of gear

[@eternalabyzz9386]

@@RyanMorie i highly agree with you

[@peternguyen9602]

let’s see a new version of your rod and reel arsenal and which reels you recommend for the price

[@3svtcobra]

So if you had to choose as of now to buy the vsx200 old gen or the vsx2 which would u choose ??

[@user-vp4hz9uh7l]

Hi!　Does vs300x2 the side cover open by rotating clockwise?　Or does it open counterclockwise like vs?

[@TonyCantShoot]

Any new updates? Looking to grab one in april

[@PetreMormant]

Can you get a Nomura Aichi SW and put it to test for a month under water and sand? Is advertised as total waterproof.

[@gman4674]

What quality surf rod would you recommend for a vsx250?

[@cesarlaws]

what rod did you match the VSX2?

[@thomastometich6767]

What is your pole choice for the Van Staal?

[@sasdss4731]

ยี่ห้อไหนดีที่สุดครับคุณRyan

[@bernardescobar6952]

Just bought this new One the VS X2 200 Bailed! What kind of rod would you suggest? Size and length! Thanks

[@fearmyglock_Valorant]

i love van staal i love the manual pickup its just a little stiff which is unfortunate

[@scottjolly8983]

What about the tsunami saltx? Great sealed reel for the price. Would like to see a comparison

[@henrycurrier6266]

I recently upgraded from the saltx to the vsx2 and couldn’t be happier. I would atleast go with a vr over the saltx

[@collincrisante9511]

this is the perfect video to show my parents to get me a van stal 😭

[@RyanMorie]

My parents would have never bought one haha! I saved all my money from a part time job to buy my first one back in 2010 (when I was 16)

[@bubbaluch7950]

A 704 has caught more poon than any van staal young blood. If you can watch a KZbin video you can clean a 704 once a month and treat it like a vs

[@undisputedtruth4954]

Are you familiar with a Man-code concept called work & save? If you're a hood dude, change that to grind & stack, but it means the same.🤣 I remember asking my parents for a nice rod & reel, so we went to price what I wanted, my dad laughed me outta the store, then made calls to set up 3 garages, 12 yards, and HIS honey-dew list from mom for 2 weeks. Moms job was to take the money until I had 2/3 of what I needed, then dad matched my 2/3 and I finally got to buy my stuff. Trust me, after that, my pricing strategy got better than ever. It costs nothing to ask for it, so having to work really made me learn to compare features & prices. It's healthy. Made me not blow money on wants when needs are what truly matter. You don't always see what your folks actually shield you from until it's all on you.

[@Amgc4]

Grow tf up and work for your stuff mommas boy...

[@3svtcobra]

Hey Ryan we need to get Daiwa to make the expedition in the 2020 version now 😏 that would be insane same aesthetics but in the 2020 model

[@RyanMorie]

I’d sell everything to buy that reel

[@3svtcobra]

@@RyanMorie hahaha I missed out on a mint one 2014 model but Daiwa definitely needs to bring it back man

[@fishslayergreg]

yo ryan you should've got a gol vsx2 200 they are sick and for the same price

[@RyanMorie]

I’m not cool enough for a gold one! I’ll leave that for the guys with real style

[@christiangirard6634]

I’ve already heard the Juno kids having issues with the bail arm bending and staying bent causing it to hit the spool the vsx2b is probably the best reel they have made so far

[@alonzonunez5037]

Bail arm on the vsx2 or vsx2b I could see that happening leaning over the rail and your applying pressure to the rail with your reel how did this happen?

[@christiangirard6634]

@@alonzonunez5037 I don’t personally have one I have the trusty vs I have some friends with the vsx2 and they permanently bent the bail are on the vsx2 the vsx2b seems to be holding up well and the bending is from fighting snook at locked drag or cupping spool noticed on the 150 size 200 or bigger might not do it

[@alonzonunez5037]

@@christiangirard6634 well that sucks hope they warranty those reels or come out with the bailed kit asap for those who purchased the bail less

[@christiangirard6634]

@@alonzonunez5037 I haven’t bought one yet because I let others do the rnd on them and then once they fix the issues I buy stuff

[@FATHERSOFBASS]

Bad ass reels for reals

[@zakius.m6702]

What are those rods?

[@-NOMROH-]

what are the specs from your rod that you are using in the video?

[@watsanupaphattavanij8136]

Cool 😎

[@SaltLifeGeo]

Thank you for the video, I normally fish down the beach for snook and tarpon, what size van staal reel do you recommend ? I normally go with a size 4000, thank you !!

[@RyanMorie]

Size 100 would be perfect for you

[@peternguyen9602]

he said everything except the vr 50 so I’m good

[@mymtblife9679]

What rod are you running ?

[@dzhotmess68]

What rod are you using? Love the info.

[@RyanMorie]

All Ocean’s Legacy Specialist rods. One of each size in this video

[@dzhotmess68]

@@RyanMorie That's the dream combo. Appreciate you taking the time to reply, bud. I'm living and fishing in the northern OBX. Big west wind blowing today. Impatiently waiting for spring and warmer weather. Keep up the great work! Peace ✌

[@raulocasio9168]

Try the DIAWA SALTIST HIGH gear ratio 6.2 - 1 with 55lb drag at 23.5 oz for either $949 or 999. Never understood the concept of a "bailess" reel! They are better than the Van Staal, period! I think you'll like it. you can make a comparacent video between 'ANY' Van Staal & the Diawa Saltist...

[@JBCarrera54]

Hes made that video already. Those reels would not hold up the way we fish up in the north east. Nice reels but they just aren’t cut out for what we do

[@moddkilla]

So what’s the update, the vsx of the vsx2?

[@matthewmcleod3019]

Been about a year and a half now. What are your thoughts?

[@fearmyglock_Valorant]

is anyone having the same problem i have a vsx 200 and sometimes when i cast the roller will catch line without me manually doing it any help?

[@rebornspirit1047]

do you use the 3/4 oz jig heads with the 8in nlbn?

[@RyanMorie]

Yeah that or 1 oz. No heavier in most places I fish

[@rebornspirit1047]

@@RyanMorie mkay, the bait itself is 2oz haha, so no need to chuck a 1.5 or 2 oz on it

[@maikp5505]

Why do you use a boat rod in the surf?

[@njdinolover1170]

Can’t decide between bail or bailess. What’s your preference. Wanting to pick up the 250.

[@karlnordinger5968]

Bails bend and springs break .

[@lanceofishing6334]

What about the line rubbing on the roller arm?

[@RyanMorie]

See my reply to the pinned comment 🤙🏼

[@lanceofishing6334]

💪

[@neilgriffiths545]

Random comment Ryan , how much pe 4 x8 silk ocean cast will vsx 200 hold ?saw you were spooling up on a fb reel but can’t find it anywhere thanks

[@RyanMorie]

Around 450-480 yards. I just add a little backing and use a 400m spool.

[@neilgriffiths545]

@@RyanMorie awesome thanks for the reply mate much appreciated

[@brandoncooper8818]

🐐

[@josephc1021]

What kind of rod is that and what is the length and price

[@fishslayergreg]

Oceans Legacy Specialist in all 3 sizes

[@jeffreyhunley7608]

What type of rods are you using?

[@RyanMorie]

Oceans Legacy Specialist in all 3 sizes

[@jeffreyhunley7608]

@@RyanMorie thank you sir. Great video

[@nickyeli4484]

just picked up a x2 200 and selling my vr50 for a x2vsb50

[@Dink_master_fishing]

How much for vr50 if it’s not sold

[@williammata6019]

Hey Ryan what Rod is that with the new vsx2?

[@RyanMorie]

All rods in this video are Ocean’s Legacy Specialist series. One in each size. The VSX2 was on the middle size, can’t remember specifics of them off the top of my head tho

[@HankG51]

I own a VR175 and have no issues but I also don't treat my gear like shit

[@RyanMorie]

They’ll definitely do the job! Just not sure the value is there IMO! I’m just one dude who makes vids for the internet, definitely people who are more knowledgeable than me out ther

[@HankG51]

@@RyanMorie I also didn't see the need for me to drop the extra cash on the high end VS

[@fishslayergreg]

@@HankG51 they are defiantly pricey

[@Dink_master_fishing]

How long have you had it? I heard people have problems with the anti reverse breaking has that happened to you?

[@HankG51]

@@Dink_master_fishing have had mine for 3 years now

[@terrywalker4790]

I was considering a Van Stal as I was looking for a good American made reel but now that they are made in China, turns me off. Pens also spinning reels also made in China so what to do?

[@RyanMorie]

It's unfortunate but very few products in the fishing industry are actually built in the USA. Hopefully that changes in the next decade

[@timtran7196]

Because he said they are bulletproof in the 1st minute of the video, I'll be testing that soon starting with a 9mm. 😅😆🤣

[@RyanMorie]

Please tag me in that test! I wanna see it 😂

[@timtran7196]

@@RyanMorie I think I love mine 1 and only so much I won't be able to pull the trigger. You have 3! 🤣😆😅

[@slawterworld4023]

Tell them to make a left handed one

[@pmpkmc]

I have had 3 Van Staals and i will never buy another. They have discontinued the service kits and made getting parts too difficult. All links to kits and parts on their website are deactivated. I guess they think i'm dumb enough to give them another $800, because they made parts too difficult to get for the VS and VSX.

[@ryanjeffcoat4494]

I bent my shaft on my vsx150 going threw a car wash 😂

[@RyanMorie]

Goddamn son 😂

[@tamlinhuongpho6411]

👍👍

[@dominickrotella9796]

I do that same stupid stuff you said with my Penn battle 3 dx 8000

[@Onethirtytwo]

I'll buy a Van Staal once they're made in the U.S.A. I'm sick of buying things made in China.

[@RyanMorie]

I wish it were more of an option, very few reels are made in the USA these days. Don’t think Van Staal plans on making any in the USA either.

[@Onethirtytwo]

@@RyanMorie Well, I caved and bought a VR175. I brought it with me on a 16 day long range trip out of San Diego. I was using it on a 30lb setup to catch skipjacks an caught a 45lb yellowfin on a jig. I'm sold ov van staal. Prolly gonna buy a VR200 and when they come out with a bailed-300 one too. I eat my own words, thanks Ryan!

[@kirkdavis2881]

Johnny Sins is the best shaft in the industry

[@RyanMorie]

The real ones know

[@garyhammond2213]

I won't pay $800 for a China reel. USA- yah!

[@fearmyglock_Valorant]

i would

[@kenth6140]

New is not nice. Old look better