Titan,
Thanks for the inquiry on the VS150 and your questions concerning the uniqueness of each reel.
To answer your first question about the spools, yes, they did have a price increase in line with the rest of the
VS product line. As much as we did not want to raise prices it became necessary due to the dramatic increases in raw materials such as 6061-T6 Aluminum and Titanium.
You are not alone when people mention that when they pick up two different reels in a shop one may feel more geary then another. There's two reasons for this, one is that each reel is unique in that it's hand assembled. However, since each part is machined to exacting tolerances it really comes down to how the reel is positioned on the shelf and where the lubrication is sitting and how much is covering the face of the gear.
I would argue that each one of the reels will feel identical after the first use once the lubrication has covered all of the moving parts completely.
The Saltwater Edge is one of our Premeir Van Staal Dealers and are very knowledgable about the product line. However, if you ever need more detailed information please feel free to contact me anytime on my Cell: 631-365-7983.