Van Staal spinning reels

Anybody ever used one of these or heard of them being used on a kayak?  They are ridiculously expensive but supposedly you can drop it in the sand, rinse it in the surf and keep right on fishing.  Unless you lost it overboard (yikes) - it would seem to be just the ticket.

http://www.vanstaal.com/SealedDrag.html

They are very well built and durable reels and their drag mechanism is extremely robust and the gearing and mechanical components are extremely robust.  In my experience, functionally, the reels are far less smooth than other reels in the same price range and the spool design is "old-school" in terms of casting performance.  Warranty was recently reduced to 1 year since Van Staal was bought out by Zebco, so there's nothing special about the warranty anymore.  On a positive note, the VS is typically lighter in weight than others in the same class (i.e. Shimano Stella, Daiwa Saltiga, etc.)

Durable = Yes
Good drag = Yes and fully sealed.
Smooth action = Not really
Casting performance = mediocre (in terms of surf casting mind you).
Warranty = mediocre

Personally, I'd look at the Quantum Cabo spinning reels as a great value for a durable saltwater spinning reel.  Sealed ceramic drag and full metal body but a fraction of the price of a VS.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewquant40boca.html