Ok, so I've been looking for some new reels. I have never used a manual pick-up. what advantages/disadvantages do they have? Is it worth the extra money to get a reel with a Manual Pick-Up?
I should clarify that the .20 and the .23 Zeebaas reels have spools that can change without having to change out the rotors.
To change out the spools and or bail and rollers on the other models the rotor must be changed as well.
This is certainly not cost effective. The attraction therefore would be in the durability and self maintenance of the reel.
Perhaps in the future with increased production it will become more cost effective to change systems.
As it is now you might as well just own the different sized reel.
PS.
The dual roller system makes it ridiculously easy to pick up the line for retrieval.
Self-service kits are avilable from zeebass and the handle housing is removeable using a 22 mm open ended wrench.
They also sell a synthetic grease which changes from red to pink if there's a breach in the seal.
If the seal is breached and you were ever to get water inside you'll know about it. The grease is formulated to absorb water and prevent any internal parts from damage. http://www.zeebaas.com/self_maintenance.html
The Backlogs on production is approaching 4 months.
To compete with the no doubt quality Zeebaas reel , Van Staal is making a tool kit available for self service and reportedly will be lowering the prices on their reels.
The z rough is no frills is all - minus the box and an extra spool.
The reels are exactly the same
$939 bucks or $1200.
Email Rob if you have questions. sales@zeebaas.com
The finish: The machined aluminum frame, spool, rotor and foot are coated (Z-Coat) with a special military spec. finish altered slightly to our own specification. It is ultra hard and has five times the corrosion resistance of other high end reels in the market.
ZX20RS and ZX20RD 16.9 oz. max drag 30 pound ZX22RS and ZX22RD 16.9 oz. max drag 30 pounds ZX25RS and ZX25RD 18.5 oz. max drag 35 pounds ZX27RS and ZX27RD 19.5 oz. max drag 40 pounds
ZX20RS and ZX20RD 350/10 Mono
ZX22RS and ZX22RD 450/12 Mono
ZX25RS and ZX25RD 400/15 Mono -- 430/40 Braid
ZX27RS and ZX27RD 360/20 Mono -- 500/50 Braid
Van Staal
VS100 12.2 oz. -- Gear Ratio 4.75 : 1 VS100BBail 16.9 oz. VS150 12.7 oz. -- Gear Ratio 4.75 : 1 VS150B Bail 17.6 oz. VS200 21.7 oz. -- Gear Ratio 4.25 : 1 VS200B Bail 26.5 oz. VS250 22.3 oz. -- Gear Ratio 4.25 : 1 VS250BBail 27.6 oz. VS275 24.6 oz. -- Gear Ratio 4.25 : 1 VS300 28.6 oz. -- Gear Ratio 3.25 : 1
VSS SERIES LEFT-HAND
VS150L 12.7 oz. -- Gear Ratio 4.75 : 1 VS250L 22.3 oz. -- Gear Ratio 4.25 : 1
So I bought a Penn 705 on that auction site and a bailless kit from penn parts.com and for 75 bucks Ive got a MP reel... Which by the way I freaking Love... Not a single wind knot and the learning curve wasnt all that bad, even in the dark... I 100% reccomend anyone thinking about going with an MP do it... Thanks to all the advice from this thread, I have a reel I would have never thought to buy that I absolutely love... Thanks guys :gob_icon_cheers::gob_icon_cheers:
Now on to the big question... where in the hell can I get a bailless kit for the 710 / 711??? Nothing on penn parts and I rarely hear these reels mentioned anywhere
The Zeebass
The supreme kit is still available. And a semi automatic bail is available this December.
I made an inquiry to Rob asking about the issue with sand getting in under the drag knob on some reels and whether the left handed reel / kit will be available.
Rob says that they are refining the left hand reel over the winter months and plan to have them at the upcoming shows.
"The drag knob can be filled with rubber plugs that I will make available. This will eliminate the sand issues. The new spools will not have holes anymore"
Has any Z owners filled in the holes in the drag adjustment cap. I've heard of it being done but never seen it done. If anyone has done it do you have any pix you could post.
Some guys filled it with RTV black silicon automotive adhesive. I was considering doing it with mine but instead just rinse it after each use because you have to rinse it anyway. The reel is skirted but you have to rinse out any skirted reel.
Rob has made a gasket available.
i posted on here in march of 2008
and as of 2 years ago i did finally manage to kill my zee.
had issues with sand in the drag and it did cost me a couple of really good fish. the reel started to seize up on me also, but gave it to tim and he reconditioned it as good as new. it is a first generation model and overall i am happy with it. with that being said i bought a van staal this winter to fish montauk and harsh conditions as my zee proved to be unreliable in those cases.
i cannot speak for the newer gen zeebaas but have a friend who has 2 and he loves them.
also the vs is a larger reel. so ill make a personal comparision after this season.
bailess is great, as stated earlier you wont pop off any valuable wood, but i prefer the single roller with counterweight, the dual roller would occasional catch the line on a cast
just my 2 cents
mike
I just picked up a Penn FisherVI 4500 bailess . It's a sealed reel, unless your planning on reeling underwater, but will stand up to getting sand and washing it off in the wash. Not a bad reel for the cost and gets some good reviews.
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