2024 Shimano Vanford FA Review | Compare vs. 2020 Vanford

[@shermanou1337]

In terms of the noise, this is a common issue with Shimano’s bearings. It is always quiet at the beginning and it starts to get noise after the layer of new grease thin out. However, if you notice the new vanford spool got cut cost. The original one had type 3 anodizing and the new one has type 1, maybe 2, significantly decreased its durability. And the 2500s model you got there has a plastic sleeve drag housing instead of aluminium from the old model. Once you disassemble it, you will notice Shimano downgraded some of the materials for nut and screws such as the rotor nut (it was same grade as twin power, now it is cheap grade aluminum). On the old model, it had a stainless steel retaining collar to press the bearing and rubber gasket down with even pressure, and Shimano ditched the retaining collar in the new model. I also noticed the new model has smaller bearings compare to the original one. Drag washer is like performance tires, smoother always wears out quicker, and the are 99 cents on Shimano website, so…. Shimano tell you a lot of good things, but in real world is all about making profit and keep the company going.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Great info on the details! You must be the type of guy that disassemble every new reel you get. I wouldn't be surprised to see any downgrade since the new Vanford retail price is the same as the old one. I used to disassemble reels all the time but don't have time now. I have to say they put in a lot of effort on marketing so called features and technology.... I remember the new SLX A reel is basically an old SLX with an addition of an o ring and they slapped the "Silent tune" label and people still go crazy over it.... the new Daiwa exceler feels just as smooth as the Vanford with a much simpler internal gear train system... I guess my observation over the years is marketing and how the reel looks are key factors to get people buy... only a few people would dig in the mechanical facts. Thanks for your comment!

[@PacSalt_TeachMetoFish]

@@shermanou1337 that makes me feel better about my 2020 Vanford! Thanks for the info!

[@elilanners2367]

I’m deciding between the two are you saying that the vanford is more durable than the vanford fa?

[@PacSalt_TeachMetoFish]

@@shermanou1337 will the duracross drag washers fit on the old version of the same size?

[@shermanou1337]

@@PacSalt_TeachMetoFishyou can upgrade to carbon drag by ordering stradicFL or last gen vanford 3000 size and up. The bottom piece has a different parts number, which is 1mm more material. Which makes no difference. I downgraded all my vanford and Stradic to felt drag because felt drag feels significantly better than carbon.

[@andrewdelk9876]

Very in depth thanks for filling the gap in this new reels release

[@TTangOutdoors]

No problem glad to fill the gap!

[@markdunbar8219]

Ordered a vanford a week ago along with a sgs5 savage gear rod they are waiting for the vanford to be delivered 🙄 can’t wait.got the rod it’s AWSOME.great review 👍🏻 greetings from the Uk Cornwall 🇬🇧😁I’ll be using it for spinning bass from the rocks in Cornwall and also in Brittany France 😁

[@TTangOutdoors]

Your gonna love it I think especially for bass lure fishing. Super smooth quiet and easy to stop and go.

[@valentinloghin4004]

The best reel for money , period !!

[@deimantaskriauza5260]

Vanquish best

[@vhaanlen1]

Awesome video and really timely very early so thank you for putting together. Something so helpful.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Thank you! I was lucky to get a couple new Vanford.

[@SenseiDecay]

I have the older vanford and the first one I got I took back because of some gear noise and the second one I got has none. I've seen online that this is a pretty common issue with some of the vanford reels. Honestly think the style of the old spool is a lot nicer looking too. Good review, always happy when im not tempted to dish out more money for new gear, haha.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Great comment man! Sounds like the first gen Vanford had some quality control issues. My 1000 size vanford doesn't make that noise but I've read lots of comment about Vanford being smooth but having noise. For sure I think the old Vanford has a more aggressive looking spool they both look pretty cool I think. I guess you have passed the test of temptation on this one! Good for ya. The reel addiction can be crazy for some people hehe.

[@quang4055]

Fantastic review, I’ve been using the first gen Vanford 2500 for 3 years now and have caught multiple snook and redfish over 30 inches here in Florida while wade fishing. This reel has held up to saltwater really well and Im hoping the new version is the same quality with better technology

[@TTangOutdoors]

That's great to know! There's been reports saying the Ci4+ body material flexes when fighting really big fish. Have you experienced that? The new Vanford will be more refined and better drag

[@quang4055]

@@TTangOutdoors definitely, when I’m fishing heavy structures like dock pilings or jetty I have to use heavy drag to muscle them out and I can feel the reel flexing for sure. Sometimes the reel bail feels like it’s being pushed open about 10% when the drag is engaged at heavy power. Other than that the reel is still smooth after all these years and I haven’t had any other issues.

[@TTangOutdoors]

I see I see. I'm sure the Vanford can do it all but the Stradic being an aluminum body reel is probably a better reel for salt water bigger fish. I do love how light the Vanford is compared to everything else.

[@vhaanlen1]

Hey, I received both reels today. I tested them side by side to see if I could tell a difference. Here’s what I noticed. The spool moves slower and perhaps that helps the line lay better. Can’t say for sure. The rotor is noticeably lighter. The start and specifically stop does appear a little easier. There is definitely slightly more noise from the prior Vanford. Both are pretty negligible.

[@TTangOutdoors]

What are the sizes and gear ratio of the 2 Vanford you compared?

[@vhaanlen1]

Both 2500

[@TTangOutdoors]

My 2 Vanfords in the video has the exact same spool oscillation speed. I didn't take off the rotorft on compare the weight but the pickup feels equally as light

[@PacSalt_TeachMetoFish]

Best review of the 2024 Vanford, your explanation of the Infinity cross makes sense.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Killoer]

Just bought the 2024 one; first reel that's mid range, so I hope it is well worth it~ Heard a lot of good things for vanford, and was willing to splurge on a Stella; but decided to go more budget friendly option

[@TTangOutdoors]

It's probably the best value over money mid tier shimano. It's just released and we don't know much about user experience so we will see. It should be a pleasant experience for you hopefully!

[@suimengher]

I have 2 of the jdm 2500 shg from japan, took them out and i do have to say, i love the feeling of the reel alot better than the 1st gen vanford. 1st gen still awesome. Pairing with the new adrena B soon. Have the new reel on the expride b rod.

[@TTangOutdoors]

I agree. New vanford feels better. Not lighter or easier to start up but I think the improvement will be felt over time of use.

[@DEVILDOG3334]

Would you say the 2500 good for ultra light or

[@TTangOutdoors]

Yes 2500 Vanford is good for ultralight the bigger the spool diameter the easier for casting and line management.

[@ViktorCosta-n2p]

i found the older one for 1999 swedish krona and the new one is 2799 swedish krone in other words that a 70 dollar difference. should i go for the new one of the old one. is there going to be a 70 dollar difference in preformance? now i do like the look of the new vanford much more

[@TTangOutdoors]

That's interesting. Market suggested price for both new and old are the same price. If you can get the old one for 70 dollar cheaper then I say that's a win. Definitely worth it.

[@ViktorCosta-n2p]

@@TTangOutdoors i think the market here in sweden is different because almost all stores have the 2020 vanford at around 200 dollars and the new one at 270-280

[@marcelfishing]

I just got mine yesterday,c2000s model but I’m not very happy because I can hear that grinding noise! 😖

[@TTangOutdoors]

There's definitely a decent improvement on the grinding noise from the 2020 model but yeah it's still there...

[@marcelfishing]

There's another thing,the line Roller on mine was not spinning very well so I get rid of the grease and use oil,be extremely careful tightening the screw,mine snapped without even putting pressure!!!! They using different screws now but they are absolutely shit!

[@reyshinryu101]

Old vanford 1k n 2k size got problem where even the new reel got grinding feeling. Dunno what it is.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Yep same with the one one in this video it's brand new never used. Smooth but grinding sound. 24 Vanford improved on that issue

[@reyshinryu101]

@@TTangOutdoors but i love the old vanford spool looks 😭

[@jasonjenkyns5083]

Greetings from Nova Scotia friend.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Hey fellow Canadian! Greetings from Saskatchewan

[@EricB.1]

On the newer 2024 model is it more comfortable in hand? The older version my middle finger would be sore after casting for a few hours right near my knuckle.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Comfortable for me and that really depends on your hand and everyone has different hand size

[@EricB.1]

@@TTangOutdoors The original ci4 was very comfortable but the 2020 vanford the foot seemed to have less space much more of a bend coming off the foot to reel which caused the problem for me

[@TTangOutdoors]

Less room around the reel seat can cause discomfort for bigger hands for sure. I don't have huge hands. I can't palm a basketball.

[@EricB.1]

@@TTangOutdoors strangely enough I don’t have very large hands maybe big knuckles ha

[@fernfolch]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@TTangOutdoors]

Thank you so much!

[@SippanonSanguanwongwattana]

Compare to old model,worth to upgrade?

[@TTangOutdoors]

Yes it's worth it!

[@4Paok4Eptalofos]

I have the first Gen vanford 2020 model with upgraded bearing's instead of the plastic ones. New vandord also have these plastic parts inside. I also changed the drag with carbon brakes and new line roller from gomexus. I am using this reel for saltwater finesse fishing and i have no complains.I have already order the new one 2000SHG model just for the new tech.I hope it be better in all aspects.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Just pay attention to the bushing around the main shaft under the spool. It's part of the infinite drive feature that it wouldn't work if replaced with a bearing. Since the maintain only oscillates without any rotational movement, bearing is pointless.

[@4Paok4Eptalofos]

@@TTangOutdoors you mean the first bushing under the spool or the second one were you have to unscrew the big nut;

[@TTangOutdoors]

@@4Paok4Eptalofos it would the under the rotar after you unscrew the big nut

[@4Paok4Eptalofos]

@@TTangOutdoors there is a brushless bushing inside that Nut with a rubber o-ring around you mean this one or the one around the main shaft under the spool? ☺️

[@TTangOutdoors]

@4Paok4Eptalofos I gotta go back and see it. Don't have the reel with me right now

[@toekneeee]

Is the 2500 and 3000 same spool size?

[@TTangOutdoors]

Should be different

[@jfudd1288]

What’s better this or the exsence xr

[@TTangOutdoors]

2024 Vanford

[@yotamstaal8690]

Are you not concerned about AliExpress shimano reels being fake ?

[@TTangOutdoors]

There is no fake shimano reels. I've purchased hundreds of fishing tackle from Aliexpress. There are replica but they dont claim to be shimano. Replica are super obvious to tell.

[@joshualabelle8109]

is the new vandord gonna get an 1000? I do trout fishing

[@TTangOutdoors]

Nope no more 1000 but there's 2000 size in North America which is essentially a 1000 body with a slightly bigger spool. Also Shimano Japan offers C2000S size which is even closer to 1000 and that shallow spool will benefit for your trout fishing I assume you use thin line and close distance casting finesse fishing.

[@joshualabelle8109]

@@TTangOutdoors wow that’s very interesting, yes i do finesse fishing I might end up getting it if it can do what i need

[@SamuelHernandez-m5m]

What are you going to do since theirs no more 1000 ? Because I was looking for it too but it seems they’re not making it also can’t you just get the 500? it can still be used for trout correct me if I’m wrong?

[@TTangOutdoors]

@@SamuelHernandez-m5m never get 500 size Vanford. You lose so much technology that the 1000 size up carry. It's a waste of money

[@SamuelHernandez-m5m]

@@TTangOutdoors sorry but what do you mean? I’m getting into fishing and after doing some research I wanted to buy the Vanford fa 1000 but since you said their isn’t a 1000 I was thinking a 500 but now your saying I shouldn’t so what should I do ? I saw that you recommended the guy a 2000 in North America I don’t know what that’s supposed to mean if I’m being honest but while I was doing research I saw that that’s too big for trout so I don’t know what to do. I was really looking forward to buying the Vanford fa 1000 but it’s not available maybe you can recommend me something ? If it helps I want a really good fishing reel one that compared to the Vanford fa but i don’t know any I know I typed a lot but can you answer my questions it’d really help a lot if you don’t though it’s okay thank you

[@jepuncaster95]

the drag of vanford who are the best sound? 20 or 24?

[@threesixasrael7554]

The 2028 is the best you better wait

[@TTangOutdoors]

Same I would say... not much difference. The clicking mechanism is the same.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Lol

[@jepuncaster95]

@@TTangOutdoors tq

[@jepuncaster95]

@@threesixasrael7554 🇵🇸

[@oncuulas]

not for the saltwater i have 3000 low gear Vanford 2024 god what a dissapointment.unstable cant even reel 10 gram lures properly that reel bends my friend dont buy

[@TTangOutdoors]

Can't reel 10 gram lure probably? That's hard to believe...

[@oncuulas]

Yes, I never thought it would be like this when I bought it. Sure, it's suitable for finesse fishing, but if it can't retrieve a 10-gram lure properly, there must be an issue. After my old trusty Stradic CI4, it's a huge disappointment. Also, the nob feels excessively long to me.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Supposed to be the same Ci4+ body material tho. And I think the handle knob size is the same as the Vanford

[@oncuulas]

@@TTangOutdoors no stradic has aliminum frame vanford is just plastic

[@TTangOutdoors]

I thought you meant Stradic Ci4+ right? That reel has the same graphite or carbon composite body as the Vanford