Does anyone know what the differences are between the "Standard and Deluxe" models?

The deluxe version has a slightly different finish and hood color. No difference in performance. I normally just buy the body (without a hood) and use a hidden thread hood.
Norm

Norman, does the hidden thread hood color match the deluxe or standard version of the reel seat body?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/08/2021 11:16AM by Bob Ginther.

Leonard, I'm not sure of your experience level, so I'll assume you are fairly new at this. I strongly suggest that unless you are building for a person with very small hands you go with the size 17. My span from thumb tip to little finger tip is 9 inches, and I always build with a 17. I have found 16's just too small for all day comfort.

The size 17 VSS seat when fitted to a VSS grip has an OD of about 27 mm, and is thus is quite comfortable. The size 16 IPS seat, another contoured Fuji seat,, also has an OD of about 27 mm, because of it smaller ID it requires a smaller arbor in order to fit the blank. The smaller arbor means less insulation between the blank and the reel seat.
The deluxe model may be slightly darker than the standard model, but really not by much. Hard to tell the difference, except for the gold lettered decal that gets covered by the reel foot. For the hidden thread hoods I use either the KDPS or KSKSS, with an appropriate cork, EVA or carbon fiber hood sleeve. The TVS hoods will also fit the VSS or IPS seats. You can also use the regular graphite hood such as the Fuji SKSS or TVSS, instead of the standard hood. NFC sells carbon fiber grips that fit the VSS or IPS seats. They are really quite nice and basically bullet proof.
Norm

If they are not sold out... been waiting 2 months for my 1k carbon fiber VSS grips.

Try the IPS carbon fiber grip, I like it better. It has a fatter profile and fits my hand better than 16 VSS.
Norm

After doing some more research I came across some specs on Fuji's website with their VSS dimensions I thought I'd share:

The ID of the VSS 16 is 13mm , The ID of the VSS17 is 16mm.

The Short CORK & Duplon for size 17 is 111mm long 25 mm out side diameter , 6 mm bore

The Short CORK & Duplon for size 16 is 99mm long 23 mm OD x 6mm bore

The Long Duplon Rear Grip 16 (only) is 240 mm long 23 mm OD x10 mm bore