1000 vs 3000 Series Spinning Reel: On The Water Performance Contest

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It's reel contest time!
I recently did a casting distance contest between a 1000 and 3000 series spinning reel.
The 3000 won by about a foot or two, but I wanted to see how they actually felt and performed on the water.
On this trip, I had a 1000 and 3000 paired with the same exact rod, line, and lure with the goal of just getting an honest feeling about how feel.
The results were surprising as something that I thought definitely would happen didn't happen.
I also found a really compelling reason to use one over the other that I hadn't really considered before.
Check out this video to see the results of this test.
Do you use a 1000 or 3000 size reel?
What are your most important pros and cons?
Let me know down in the comments!

[@Saltstrong]

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[@donb1661]

Each size reel, like any tool, has a specific purpose. A 1000 size reel is made to use lighter line on a lighter action rod with lighter lures. Pairing a 1000 and 3000 up to have identical line, rod and lure sizes is not a good compare since they are intended to be the appropriate choice for a particular situation. Hardly surprising that a 1000 size reel wit a smaller gear and smaller diameter spool doesn't pick up line as quick as a 3000 size spool given the mechanical differces of each.

[@donjoseph73]

Why are you watching?

[@rkw221]

yaaaawn...

[@jesussavesrick]

Great video! I have both sizes as well. You pretty much said it all. But I use the 3000 for saltwater and heavier braid freshwater because they hold a lot more line than the 1000. And I also match all of my rods with the best reel to balance the weight. With some rods I had to purposely buy a heavier reel than I would prefer just to balance the rod. So "sometimes" I don't get the Fuego if my new rod requires a heavy reel to balance. But Fuegos are my favorite. I even prefer it over my Tatula.

[@joserP2009]

Water turkey shows up at 1:31 LOL

[@ulisesjaramillo9019]

I see them things all the time when I’m duck hunting

[@AprilandZach]

Could one of you guys do a review on the shimano vanford

[@chuck9490]

Solid comparison. Appreciate the effort to reduce the number of variables. Keep it up!

[@johnlavigne321]

Did you change the felt drag washer ..for carbon drag washers for bigger fish?

[@KALZONE850]

How well was each setup balanced?

[@TheGreatBoyWonder5]

Nice video Luke! What rod power/action were you using? To me it looks like medium power/moderate fast action.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@kennethlopez9436]

Thanks for sharing Luke, Could you tell us the rod you were using.? Thank you for 👍👍💯

[@Saltstrong]

I was using a 7'6" TFO Pro in this video. Here's a link to see a review I did on this model a while back: www.saltstrong.com/articles/temple-fork-outfitter-spinning-rod-review/

[@JaxOutdoorsman]

So we don’t lose all those fish too? Jk. That’s part of fishing.

[@kennethlopez9436]

Thank you Luke, I really appreciate you 👍👍👍

[@crazedpaul9836]

@@Saltstrong what model reels?

[@Saltstrong]

@@crazedpaul9836 All equipment details are displayed in the post about this test on our website. Here's a link: www.saltstrong.com/articles/1000-vs-3000-spinning-reel-performance/

[@mcl560]

my 4000 vanford too casts noticeably further than 1000 vanford. 4000 is more powerful and even balance on rod nicely. but 1000 has its own appeal. i get bored with using only one. i use 1000 when i like but when i had enough with casting not far enough i switch back to 4000. then i miss 1000 again and the wheels keep turning.

[@munirmohamed9254]

Do you mean a 3000 reel fits well with a 10 pound braid? or should i go with 20 pound braid??!

[@charliebrown8222]

What rods are you using?

[@Saltstrong]

I was using a 7'6" TFO Pro in this video. Here's a link to see a review I did on this model a while back: www.saltstrong.com/articles/temple-fork-outfitter-spinning-rod-review/

[@bentleylewis558]

Love my Fuago"s.. I have 3.. I use my 3000 's for Salmon and my 2500 for trout..The only con i find is with the line lay until i add a shim.

[@aaronhiggs]

Have you ever felt flex in the stem of the reel? I had one and it was awful; but this was a first run Fuego.

[@bentleylewis558]

@@aaronhiggs No they are pretty good..

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

What rod length and reel size is best to start inshore fishing with? (Located in southern ca)

[@qicknick]

I would like to know, as well. I'm also in So Cal wondering the same.

[@dewdog]

I fish SD bay using 7' med spinning and med/heavy casting. Both fast tip. Reels are 2500 spinning and 150 casting. No problem bringing in bay bass, med size halibut, and the occasional corbina

[@johnvilla5132]

What would be the best size vanford for bass fishing

[@ROZDAB]

Depends on what technique of bass fishing you’re doing. But any reel between 1000-3000 is fine for bass fishing. Amount of line and strength of reel are two big factors when upsizing a reel. The smaller the reel the easier to fish all day. Lighter gear is more fun to feel the fish fight. The 2000-2500 is a good middle ground for bass fishing for Shimano vanford spinning reel. It’s really a lot of what your prefer. I fish 1000-3000 for fresh and salt water inshore. 5000-8000 for surf fishing and off shore salt water.

[@em1860]

@@ROZDAB where does the 4000 fit in to have a place? Possibly both?

[@syi2049]

can i get away with a 2500 for inshore backbay fishing for blue fish and stripers?

[@alanjohnson8396]

A question please Luke and I’ll open it as well to your viewers here. You mentioned line retrieve speed. For this style fishing is their a downside to using a higher speed Fuego reel vs the standard retrieve speed version? I’m considering the 2500 XH. Thanks

[@SETSO-4L]

I have the Fuego LT 2500XH and the retrieve rate is a bit too fast for normal jigging and cranking for bass. A 5:2:1 or 5:3:1 ratio is better IMO for day to day fishing and I’d suggest the regular 2500 imo.

[@alanjohnson8396]

@@SETSO-4L Thank you and I'll heed your advice.

[@SETSO-4L]

@@alanjohnson8396 Cheers 🍻 and yeah I’m only going after the D series of them now after using the XH. I just prefer regular jigging, drop shots and crank baiting. Picking up a Fuego LT 1000D for a new UL setup today that way when Fall hits I’ll be ready for trout fishing.

[@pollybanasjr2633]

Its a very nice sir..

[@dcm4692]

What are the specs on those rods? Thanks!

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@slougo5909]

Could you possibly do a video on differences of the Daiwa BG 2500 vs BG 3000 ? I have a BG 3000 and was wondering if I should get a BG 2500 or another 3000. I fish freshwater and I Love my 3000.

[@slougo5909]

I'm using 8# j-braid on the 3000 w/10# leader. Don't see Anything on 6# or 8# braid...at all.

[@kylemulley1080]

@@slougo5909 Cortland master braid is made in 8ib and I prefer cortland over power pro little bit more pricey but it’s worth it

[@JimmySeahawk]

The 2500 and 3000 are the same other than spool size. Specs can be found on the Daiwa website. I used the BG 2500 this summer and loved it. Smooth drag, fast retrieve, and very lightweight

[@slougo5909]

Thanks, I Really like the Daiwa J-Braid

[@thegallantsaint2034]

What rod are you using?

[@Saltstrong]

It is a TFO Professional Series Spinning Rod, you can find that here: fishstrong.com/products/tfo-pro-professional-spinning-rods?variant=40649101967534

[@thegallantsaint2034]

@@Saltstrong thanks!

[@thegallantsaint2034]

@@Saltstrong I ask because I like full length cork grips. Personally I dislike split grips.

[@mistermatsuda]

Cruising the flats where I live (Hawaii) is not whether to use a 1000 vs. 3000 but 4000 vs. 5000 or even 6000. We have large Bonefish and GTs here so 20# braid is a minimum, 30# with a 5000 is more like it. We do have some reefy spots in the flats here. I still use the popular inshore rods but M to MH power is the preference.

[@pakde8002]

When do we get to make an assessment of the fisherman 😂😂😂

[@redrumraiders2970]

You may not realize. Luke Simonds and his brother quit their jobs to help people become better fisherman or help them find good equipment. I think he’s eligible enough to give this assessment

[@lvsaltwater]

If everything is the same ,, more or less ,, I guess it would come down to price and if the angler is trying to save a few $$$ if the price is the same ,, buy the 3000 jmo

[@pakde8002]

The price break between a 1000 and 3000 is negligible. The main difference for me would be weight and versatility. A 1000 is only going to carry you so far but a 3000 can handle bigger fish.

[@dillonatkins3780]

This guy is the john wick of fishing 🤙🏻

[@rosswatkins2277]

Are baitcaster not a thing in your area

[@over1498]

This channel has a good "vs" video for saltwater inshore. Conclusion was that spinning reels are generally better for it. Obviously depends on a lot of things including preference!

[@stonejr74]

Why are the reels so loud when you're reeling a fish in?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@gleamtarrest6310]

That is braid fishing line making that noise...

[@cerebraltackle]

Well, this is kind of a mute experiment, isn't it? Anyone should know that the larger reel will hold more of the same sized line with less issues. Depending on the rod and the size line it is rated for will determine casting distance. When taking into consideration the reel, line and rod - the reel is only 1/3 of a properly balanced equation. The only real "comparison" is in contrast to what the intended use (species, method, depth etc) is for. This kind of apples to oranges although it may not appear to be on the surface.

[@jimcarrey7006]

Why won't you just say it Luke. The 4000 is better. Lol