The Versatile Heavyweight: Van Staal VR175 Bailed Spinning Reel (Silver)

For many saltwater anglers, the hunt for the perfect "do-it-all" reel ends with the Van Staal VR175 Bailed Spinning Reel (Silver). Sitting comfortably between the popular VR150 and the high-capacity VR200, the 175-size is the secret weapon for anglers who need maximum drag and extra line capacity without the added bulk of a true offshore-only reel.

The VR Reels are the latest evolution of Van Staal spinning reels. Fully sealed, with a lightweight 6061 aluminum construction and a powerful waterproof drag system, the VR175 is engineered to endure the most hostile environments—from the pounding surf of the Northeast to the coral-filled flats of the tropics.

Precision Engineering: Built to Handle the Heat

Van Staal is synonymous with "bulletproof," and the VR175 lives up to that reputation with upgraded internals designed for high-stress encounters.

• Machined 6061-T6 Aluminum: The entire body, rotor, and spool are forged and machined from high-grade aluminum. Its skeletonized design sheds unnecessary weight, allowing for all-day casting, yet remains rigid enough to prevent frame flex during a fight.

• Stainless Steel Spiral-Bevel Gearing: The VR175 features a hardened stainless steel gear system and a solid 17-4ph stainless steel main shaft. These components provide incredible cranking power and torque, making it a "bad mother" when winching large stripers or drum away from structure.

• Submersible & Sealed: This isn't just a "water-resistant" reel. The VR175 is fully sealed and submersible, meaning you can wade to your waist or take a wave over the gunwale without worrying about salt, sand, or water intrusion.

Heavy-Duty Drag & Capacity

One of the main reasons anglers step up to the VR175 is the jump in stopping power. While the smaller models are impressive, the VR175 is a true heavyweight in disguise.

• 40 lbs of Max Drag: The VR175 features Van Staal's patented waterproof sealed carbon fiber drag system. With 40 lbs of pressure, it has enough drag to stop a truck—or a 50lb-class striped bass—dead in its tracks.

• Versatile Line Capacity: With a spool optimized for 30lb braid, the VR175 holds a massive 530 yards of line. This gives you the peace of mind to let a large fish run in heavy current or deep water.

• Bail-less Conversion Kit: Like all reels in the VR family, the 175 comes with a traditional bail installed but includes a bail-less conversion kit in the box, allowing you to customize the reel to your specific fishing style.

Technical Specifications: VR175 Silver

The Perfect Mid-Sized Weapon

The VR175 is frequently cited as the ideal size for anglers who feel a 5000-sized reel is too small but an 8000-sized reel is too cumbersome. It features an extended stem length, providing more clearance between your knuckles and the bail wire—a subtle but vital upgrade for comfort during long sessions.

If you are looking for a reel that is light enough to cast big plugs all night in the surf, but strong enough to take on a boat trip for schoolie tuna or amberjacks, the VR175 is the definitive choice.