BUYERS BEWARE?! 2024 Shimano Vanford: An Honest 3 Months Review

[@declan5184]

Disassemble them both and you will see there's a big difference in the main gears. The 2024 has the bigger teeth gearing that it shares with the older CI4+ whereas the 2020 Vanford has Shimano's micromodule gears. Smaller teeth, less friction, less contact. i_fish did a great video on this so I must credit him.

[@vensroofcat6415]

Thank you, this explains. Mine 24 is certainly not as smooth as my 1st gen Vanford. Whatever the reason. I was blaming Shimano QA and bad luck. So it's by design.

[@watchman316ly]

They tried to copy Daiwa, but failed???

[@JuggingNjiggingTv]

They both have micromodule gears

[@danielwutfisho]

Even the 23 Shimano Vanquish, a 700$ reel has some gear feel to it. It's the downside to increasing gear tooth size. But the Stella is the smoothest reel in the world with this enlarged teeth. Interesting isn't it..

[@davidvanmaanen-icperch2797]

@@danielwutfishothe lighter the material, the more sound is hearable…

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

I have a 20 Vanford 1000 and just got in today a new 22 Stella 3000 dual handle. My Vanford has been smooth and reliable, no drama and no noise really. The Stella is not even on a rod yet, but feels like KY jelly in the hands!!! Yes, it is that smooth. I can't wait to actually catch fish with it.

[@BassniperEng]

LOL when I see KY jelly, first thing came to mind was sticky rather than smooth~~congrats! I'm sure you will love it. I got mine 2022, fished with it for a few hundred of fish, love it so much and got another one.

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

@@BassniperEng That's a good point, it does get sticky if it dries out. I plan to keep this reel clean and lubed as needed, "shouldn't dry out and get sticky"

[@AuBa-s2m]

I've got both Vanford and Twin Power. In the sense of smoothness Twin Power is much better. Vanford is a good reel for light and ultralight in my opinion. I caught an 8+ kilo fish with Shimano Vanford c3000 .... Not an issue at all -still works like new, but Twin Power...is one of the best I own. Nice review.Thumb up.

[@Toey69]

I picked up this vanford 2500hg 24 to pair with the zodias. So far so good,trout fishing in heavy current. I hope I can overload / stress test it before your next report video so I can leave another comment on your channel. Hopefully a positive one. Great channel with interesting content thank you.

[@BassniperEng]

I tested on river smallmouth, it did OK. What I really should do is to catch some wipers... they did some damage to the Vanquish, will be a great test for the Vanford.

[@kurtsnyder1164]

I’ll just stick with my Shimano Ci4! Looks better and is still performing beautifully after all these years! Never felt Vanford was a real upgrade!

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

American legacy had a few, but they sold out fast. Used section btw.

[@NobbeLiszt]

I just love all my Shimano Ci4 ! Much more reel , than any Vanford

[@yutongwu4585]

Hey mate, I used my 24 Vanford C2000S for red fin perch and trout fishing here in New Zealand, I have landed more than 200 perch and a few decent brown trout (double digit) with it till today, I do find the grinding noise developed after days on the water, and it is quite funny that all my previous version vanfords (1000F, 2500HG, and C5000XG) does not have any problems at all, even some of them are used in saltwater for most of the time. Great video anyway, very honest and detailed review!

[@BassniperEng]

Thanks for sharing and man those Newzealand trout could be monstrous. I believe it was the new "water repellant" grease Shimano use. The 24 Twinpower had the same issue.

[@mikecamalier2653]

Great information. Glad you're back. Bassmd

[@BassniperEng]

Sorry for the long radio silence, work and fishing got me good :-)

[@Sebbxor]

Thank you for the insightful information. I was actually thinking of buying this but maybe it's more worth buying Daiwa. What reels from Daiwa would you put over the Vanford FA at the same budget?

[@BassniperEng]

LOL for spinning reels I stay with Shimano. But Daiwa spinning reels may have improved a lot over the years. Personally I prefer durable spinning reels like Twinpower and Stradic, Stella.

[@johnthemachine]

I chased reels and reel tech for over a decade, I have boxes upon boxes of state-of-the-art reels that I used for 6 months and never again. I got so exhausted chasing reels in this 2-year product cycle that I quit. Modern reels are needlessly overcomplicated (I can’t service magseal myself) and they’re designed to fail (planned obsolescence). I now exclusively use reissue Abu Cardinal 3s & vintage 33s. The Abus have worm drive, 5.1/5.9 ratios, metal frame, 15-20 parts total, they’re beautifully simple sturdy and reliable. Cardinals have like 5 parts that could ever possibly fail (springs, plastics), and although most 40 year old examples still function perfectly, any broken part can be easily sourced and replaced due to the prevalence of reissues on the market and custom parts vendors that specialize in Abu Cardinals. You can customize them to a point that they become unrecognizable, all with perfect modern functionality. I’m never going back to chasing Shimano & Daiwa, they can keep their gimmicks and super slow rotors and magseal, I don’t need any of that stuff to catch fish, none of us ever did.

[@BassniperEng]

Keep fishing simple, I like that. And for the Abu part, couldn't agree more. Honestly there are a lot of selling points for modern fishing reels that are not novel at all. Simply something Abu, Less and Heddon rolled out decades ago, then people forgot about it, then some modern MFGs dug it out and rebranded it --- like 19 mm wide "narrow spool", bait casting reel drag alarm, etc...

[@mmacionk2]

I had the same issue with Daiwa's Magseal oil, I searched some forums about it and there are some anglers that bought the magnetic oil sold directly from the manufacturer, since it its a withe label product, I bought some too and tested it, but to be honest couldn't tell a diference of using a reel with or without that oil, so I just removed it from my Caldia, even the original oil that the reel had from the beginning used to spill trought the system and get into the roller bearing making it malfunction, so I just removed it.

[@SpinnMasterTeam]

Hi, I have 3 Twinpower 4000 PG 4.4 Ratio, so far so good. I prepher low retios. I will have attention on that matter, thanks for the information. Allways nice to hear from you. Ps. Twinpower PG 2024

[@hayden5752]

my 24 vandord had the line roller bearing noise issue too

[@BassniperEng]

looks like a lot of them do...

[@donhardy456]

So far so good on my new 2500 Vanford FA after four months.

[@Boris29311]

I have changed the whole line roller assembly of Vanford 20.Placed two high quality bearings and Sic. line roller.Worth the effort,retrieving became much better.Luckily none of this issues with 23 Vanquish so far...Maybe a good idea to switch to Daiwa and replace the drag knob for SLP quick drag which I did on the new Luvias.

[@darkhorsefive0]

Haven’t seen this issue with my 2024 Vanford 2500. I’ve used it for a couple of months.

[@dimrommer2788]

Had the roller issue on the Stradic FM, swapped it 3 times.. after the third time i went back to the FL instead.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks for the information, hope you hook up with some larger fish with it soon. I have been looking at the Revoltage lineup hopefully they’ll become more available!

[@BassniperEng]

The 2nd Gen Revoltage is much better than the 1st Gen.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

@@BassniperEng Thanks for the tip!

[@kodyphillips9753]

I have the noise on the line roller as well on my 2024 vanford. I love the reel and thats my only dissapointment with it. I will try the oil and see if that fixes the sound

[@jasonjenkyns5083]

Hey Jerry, should I get a Stella or Vanquish for my Windbuster, thoughts?

[@BassniperEng]

Nice combo either way and congrats on the Windbuster :-) I'd still go with Stella. Vanquish is nice as long as they last. If you are planning to do a lot swimbait or anything that requires a lot reel involvement in presentation or need to fight fish a lot in current, Stella is the way to go.

[@pedroetayo]

It seems that Shimano has lowered the quality of its two semi-premium reels, since the Stradic 2023 and now the Vanford 2024 have noise problems (bearings) for many people.

[@BassniperEng]

I feel the same. My 23 Cardiff had gear problems 1 week out of box. I'm going to stick with their JDM models for now.

[@andrewho18]

I bought my 20 vanford when it first came out and i started to notice it making noise after 4 years. The noise only comes under load when casting and retrieving a lure, but if I keep my line and just free spin the reel it is smooth and silent. I am thinking of buying the Gomexus titanium line roller from Shopee to see if that helps.

[@BassniperEng]

That sounds like a typical roller bearing issue, either wear bearing or grits/sand etc got in. If you order the replacement bearing from Shimano the problem should go away without spending much.

[@jordanp5163]

Interesting. I had this exact same issue with my ‘24 twin power. I was very disappointed and unfortunately adding oil didn’t seem to fix the noise completely.

[@BassniperEng]

Sorry to hear, my 24 Twinpower C3000MHG had the same issue as well, after only 30 fish.

[@awilderireland]

Stop it Guys!! I will be expecting the same to show up in my 4000 PG now. 😂

[@cesarm6278]

Great in Depth review. Should Definitely do more of these 👍🏻

[@NobbeLiszt]

Hi ! Wery good video ! My Vanford has this problem !!

[@BassniperEng]

Definitely not a fluke problem unfortunately.

[@kwikflikzyakadventures3795]

My Vanford FA, I upgraded to cnc cut Carbontex Drag washers, I have never been a fan of Felt washers, all my bigger Penn reels all have carbon fibre Drag washers.

[@webster710]

I bought the 2500 hg two month ago and i have the same grinding noise,but ist quiter .

[@ariman3697]

I have been using Shimano fishing reels since 2017, as long as I use Shimano reels from the cheapest to the most expensive Shimano Stella, in my opinion there are only 2 types of Shimano which are the best in terms of quality and best price, namely Shimano Stradic and Shimano Twin Power, both water series. fresh or salt water series. Stradic and Twin power have impressed me a lot in terms of fishing at prices that are still within my reach. Thank You😅

[@BassniperEng]

Twinpower is essentially the same as Stella as far as feeling, durability and performance goes. Close my eyes I could not tell by feeling. Minor difference can be seen if opening up the gear box etc. But, minor.

[@davidwolfe7777]

Completely agree with you bud!

[@rendynyo205]

yep, same thing happened to my 2500hg grindy noise and feel after 2 weeks of normal light fishing. send the reel to maintenance shop and the noise is still there, maybe I just need to get used to it. bad purchase

[@matthewotis3594]

I was gonna get a ballistic mq but found a vanford on sale for $170. Hope im not disappointed. Love my tatula so this is surely an upgrade. Old tat. No mq.

[@seanleau]

Hi bro, did you by any chance get to try out the 2021 twinpower xd mgl series of reel? How does it compare to the vanford and vanquish? I have been hearing a lot about the new vanford is somehow of a let down. Not necessarily an updated upgrade and as you said, the roller bearing issue you have on yours, the drag clicker is a let down as well, it now hit a plastic housing instate of the spool edge and also the oveall fit and finish is not as desirable.

[@BassniperEng]

No I have not. The size was a bit too big for what I do (starts from C3000, although it is a 2500 size body). I like the concept of light rotor but sturdy the rest of the reel. If you are interested in one, I'd say wait a little bit. Shimano spinning reels are now on a 4 year update schedule. Twinpower just updated 2024 (last was 2020), XD, if they decide to continue, should update next year. Either get the new one or get the 21 XD at deep discount.

[@seanleau]

@@BassniperEng That is the plan bro! Thanks for the engagement!

[@haneef2708]

What about stradic sw 4000xg 2024

[@BassniperEng]

I have not tried the Stradic SW yet.

[@GAROmx]

What rod is that you’re using ?

[@BassniperEng]

The one at the beginning was the Jackall Gen2 Revoltage S65UL. More details and other rods paired with 24 Vanford at 10:22

[@thatonebeone]

off reel brand topic..... have you had any issues with your EXIST SF?

[@BassniperEng]

LOL for spinning reels I refuse to use Daiwa due to issues in my earlier years...Exist SF is a reel designed with feather weight and feather weight only in mind. If my memory serves me right, in the official intro Daiwa wrote something like "purposely sacrifice durability for feather-like weight".

[@thatonebeone]

@BassniperEng I see.. probably not a good idea for me to use with light salt then ? I catch mackerel and small bass , bonito, sea bass ect.. most fish under 3 pounds .. probably will not be good to use sf in the long run because I want to use one reel and rod as long as I can... maybe the stell 1000sspg would be more ideal in the long run of uses.. I'm in a pickle between the two reels.. light weight fun but might not hold up in the long run and see wear quickly on the existing SF while the stella is bit more heavy but more durable in the long run 🎣 but then again most my light salt game fish are under 2 pounds and I use the rod to reel it in most the time and I hardly use the reel to pull it in... decision decision 🎣🎣🤔 lol

[@BassniperEng]

Bonitos might be small but their run are not lol will put the Exist SF "well done"--toasted that is, by my prediction. Exsence might be worthy a look -- designed for Japanese seabass (from brackish water to harbor/jetty to light salt casting), C3000MHG weighs 180 g. I would personally prefer a larger spool diameter for salty, just because of the longer IPT (imagine a Bonito swimming toward you full speed while you cranking the handle of a 1000 Stella trying to catch up lol).

[@thatonebeone]

@@BassniperEng yeah i need a HG... our bonefish is also very fast .. i been testing all year with cheap 500/1000 size reels and they have been good with line capacity 150m ... i might have to go SF 2000 because i like to live in the danger zone most my lures are 3 to 5 grams x8 0.3 BRAID 150m will be good enough as i fish shallow waters on my kayak 10 to 40+ft deep .. last week i lost my dad reel and rod i think a bonita took it and flew off my kayak spool was ripping hard

[@dangkhang9479]

I have 2 Ci4+ (4000) and Stradic SW (4000) and Twin Power FD (4000). After 1 season of Striper all my Stradic have weird grindy noise and after 2-3 season the gears are thumping. 4 season with Twin Power and it just noisy. I am assuming it the bearing wearing out. The gears are still ok. My Calcutta conquest 201XG is having it gears thumping every half turn. (1-2) season of striped bass

[@ocelots4627]

So vanford 2024 it would not be good for catfish neither surf fishing even in 2500 or 3000 series?.

[@torment6369]

I would get a stradic for that. More heavy duty. While you can use a vanford for it, it is designed for more for finesse fishing. The stradic will feel so much better and probably be better in the long run for heavier uses.

[@BassniperEng]

I would never use the Vanford for surf fishing, not even the 4000 or 5000. I hooked into some 7-8 lbs wiper earlier this year on the Vanquish (UL rod). After that the Vanquish has not been doing well. I have yet got the time to take it apart but likely gear problem or one-way clutch problem...Vanford is the same MGL series. These MGL spinning reels feature light weight rotor for easy start/stop of the rotor to satiate super finesse presentations. Stradic or Twinpower will be a better fitted option like Torment6369 mentioned.

[@ocelots4627]

@@BassniperEng oh wow so vanquish and vanford no go only for light 👍, I might then get 2024 twin power.

[@lightningmusky5286]

I haven’t yet had that happen the Vanford is more of a lighter bait reel than a cranking reel. Is that possibly the issue?

[@BassniperEng]

I think it might be the new water repellant grease Shimano put in. the 24 Twinpower had this same issue not long after I put it to use.

[@FishingUltralight]

wah wah wah,, kacau boss

[@WolTan]

Fished my 2nd day today with my C3000HG and this exact sound started. I got so worried and still dont know what to do. A brand new reel should not need any fixes 2nd day fishing with it..

[@jeremiahcox4256]

I just got an aldebaran last week that the thumb button won’t engage every time. And it feels hard to crank. Was my dream reel. Now idk what to do.

[@BassniperEng]

I'd contact the seller and return it b/c of the issue. For Aldebaran MGL, you could have waited a little. It's been a while (something like 7 years) since the debut of the current gen of Aldebaran MGL. I'm feeling it might get an upgrade coming spring.

[@BassniperEng]

Loosen the screw on the bottom of the roller, no need to dissemble the whole thing, just lift the bail up a little to expose the bearing and shaft, then drip one drop of Shimano Bantam oil (you should be able to get it from Shimano USA or from your previous Shimano reels when they still incorporate oil as free gift with reels), then screw tight, this noise should be gone. I totally agree BTW, it's year 2024, this should not have happened. Seems like a high percentage problem.

[@Levikfishingandoutdoors]

Not all reels are the same. Maybe you just got the bad malfunctioning one. That’s why keep your receipt and get a replacement.

[@b18c5turbogt35r]

mine 24 dawia cretate 2500 xsh starting make that noise after about 3 month of used

[@donhardy456]

Beware! I have three of these. Main gear went out on the 3000 in under a year, covered under warranty. My 2500 just started doing the same thing two months out of warranty. Sounds and feels like the same issue. Crappy main gears. These reels are $500+!

[@BassniperEng]

You bass fishing or light inshore/salty? This should not have happened in 2024, and also awakens my memory of Daiwa spinning reels some 20 years ago. For this reason I still refuse to use any Daiwa spinning reels.

[@samasimOFsh]

23 Vanquish all day everyday.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

These reels I like the vanquished daiwa exist daiwa Luvias airity lt Stella twinpower

[@andorsolymos7717]

Mindenképpen Twinpower ill Stella!

[@mdsadekurrahman4312]

24 Vanfod reel Saltwater ya freshwater

[@daviddirese3671]

Mine sounds terrible 4th cast

[@BassniperEng]

From the comments I got so far, it does appear to be quite common, unfortunately.

[@wolverinex4243]

True monsters? Just take it for a striper test.

[@BassniperEng]

Yup, did that with the Vanquish and it was not holding up very well lol so not sure if Vanford will be better~~

[@vensroofcat6415]

My first gen Vanford wasn't perfect. Significant "vertical" play for spool axle. Included fine adjustment spacers plain ridiculous. Otherwise doing fine. Just not for the price. Got my 24 Vanford hoping for all probable issues ironed out in second gen. Has some sort of slight rattling noise/feel right out of the box which wasn't there in the first one. Plus the axle play. Not entertained.

[@billydee1879]

I have three with no issues. I use braid though.

[@Dave30867]

I dont think the Vanford is a hard fighting reel its for smaller fish only . i Have about 5 new reels i have not even used yet but already I am getting heavier reel replacements i made some cheap choices that are not built strong for all types of fishing but i learn my mistake and stop listening to other people.

[@awilderireland]

Great video. I bought a JDM 24 Twin Power 4000PG. I use braid. I won't be happy if it gives trouble. I usually oil the roller. I use the Diawa reel oiler as its easier to get here. But noted the waterproof grease directions in the Twin Power manual. I only fish in freshwater these days anyway. I avoided an MGL reel as I will mainly be using it for Northern Pike with heavy lures. I mean heavy by spinning reel standards. I use a baitcaster for really heavy lures. But I suppose there are more important things in life than our fishing reels. 😊

[@BassniperEng]

Absolutely, for instance, catching fish is more important than fishing reels LOL tight lines!!

[@awilderireland]

@@BassniperEng Well said! Take care.

[@matthewotis3594]

I just wish we had pike in east tn. We have wall eye and some musky but not on my side of TN. Every few years someone will catch one in the nolichucky river.

[@awilderireland]

@matthewotis3594 Yes. But you Guys have more species than us overall... I think! Tight lines.

[@matthewotis3594]

Youre comoaring a $200 reel to $600 plus reels. No shit its not as smooth as the stelka. Everything gonna feel shitty compared to stella or twin power.

[@bass-a-roo]

Daiwa>

[@timleng4404]

Stradic or Vanford. Same sheeeet under different name.stay away from this reel.

[@BassniperEng]

LOL I have both and IMO Stradic is fine. But I have to admit, I hope Shimano does not go the way Toyota is going...

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

@@BassniperEng shitmano has been going backwards for years

[@markotodorovic190]

Just buy daiwa..

[@svictor7573]

Had problems with Daiwa that is why I made the switch to shimano, Haven't had any problems with the vanford yet

[@donhardy456]

Two $500+ Certates with blown main gears. never again. Back to Shimano.

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

@@donhardy456😂😂😂

[@danielwutfisho]

Same story for Daiwa and also Shimano. It's important to get a good reel out of the box. Many are assembled like sht, no matter if made in JAPAN or MALAYSIA/CHINA. Reels to avoid for me include 24 Certate, 23 Stradic FM, 23 Vanquish and 20 Luvias LT. Reels to buy include Stella FK, Airity 23 and so on.

[@timleng4404]

Same shiet under different name Stradic Ci4 then Vanford. Junk reel at a premium price.

[@BassniperEng]

LOL

[@jackdaniel9213]

The twenty twenyfo vanfo 😂😂😂

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Ive seen a lot of grease on a JDM tackle shop. Main gear, slip disc or roller bearings can get a service 😮😬🤔🇯🇵🎣🎣.

[@BassniperEng]

Oh yeah they have grease/oil dedicated for virtually every part of the reels lol