2022 SHIMANO Soare XR and the Vanford Family

Vanford review: • 2020 Vanford vs. Vanqu...
Complex XR review: • 2021 SHIMANO Complex X...
Sticky XR drag: • 2021 Shimano Complex X...
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[@hangingwithdrina]

Loving the new production! Keep up the great reviews as always. Your opinions always helps me decide on my next fishing equipment.

[@davidcloyd1296]

Good, honest review. I’m loving my Daiwa Regal & appreciate your help in deciding to purchase it.

[@ifishcatfish]

best value on market

[@Exceler376]

Another solid review--well done Victor! As you have done before, you make a good point about felt rather than carbon washers being more appropriate for ultralight fishing.

[@ifishcatfish]

Hi Mr. Alan

[@Exceler376]

@@ifishcatfish Hi Victor, keep up the good work!

[@jeroenvanzanten6668]

Getting close to the 10000 fans. Thank for an other sobering review, talking about esthetics new Soare RX + new Presso reel combo.

[@ifishcatfish]

good options

[@LilDino808]

Great video, I personally prefer the soare since I use it for saltwater fishing as well as fresh. Like you said it’s all personal preference. Keep the videos coming. I can’t wait for the soare xr 8’0 UL + to come in stock so I can order one lol.

[@ifishcatfish]

it was in stock the other day. I put link in my community page - go check it out. But i doubt its still available

[@primaprasetio7442]

After watching your video I bought vanford for my trout one AS XUL and it matches the color. Thanks a lot for your suggestions ❤

[@ifishcatfish]

Glad my videos are not useless :)

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Simple to the facts review! Yep I matched a Complex XR 2500 with a Shimano 7’6 M Poison Adrena. So I was going for matching! BTW perhaps you’ll have something to try one of those reels on Thursday! Thanks for the review

[@ifishcatfish]

I will have a Stella and Exist for that rod..

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

@@ifishcatfish 👍 know you have a fine selection of reels to see what balances nicely! Pretty sure it’s your favorite spinning reel!

[@fishingwiththeks]

super helpful. thanks

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

Great video! I didn't know that many variations in the family. I opted for the Vanford 2500 on my Legend elite panfish, as it balances everything nearly perfect. Plus if I decide to use the reel one a heavier rod it is more capable than the 1000/2000 size. Tried the combo over the last couple of days with over 40 fish caught from tiny bluegill to a few around 9 inches , and have to say it's my favorite combo now. I plan on this being my go to panfish setup, so I ended up giving my father my St. Croix Avid 7' UL with Stradic Ci4 1000.

[@ifishcatfish]

cool. I have a 2500 stella on the LEP now and it doesn't seem to mind it

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

@@ifishcatfish I would love to get the new Stella. I watched the video you did on the unboxing and wonder if the c2500s model is the same as the 1000FK US sold model? From the specs it appears they label the differently on JDM model. Great reel by whatever number the give it.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@percussionalobsecration6178 well u never have different models for the same reel - i promise you that. Regardless of which country the model is designated for. I don't know all models but they are all different, if ever so slightly.

[@zl251]

Comparing between soare BB and vanford, I will go for vanford after watching your video, thank you for your advice!!!

[@ifishcatfish]

Soare BB < Soare XR. But Vanford is better either way.

[@zl251]

@@ifishcatfish Yes, as you said, the Vanford is even better than Soare XR, there is no need to consider Soare BB now. Thank you for your video, it is really useful!

[@troycote4503]

I would love to try that little set up for smallies! I honestly over the last 4 years went in the opposite direction. 7 and a half to 8 foot Swimbait set ups for throwing 7 to 19 inch baits. I haven't thrown a spinning reel in a couple years and I want to get a new 2500 size reel and a 7 ft medium action rod for dropshots and Ned rugs. I spend most of my money on custom Swimbaits and don't have a huge budget. I want to spend no more than 200 bucks. I'm thinking legalism and putting more money in the rod. Maybe a zodiac.

[@ifishcatfish]

Legalis is great

[@Jay-Dawg-Fishing144]

Awesome video my friend. Where do you specifically buy your felt washers at?

[@ifishcatfish]

Hedgehog Studios, or directly from Shimano. From Shimano USA u have to order the felt washer for the Vanford, as they don't sell parts for the Soare XR

[@statybupjuvis8231]

Thank you :)

[@ifishcatfish]

yourWelcome!

[@tonykomer2997]

What about the Soare XR 500 SPG. It's easily the lightest. What are the differences in specs on the 500 vs the larger reels? Usually there are differences because of the limited size. Personally I will always take bearings over bushings all things being equal. For the drag I would swap out and just get felt to fit. But your point is well made as at the drag force used in finesse felt is the way to go. At tge very leade make sure to fully grease that carbon washer.

[@ifishcatfish]

usually the difference is that instead of oscillation worm they have locomotive gear, to make it fit in a small reel. But bearings and gears are the same. Thats an assumption... i have not looked at that reel, didn't know it existed. Some people like the carbon drag as they don't like to listen to drag... its not necessarily disadvantage

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

Do you feel the Twin power FD is worth the added cost over the Vanford? Looking at the 1000 FD for ultralight as the stella is more than I wish to spend.

[@ifishcatfish]

the twin power is much heavier since it has aluminum body. You need to know if your rod will feel good with that reel. If weight is OK, you may as well buy the Ultegra, which feels amazing

[@dexterrobinson4065]

I just saw this video posted, and why does it feel like Hanukkah in May?! I’m very happy with this production 🥳 I like the Complex over the Vanford, but that may be because it costed more lol. Could the carbon washers be swapped for felt in the XR models for ultralight applications?

[@ifishcatfish]

yes, but you need two of them to get the same thickness as the carbon washer. Thickness is important otherwise the washer on top can't put enough pressure. I like the complex XR a lot - very pretty. I did say that my #1 recommendation is match your colors : )

[@dexterrobinson4065]

i_fish Victor you see someone scamming in your comments?

[@ifishcatfish]

@@dexterrobinson4065 i blocked it already. Im surprised someone targeting with scambots my small channel..

[@danmeushar4485]

Tnx for your content! I use my vanford c2500shg for light and ul saltwater fishing, what do you think about that?

[@ifishcatfish]

great

[@theslowserious9974]

Oohhh yeah! Make it Rain!!

[@imthebestthingsinceslicedr5400]

Customer: This reel is not the same as my other Shimano blah blah blah Shimano: ok we will release you a different looking reel. Internals are the same but more bearings that dont matter Customer: This new reel is great! Best reel than the reel I compared it to.

[@ifishcatfish]

: )

[@imthebestthingsinceslicedr5400]

@@ifishcatfish btw thanks to reviews like this, you saved me a ton of money since now I look at reels based on the components. Which now I understand why you dont bother to buy the most expensive ones out there. Yeah they are nice but like what you say, do you really need those features? Awesome content as always Victor

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

One thing you skipped over is the fact that all 3 reels come in different configurations , spool sizes etc. this is another reason you may pick one over another.

[@ifishcatfish]

Valid.

[@user-hg2hx8cf8f]

Shimano complex xr I like ❤❤❤

[@G3Steve]

Can the soare drag be switched with a felt washer and get the same performance as the Vanford?

[@ifishcatfish]

you need to put two felt washers instead of 1, to get the same thickness as the carbon washer. Even then its not 100% the same, but its good enough.

[@filipgronowski8385]

Hey, nice comparison! How about Sustain FJ, are you going to do a video about that reel?

[@ifishcatfish]

i dont think so, because it doesn't come in ultralight sizes. I don't need bass reels, and even if someone sends me one, i dont know how to test it.

[@filipgronowski8385]

@@ifishcatfish thanks, I had that reel for a while, seemed smooth, and looks cool.

[@daffamaulana6794]

@@filipgronowski8385 do you like it

[@filipgronowski8385]

​@@daffamaulana6794 It was okay, but I dont know if Its worth it. Its something beetwen vanford and stradic.

[@highthai7]

​@@ifishcatfishtime to become a man and fish for Bass.

[@ericskmsn]

I saw your comment about having a noisy vanford or soare that you were able to fix? Can you share what you did? I have a vanford and a soare and the soare just feels and sound clunky and vibrates and has a humming noise when spun faster(kind of like a bad wheel bearing on the car). I actually wondering if it's bad quality bearings or why is there such a big variation in quality of their $200-250 reels. I'm very disappointed in the soare reel as i bought it to match the soare XR rod but it's not matched on terms of quality with the rod.

[@ifishcatfish]

the vanford family is very hit and miss.. I have two complex XR and one of them feel like a Stella and the other like crap. There is no obvious defect when u open the reel. Some part is just slightly out of spec and makes noise. The more you fish it the better it will get, but takes a long time. If the reel is brand you you should return it. Daiwa Luvias actually looks very nice on that rod too, and Luvias is 100% reliable. Also the new Airity is very reliable too ..

[@ericskmsn]

@@ifishcatfish Thank you for getting back. Does the vanquish match well with the soare XR rod? For some reasons i just hate the idea of having a Shimano rod with a Daiwa reel, i know it's stupid but i always kept the Daiwa reels with Daiwa rods same with Shimano.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@ericskmsn mm color wont match but its not that big a deal. Daiwa and shimano mix great. I enjoy doing it as long as color and balance match

[@frixossavva]

I'm wondering if the spool from vanford is compatible on xr?? Thanks

[@ifishcatfish]

how could it be not if its the same reel?

[@alencetkovic4593]

Are you going to do video about shimano sephia xr ?

[@ifishcatfish]

no, not gona be getting that

[@Henry-xh8ec]

Good comparison. I agree, the Vanford is the best deal but the ugliest. The Complex xr is the best looking. I have three Vanfords and all three are equally as smooth. I have one Complex xr, and it's not as smooth as the Vanfords. Haven't picked up a Soare yet. May pick up another Complex xr instead in the near future. But then again, I have way too many reels already.

[@ifishcatfish]

The colors on the 3 reels are so different, that depending on what rod you are gona put them on, only one of them will fit. I've bought 2 Vanfords 1 Complex XR and 2 Soare XR, and the quality is all over the place. Most of them i have been able to fix, but this last one is just too loud for me after all i did, and i may sell it..

[@4filiro]

Hello , if i d like to change the 2000ss xr carbon drag washers with plain type , can you suggest what specific type i m looking for ? Tia

[@ifishcatfish]

with the vanford felt

[@ifishcatfish]

i thought u watched the video, since u comment on it

[@4filiro]

@@ifishcatfish yes and several times but memory grow and becomes salad...

[@user-fm4vi3uf7s]

Thanks for your video. Can you tell me wish drag washer i have to buy for the saore xr C2000 SS PG?

[@ifishcatfish]

search hedgehogstudio.com (japan). Its very cheap but shipping is expensive. But maybe u can also buy grease and other things there

[@user-fm4vi3uf7s]

@@ifishcatfish and they sent me a carbon one not a felt as i choose sh-07

[@ifishcatfish]

i bought these from there many years ago, i really don't remember what model, but i have only bought felt from there and nowhere else. If you email them they will tell you which one it is. Also i made a video about it. I think i put the model in the video. I really don't remember, im sorry, many years ago. I need to buy a bunch of these things and sell them on my own website. People will pay 3 extra dollars to know which is which : )😆

[@user-fm4vi3uf7s]

@@ifishcatfish the felt washer for the 1000er vanquish is the right one.

[@gleamtarrest6310]

What is the difference between Soare XR & BB models? The BB models are quite a bit cheaper!

[@ifishcatfish]

soare BB is NOT a soare at all. It is Ultegra, i think

[@gleamtarrest6310]

@ifishcatfish Hmmm, if it is an Ultegra it is better looking than the regular Ultegra..

[@ifishcatfish]

right. but not soare. frame is plastic vs carbon, but other differences too

[@kookiekookie8105]

I got all 3 in size 2000 and it really boils down how good is your sample. Ignoring the drag washer, my Soare copy is just perfect - quiet, smooth, tight. Next, is the complex...close to the Soare but not as good. The worst is the Vanford. A bit loose and loud. But the differences are minor, very minor. They're all pretty much identical minus the drag wash which is easy to replace.

[@ifishcatfish]

this is a misleading comparison. I have 2 Complex XR and one is awesome and one is very loud, and will probably sell. I also have two Vanfords and one is awesome and the other one was initially scratchy but i made it awesome too. It is the same reel and it just depends on your luck of the draw. But i will agree that Shimano has too much variance in a $250 reel

[@kookiekookie8105]

misleading in what way? All three have the same frame, guts, materials etc, etc. The differences are the paint job, handle, extra bearings and drag washers. I don't think the soare or complex are worth that much more over base vanford. I'm not saying one is better than the other - I simply said which reel I own 'feels' better. It still a luck of a draw at the end. For me it boils down to just the paint job and colour when it comes to the vanford family reels. I'll be getting another soare reel in higher gear ratio (and a handful of felt washers) just because it matches my soare rods.

[@ifishcatfish]

Misleading because it appears to suggest that if you buy the Soare you will get a Vanford. My last soare is absolutely the worst Vanford I have ever bought. I can sell it to you for $200 + shipping if you are from United States, but it is very noisy. It is indeed about dumb luck what reel u gona get, and doesn't depend on model. I met a guy on the lake one day, and he had a Vanford and I tried it, and it was just perfectly smooth. It is unfortunate that Shimano has such variance on these reels. They should all be the same..

[@ownvideofootage]

Uhh musical end... Fansy!

[@ifishcatfish]

i gota add some fancy! : )

[@jojobunny6540]

Got the XR and i missed my screamin drag

[@ifishcatfish]

what reel are u comparing the XR to?

[@jojobunny6540]

@@ifishcatfish Tuned Fuego LT and Ryobi Ultra Power

[@Anglermania1010]

I like videos fren..

[@ifishcatfish]

thank you

[@elcoach8931]

Gearing is another thing

[@ifishcatfish]

what about the gearing?

[@elcoach8931]

@@ifishcatfish the soare is better fitted for slower retrieve lower gear but thats wat I heard in my fishing i never cared for gearing but did find out it can have massive impact to have HG or Low G and still in discovery how this works 🤔

[@ifishcatfish]

@@elcoach8931 the Soare, just like the Vanford, has both low gear ratio and high gear ratio models.. Enjoy the journey! : )

[@Evenaardez]

Color > performance

[@ifishcatfish]

plus 1 from me

[@raymondjohnson6496]

I went to Bass Pro Shop the other day and I picked up the vanford it it failed so cheap it’s not worth the money they are asking for it it be worth around $59.98 now the Johnny Morris reel cost $119.98 it worth every penny the vanford it’s not SORRY

[@ifishcatfish]

I know what you mean about Bass Pro - every reel they have at the counter feels like crap. I don't think they should let people even try these expensive reels. First of all the reels quickly get destroyed and now you have bad inventory. Second of all, then people like you go and try an already destroyed reel and get the wrong impression. The Johnny Morris reels is a white painted daiwa exceller from 2015, from before the LT generation of reels came out. It has nice gears but its heavy and too much resistance and inertia .

[@ecksdog]

I’ll never understand how someone could have thought that black and red would make a good reel color.

[@ifishcatfish]

I share that sentiment but when i got the eradicator rod then i dont mind it :)

[@Indiscriminance]

Color matching to decide what to buy??? Lost me there. That's why you build your own rods.

[@ifishcatfish]

After i read 'Lost me there' i thought you were just a prick. But then i finished reading and i have to change my evaluation: you are not a prick, you are just stupid.. You say you don't approve of color matching reels, and then you immediately follow this up with 'thats why you build your own rods'. There is a logical conflict there, but you can't see it.