Shimano Vanford Review

[@bryandavis8458]

*Nice reel so far **enjoyable.fishing** recommend used it for about an hour after getting it from Amazon and functioned flawlessly. Very smooth retrieve and the anti reverse is perfect. Feels like a reel that would be double the price.*

[@lukedejesus9611]

I am born and raised in Tassie. So obviously I hunt Trout and I love doing so on ultra light gear. So a 1000 series is a must. I usually spool with 6lb braid and 4lb leader to make things interesting! My old man and I plan to go out together for the first time in a long time this season. I would love to be able to gift him this for Father’s Day. Seeing his face receive a gift like this, would mean the world to me. Love your videos and channel, very insightful and helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks Luke, glad you're enjoying the videos buddy

[@paulhooper2388]

The 2500 size with 10lb braid to throw some soft plastics and hard bodies for flatties, bream and winter trevally. Want to hear that drag siiiiing! Thanks for the great review of the Shimano Vanford, and the opportunity to win one as well.

[@EpicFishingTime]

2500 size will be an all rounder. Will be putting 8lbs sunline braid. Be good to compare to my old ci4. Thanks for the review. Always hit the spot when you doing the reviews.

[@seanross7502]

Nice review, I would be spooling it with some 10 lb berkley x9 crystal or Tasline. And 300 meters sounds like the plan going by your review with the bigger spool. I would be using it to chase some flatties and pinkies for a nice dinner.

[@harrisonsfishing9763]

I’ve had the opportunity to try out a fair few sizes such as 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 5000 for the light inshore/ estuary stuff that I primarily do. However I’ve taken my 2500 ci4 out on some of the reefs that make up the bunker group in Queensland and landed a 50cm spangled emperor on 8lb. I then went in a fished some of the creeks on the same trip and caught flathead, bream, whiting and had an attack from queen fish and mangrove jack. So my favourite size would be the 2500 due to its versatility. For the line size I would ultimately leave it up to my dad if I won because he bought be the ci4 and he mentioned a while ago that he’d like one. So I guess I’d be returning the favour

[@ByronTeaHill]

Awesome to hear mate, sounds like you've tried a few reels! Thanks for the entry. Good luck, it would be a cool story if you won it and gave it to your Dad.

[@ASKips]

Thanks for making an actual review rather than reading specs of the website like every other so called reviewer. I enjoyed watching your video and found it very informative.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Mate I’m glad you liked the format bud! Appreciate the comment, tight lines!

[@pinchimex]

My favorite size reel is the 5000 and 4000 because I'm always in the surf, on this 2500 I would probably go with 30lb braid for pier fishing. great video thank you.

[@gavancassar1366]

I fish a 2500 mostly and is a fav for the most part. As an all rounder a 10 pound braid gets me out of trouble in the bay and rivers. Sweet reel

[@ByronTeaHill]

🤘🤘

[@cw_newbfisherman]

I mostly use my 2500 (8lb) and 4000 (PE 1.2) size reels. This has given me a good range to match a few different rods, mostly for in-harbor applications. I've recently started to shore jig and the 4000 (PE 1.2) had been heaps of fun working up Trevally, Amberjack, and the odd Flathead. My 2500 (8lb) is my go-to-all-occasion that I've paired with light rods to flick soft plastics, hard body lures, and bait; around the local wharf and jetties for our bread and butter species. My 2500 Sedona has worked wonders for the last 4 years but is clearly starting to break down. I'd like nothing more than to step up to something more refined like the Vanford/Stradics. Love the content, hugely educational but more so inspirational. Keep it up and Tight lines!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Chris! Legendary comment mate, thanks a million for your thoughts buddy! Good luck with the giveaway, details entered

[@williamrofe8325]

My favourite reel is the 2500 size. 8lb braid with 10lb fluro. Another great video Byron - I’ve noticed you reply to every comment and answer any questions. Thanks for your awesome advice!

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure man. To be honest mate I’m totally flattered people are consuming my content, if you take the time to ask a question or compliment the video you’re going to hear from me. If you ever have any questions, shoot and I’ll have a go!!! :)

[@saddmon386]

Been fishing in shore from when I started so just been using the 2500 reel size 4eva paired up with a mono 6lb line back in the day. Now it's all braid with 4lb breaking strength. Always delivering the most informative insights in your videos. Power on!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thats super light, nice dude! entered thanks for the comment SADD MON

[@seanmuxlow4052]

As always great review , it love a 2500 reel with 10 pound j braid for Bream and bass . Tight lines looking forward to the next video.

[@hobiefishingwomenaustralia5280]

I generally use reels between 1000 to 2500 but love my Luvias 2004. I run a 6lb on the bigger reels and a 4lb on my 1000. The 2004 has a 14lb Gosen braid on it. Works a treat. Thx for the review. Food for thought.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks for sharing! Entered

[@thatz2909]

2500 with 8lb braid for catching some nice big Bream and Flathead. Thanks for the review.

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure!

[@anthonytaylor7875]

10lb braid on a 2500 reel is my go to. Great review and I look forward to trying this reel.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Appreciate the words Anthony! In with a chance!

[@benjohnston6400]

8-10lb braid as a general all-rounder as I fish both fresh and salt water and mixed species. A 2500 size also allows you to tackle alot of these scenarios from bream and fatties to yellow belly and trout in the fresh.

[@42fishing69]

I would go with the 2500. It is a good all round size reel and I would go with the Siglon ADV in 12lb.

[@UvBinHustled1]

2500 with either 6lb or 8lb braid the go to for me. Thanks for the review Byron!

[@ByronTeaHill]

No worries mate!

[@peterkorkotidis8939]

I mostly use a 200 to 2500 size reel I find a 8 to 10 pound line most versatile for my estuary type fishing top review keep up the good work

[@ByronTeaHill]

thanks Peter, Entered mate

[@coopzie1382]

Awesome video as usual! How you don't have hundreds of thousands of subscribers is beyond me! My fave size reel is a 4500 with 15lb braid. It's small enough to fish light and big enough to turn some King's heads toward the Kayak.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Mate you’re awesome for thinking that. Still building and learning the craft buddy. From little things big things grow! Entered and logged - thanks for stopping by and the support mate

[@coopzie1382]

@@ByronTeaHill absolutely mate! Keep up the awesome content and the channel will 100% grow!

[@maintrain6114]

I believe I have 8lb braid on my 2500 vanford, did need backing but doesn't bother me. I love the 2000 size however, trout fishing is my passion and the feel of the fight on a 2000 size reel is so awesome.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Right on, 2000 i think has become my favourite size reel. Entered Trey, thanks for stopping by again mate.

[@oliverwayte1525]

You just can’t beat a 2500! They’re such a great all rounder and the vanford would be so capable! Spoiled with 8-10lb (cramming as much line on there as possible) would be fantastic!

[@jedyoung7213]

Byron, let me share something with you. Everytime I think I possibly heading in the right direction. I watch your vids, and I do a hole new correction. Cheers again 👍 for your help your vids are great. I'm definitely looking to lightening more of my set ups. I'm thinking 10p on this 2500. I'm running with a 2000 diawa legalis at moment 8p. I'm hooked on the 2000 size reel at moment, they are my favourite. I keen for a 1000.

[@rlzconway451]

Great review mate...just a touch on the centre of gravity on this Vanford, I did not notice this until u actually pointed it out...it does have an equilibrium issue but very settled...still a good reel and a great feel for noticing it👍

[@ByronTeaHill]

agree completely mate! it is a good reel at the mid point price range

[@roycechoe8745]

I was actually planning to buy one. Good review byron thanks for that. I'd be putting on 10lb braid

[@ByronTeaHill]

Too easy buddy! Glad you enjoyed it

[@beauh4148]

My favourite size spinning reel would probably have to be 2500 as this is what I'm most familiar with. Saying that I dont mind 3000 and 4000 sizes. For the reel i would probably load it with 6 or 8 pound braid for an all round estuary reel.

[@Digbite]

Luv your channel. I bought the 5000 after watching this vid. It's way tougher than it feels. Iv had it in the boat heaps now, in holders getting slammed by salt water for hours heaps of times now. Casting for small skip tuna and some good battles with medium size bluefin. The drag is very good for a small reel. If someone is new to the reel, the drag knob is a bit small to use while fighting. It got left at camp in the sand for days. After a year it's still smooth and tight. Thanks

[@bazkaknics6095]

This is what I call a nice balanced review, thank you. To me the 2500 size is an absolute versatile one and when I fish in the bay I usually use 8lb braid and 8lb fluoro. I find it still works for bream but has a bit of extra capacity and abrasion resistance to cope with flatties and sometimes the odd pelagics

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks Baz, appreciate your comment mate.

[@charliebeacham7334]

Best sized reel is easy the 2500 especially in shimano. The drag and size can do everything from bass in the dams to some decent sized pinkies. Run with a thinner 15 lb and you can almost do it all! Anyways awesome vid again, keen for the next one!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Yeww! thanks for the comment mate. Entered

[@philipspencer9016]

My favourite size reel is a 2500. Mainly fish for bream, but also chase all the estuarine species, flatties and jewies in particular. So this reel would be a perfect addition to my arsenal. Would spool with 8lb j braid.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good luck in that case Philip! Entered and good luck

[@SWFisho]

Can’t go past a 2500 spooled up with some 6lb it’ll get the job done on most fish! I’ll just say each to their own when it comes to brands about braid but I’m a Shimano fan so I’ll be getting a vanford anyways fingers crossed this is my time 😂🤞

[@mchristo05]

Most of my spin reels are a bit bigger then this but wow! This reel punches well above its weight! What a weapon! I’d definitely be fitting it out with the exact line you did. To get nearly 300m on a reel that size is amazing. Great review as always Byron.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks Mitcho - glad you liked it mate

[@MrChoprice]

My favourite size spinning reel at the moment is a 5000. I was targeting winter kings before the lockdown in Sydney and found that it was the perfect size and weight to not tire me out when casting for hours. In terms of braid size, I'd probably put on 10lb braid with some mono backing as it would be sufficient for light tackle fishing in creeks and canals whilst also having the option of using it in the harbour for some late night squidding.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Awesome dude! Winter Kings are epic fun dude! Entered and thanks for entering with the comment mate

[@Cevan42]

Sad your lockdown prevented you from fishing. Ridiculous.

[@amytavares9714]

Wil a 30lb be too much or would work ok for the 5000

[@adamsfishinadventures4408]

Just like everyone else here mate , the 2500 size is a go to for me. Such a versatile reel and suits me perfect being primarily fresh water chasing bass , yellas and redfin , but also great for when I hit the salt chasing bream and flatty etc. I'd be throwing 10 lb berkley x9 on this Stanford. Great work and thanks for another informative vid. 🤙🤙🤙

[@ByronTeaHill]

Right on, good to see you here again Adam, chat soon bud and thanks man.

[@alantibbit6460]

Favourite size reel is the 2500, for chasing flatties. I'd be putting a 10lb power pro .

[@ByronTeaHill]

🤞🤞🤞 entered thanks mate

[@tombugden1253]

Gday Byron, great review! The new vanford looks super schmick and I think it might just be the beginning of another cult hero shimano reel! My all time favourite spinning reel was a 1000 size pfluger Trion which I have had since I was 14 years old and was the first reel I remember buying with my own money. The poor reel recently gave up the ghost on a trout trip and has been retired to office desk. I reckon I’d run 300m of 12 pound orange sunline siglon. As you said in your review the extra line will be great to make the reel a nice all rounder. Being in the yak on Sydney harbour I reckon having a reel that can just as easily handle a rat king as a big blue nose bream is a great asset and I’d love to get my hands one one of these new vanfords!

[@peterchristensen8619]

Awesome vid again mate. I'd like the 2500 with 10 to 12lb and chase anything that swims.

[@grantchamberlain2508]

I have the stradic FL in 1000HG on a 1-2kg rod & 3000HG on a 3-6kg rod and i find them excellent, for $269 I couldn’t see enough difference to buy the vanford for the extra cost. The only other reel I would rate close to my stradics in that $300 price range is my Diawa caldia 2000s that I have on an infeet Z. as For the vanford if I was going to buy one, it would be in the 2500 as I don’t actually own a reel in that size 🤷‍♂️ I’d load it up with 10lb braid. BRING ON THE NZ FOOTAGE!! Can’t wait to see the kings and the snapper 💪

[@ByronTeaHill]

mate I can't wait to share that NZ footage! end of the month buddy! thanks for the comment and your thoughts on the gear. Price vs specs is important. Tight lines man

[@mcmonier]

2500 sized reels are my favourite size for sure! Super versatile, covers so many applications for so many species, Bream to Perch, Snapper to school Jew, even the mighty Carp. I’d be throwing on some Varivas max power PE 0.8, a braid I’ve recently tried and absolutely love. Great vid, and a great little reel 🤙

[@ByronTeaHill]

It is, Entered legend! the 2500 has got to be the most popular size in Aus! Good luck bud

[@ubeen7567]

great review. i like the 2500 size reel with 10lb berkely pro for allround saltwater and also bass fishing at st clair and glenbawn. keep up the good work

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks mate, glad you liked it

[@dc_official]

Great review as always! Favourite size reel will always be the 2500. The standard 9kg drag is super useful for both light and medium setups. I would put PE0.6 Tasline on the reel - strong enough to chase a majority of fish in the Aussie systems

[@ByronTeaHill]

Totally agree! Entered buddy and thanks for getting involved

[@saratoga1956]

Great review .. thanks Byron .. looked at these a few months ago and others have said it’s a great reel .. 2500 is my usual size for what I do .. and loaded with a quality 10lb braid for whacking bass/ bream / estuary species … love your work!👌

[@ByronTeaHill]

Right on, thanks Steve! Appreciate your comment mate

[@rlzconway451]

Good to see a post-usage unbiased review on this reel. 2500 is a great size with 9kg drag, that's plenty for flattys and bream. Braid size would have to be 12lb, keeping it light, and enough strength with braid colour not decided yet🤣

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure mate. thanks for the comment and entry buddy!

[@samthomas5555]

I love 2500 reels with 6-8 lb braid. Nice and light for pylons and estuary fishing. 4 lb leader for chasing bream around structure and switch it up to 10 lb leader when chasing flattys.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Sounds like a sweet combo! In and entered Thanks Sam, tight lines dude

[@daveregan845]

I love 2000 reels loaded with 6-8lb braid. This setup has done me well in both my local freshwater dam and on my yak in Saltwater rivers. If I was lucky enough to win the Vanford I would load it up with 8lb braid, might even try 10lb braid🍻👍

[@ByronTeaHill]

Logged!

[@scauduro221095]

Currently working 4-6000 spinning reels but mainly working off the rocks for those bigger fish. I’d love to pair a 2500 with some light braid - 0.5-1.5PE and throw around some 20g micro jigs and really work the water columns. This would also give me something that I can throw on my smaller rods and go for a fish in the kayak and have a bit of fun out on the water

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good luck Sean

[@kelvintrinh1]

Favourite size is 2500 as a solid allrounder for the estuary type fishing that I do and I am a fan of more light weight braid probably 8lbs. Althought it might look like I'll need some backing to make up for the underspooling issue you mentioned in your video. Great job as always Byron!

[@teopaladuta5038]

g'day, mate, I appreciate your honest impressions about this reel, I got the 3000 model and I am very happy with it. I usually spool with J BRAID 8 GRAND which was good for me in the past years. if it would be to have another reel I would prefer the 5000 one for using it on a 5-9 kg rod which I bought and is waiting for a good reel but I need to wait for a couple of pensions to come. in this way, I will have 2 perfect combos from whiting to jack and maybe bigger fish. i am waiting for more videos from you which I enjoyed watching. all the best

[@ByronTeaHill]

I’m bloody pumped you enjoyed the content mate! Thanks legend. I usually throw a video out every week, but I do have a break every now and again :) Thanks for entering the comp, tight lines.

[@jeromegaerlan9389]

Awesome review! 2500 by far my favourite (quite new to fishing). If I won, I would spooI this with 8lb sufix 832. Breambo’s here I come 🤣

[@ByronTeaHill]

😂🤣 sounds like a good combo, similar to how I would spool my main setups. Tight lines!!

[@darylC_2306tiger1]

great vid, very informative, I already have a 2500hg and I'm so happy with it. I paired it with a Diawa 20 infeet 6ft 10" $189 model and had never spent as much for my equipment before not realizing how it would improve my fishing experience, initially I had a cheap Piscifun reel and thought it was good but then decided to buy the Vanford and was blown away by the overall performance and feel of it, my casting accuracy was instantly improved, the comfort and weight of both rod and reel is so light just a dream to use, so much so that I intend on buying another 7ft infeet rod to match with another Vanford to throw soft plastics and hard bodies. keep the great vids coming, Cheers. P.S I like to use 6lb platypus pulse braid on my reels at the moment as I have only just started throwing soft plastics and find it the easiest to control and not lose fish for now. Cheers.

[@ByronTeaHill]

It's amazing Dary how much value for money you get by stepping up a level or two with the standard of reel we purchase. there's a really nice gravy area of value for money at the moment.

[@mardy7788]

I was looking at them. Ended up with a daiwa kix. Felt smoother in the store. Pretty happy with it

[@hamishclark5822]

I would have to say that 2500 o or 3000 sized reels are my favourites, not too big for the smaller fish but can still handle the bigger fish. I would spool this Vanford with 10lb or 12lb Sufix 832 line

[@ByronTeaHill]

awesome dude

[@johannl555]

I tend to use 2500x10lbs for versatility. Just itching to get back out as soon as the lockdown is over

[@ByronTeaHill]

Me too mate! Only so many times I can wash the boat right!!?!?

[@marcusvilnius]

Favourite size of reel has to be the 2500 as fishing the flats for whiting and flathead, flicking small lures at them all day it’s just perfect, but when it comes to larger fish like the notorious kingfish it’ll handle a good 70cm kingfish as I have previously caught on my old Sedona with only 8lb braid and 14lb leader

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice! Thanks for the comment on the channel buddy - entered

[@sambrown1984]

Another great review mate. My go to would have to be 2500 with 8lb braid.

[@vk2icj]

I like the 2500 size for big flatties with 10lb braid. Thanks for the video. Good to see your Mrs is fishing with you.

[@ByronTeaHill]

You bet, lucky guy!

[@kevborchert7417]

I definitely need one of these in my tackle box!!! These look great and by your review sound like a great quality reel!!! I think the 2500 is the perfect size for being able to chase the bread and butter species, spooled with 8lb quality braid and you are looking at an awesome day out. Great review mate looking forward to many more.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks for the kind words Kev. Agree with your ideas. Entered and thanks again

[@aceofspades1823]

I like the 1000 size reels as I primarily fish the east coast estuaries. I love using light braids generally 4-10lb.

[@kidoctane]

Wow a 2500 - outta my my comfort zone. I am normally a 1000 with 6lb or 2000 with 10lb sorta guy - land based. Been thinking about step up a notch - so a 2500 would be a 10lb or maybe get crazy with 15 lb. Quite liking the Berkley X9 I last spooled with. Thanks again for an unsponsored review

[@ByronTeaHill]

no worries at all man, I'll Keep them coming!!! :)

[@alexmillingtonblazey2892]

My favourite size is definitely a 2500. This is just a great all round size. In saying that I do love a surface bite on a 1000 🎣 I would be putting on 8lb braid to suit the all round utility.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Me to Alex! Honestly sometimes I just love working the smaller sizes. I think I feel more, but who knows Entered mate’, cheers

[@olivierclark13]

Has to be a 2500 with 10lb on it. Would throw for kings and aus salmon in the estuary. Keep up the vids mate loving them lately!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks Olivier!

[@musumechem]

Here in South Louisiana the 3000 size ci4s are the go-to for throwing soft plastics inshore all day long. Since we occasionally run into big redfish I opt for the slightly deeper spool and bigger handle of the 3000 size, but the 2500 is so similar we don't turn out noses at them. Braid strength varies, but an all around dependable strength is 20lb with a 20lb flouro leader. It hasn't served me wrong yet!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Yewww!!!! Hey Matt thanks for the reach out from South Louisiana! Epic! Dude you're in with the comp. Good luck buddy!

[@anthonycox1870]

Awesome video Byron, I would use the 2500 size with 6 lb braid and 6 lb leader, amazing looking reel, great review champion,

[@ByronTeaHill]

You're in! thanks mate

[@scherfman]

Another great review Byron! My mate has the Vanford and absolutely loves it. If I was able to afford one of these reels I’d definitely go for the 2500 model and chuck on 10lb braid for chasing those bread and butter species! Keep up the good work mate!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Absolutely, thanks mate - Appreciate you stopping by and getting involved!

[@mikaerekiriona8167]

I use 1000 series setups with 4lb or 6lb braid for the bream fishing, Im starting to get the itch to chase bigger fish, the Jacks, big Flatheads, Jews etc so would love the 2500 as I hear thats the magic size for those bigger fish, I would love to try a 20/20 setup for the jacks.

[@van-munozfamilyadventurest5021]

Wow you have a really well put together professional review. Keep up the great work

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanksmlegend

[@christopherchu2137]

Another great review mate! Love the video quality and editing. 2500 is such a versatile and fun reel size to use, especially with the amount drag they have. I would use it with some 8-10lbs braid for some light lure fishing but also be able to chase smaller kings or Jews and have a great fight.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks Christopher, you're right it is a fun size reel to use. Entered and thanks for the comment

[@simonhiggs5742]

2500 with 15lb J-Braid in blue 👌 have enjoyed J-Braid on my rods this year!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Nice!!

[@guillaumewang5330]

One of the best reviews on the reel! Favorite size is of course the 2500 and I would put PE0.6. Would be an awesome finesse reel

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice! Thanks mate, appreciate your comment

[@ling20805]

2500 would be the size for me. Fishing from the kayak with 4lb braid for bread & butter species like bream & flathead.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Entered 🤞

[@waynecollar5092]

This is the best review on this reel. Heard everything I needed to know about one. My favorite size is the 2500 as it's finesse enough for chasing bream and has the drag capacity of chasing Snapper and Jew. Would spool it with either 4lb braid or 12lb dangan x8. Cheers for the review Byron!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Mate you're too kind it's my pleasure. Tight lines mate you're in the giveaway :)

[@waynecollar5092]

@@ByronTeaHill Just being honest. All the best to you mate!

[@gippslandfishingpage4481]

Great review as well, you go into so much detail!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks a ton!

[@jimferdyyu2032]

Thx for the review!! As always my favourite spinning reel size will be 2500, with 10lb power pro braid on it to tackle some trevally..

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice!

[@jacksonpitstock7757]

Loved the review! I haven't ever really moved away from the 2000s and at this point in time, I don't really see a need to. But would load it with 6lb j-braid, with backing of course

[@ByronTeaHill]

Nice Jackson, entered - thanks for the comment

[@maxsmercurys9068]

Hey Byron, my favourite size is probably a 2500 due to the versatility they provide and how many different species you can comfortably catch. I would probably spool with 12lb Daiwa j braid grand as I love it and allows me to chase squid,whiting,pinkies, bream and perch. Cheers mate

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks for another comment Max! pumped when I see you guys stopping by and continually consuming the content. Appreciate it mate

[@anthonyormrod7638]

Thanks for the review Byron - had my eye on these reels and weighing up against a TD SOL. I have a couple of 2000s and 3000s in lower quality reels and believe the 2500 will be the sweet spot for my bream and flattie fishing - 300m of 10lb braid in case I'm lucky enough to tempt something will a bit more pull.

[@ByronTeaHill]

No worries mate! Thanks for your comment, entry is logged buddy

[@fullsendfishingadventures2500]

My favourite size in the shimano vanford range would definitely have to be the 2500, this is because it will suit my all round style of fishing, bass, flathead, mulloway and snapper, for that reason i would spool it up with 12lb Tasline. Awesome vid mate, keep it up, yew🤙

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks for sharing man. Tight lines and enterd

[@matthewfielden8972]

Great video Byron! Looks like a winner from Shimano. I reckon the 3000 compact looks like a true all-rounder running PE 1 braid - same size as the 2500, but a bit more line cap to tangle with a wide range of species.

[@alexmarti7684]

The 2500 is my preferred for sure, for me on a budget it’s versatile. I can catch bream to my favourite Aussie bass! I would whack on 10lb braid again so I can just change leaders to any situation. Another great video mate and awesome prize coming out of lockdown to whoever wins!! Hopefully 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@ByronTeaHill]

100% thanks Alex agree with your comment, appreciate you stopping by mate

[@ssmuzsn]

Wow, My dream reel,many thanks for the review! I bought the sol 3 after your review on that last year :). I would spool with major craft dangan x8 0.6 pe 200m with bit of backing. 2500 is my go to size.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Sounds great and good Luck

[@Theloveablemess]

Ideally I would run a 2500 with 10lb braid as my “heavy” setup for the kayak in lake mac. Would hopefully replace the one that was claimed by my anchor trolley.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Oh no... fingers crossed buddy

[@RideYamaha314]

So far the 2500 is my go to as for the braid I would put 10lb on if I was lucky enough to win. Yet again another top video from you mate.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks for coming past again Alan. legend.

[@gibbsysfishing4992]

2500 all the way, as for the line... well only the best of course. 8lb tasline for the win 🏆🙌🏼

[@danielhalsall4376]

Another great review and video….. I can’t go past a 2500 size and 6-10lb braid….braid size depending on which rod I would pair it with.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks buddy! 👊

[@mattjohnson8094]

Hey Byron- great honest review! As most of my fishing is impoundment bass and light estuary fishing in south east Queensland, the 2500 size is ideal for chasing bass, golden perch, whiting bream and flathead. I’d spool it with 10lb braid to cover pretty much all scenarios and techniques!

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure Matt. Thanks for stopping by buddy

[@tonypaine4958]

As always great review Byron now waiting for the next one

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure Tony! in draft

[@chrisward248]

2500 is a great all rounder I’d spool it with 12 lb braid

[@guihongsun7750]

2500 spoiled in Major Craft Dangan 8X Braid 16lb. Keep the vids coming for more inspiration for us to fish.

[@ByronTeaHill]

100% mate, my pleasure. glad youre enjoying them

[@ricktalbot6548]

Yes I agree with you 2500 is the all-rounder and 10 lb braid would be all good 👍 for bream and flathead whiting ect

[@ByronTeaHill]

Right on

[@John-nf4tb]

G'day, I'd go the 2500 loaded with 6lb braid, I owned one for three days, was fishing the broadwater on my kayak, got out of the yak, to fish the flats, kayak drifted away, I chased it, got pulled in to the current as well, as a non swimmer with life vest I got rescued by a guy in a tinny, unfortunately my atomic rod and vanguard reel, got lost in the commotion. Funny part is I carry three rods, the ones with the budget reels were all accounted for lol. Thanks for the vidio review cheers

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure John, thanks for coming past again to the channel but dam! sorry to hear about the loss!!!!!!! fingers crossed for the giveaway mate, hopefully you replace a reel

[@mikekite]

2500 with 10lb braid and leader to match the target species. I have the Ci4 & FL Stradics and I am keen to try the Vanford. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure! logged

[@martindekorte6732]

Great review mate. My favourite reel size would have to be 2500 and 1000 , I would spool the 2500 with Sunline siglon x8 . Tight lines 👍

[@ByronTeaHill]

cheers Martin! Tight lines

[@MaxFISH.]

2500 is my preferred allrounder for estuary fishing. Loaded with a good quality 8lb braid you get great casting distance and the benefit of braid is it breaks a lot higher than it's rated to anyway.

[@ByronTeaHill]

100 agree - Thanks mate for the entry! good luck

[@raymondcamilleri5779]

Excellent unbiased assessment as always Byron. The Vanford certainly is a an eye catching reel but like you , I like the finish of the older Ci+4. Back when I started bream fishing and deciding between the offerings from both Daiwa & Shimano, I liked the light weight of the Shimano but what killed it for me over the Sol of the day was the amount of force required to get the handle turning. The Sol was WAY easier and i then settled on the Heartland XA. So your comments on the rotor and ease of getting the handle turning are of interest to me. 2500 or 3000 sized Shimano's are probably my preferred size. Am more of a Daiwa man and am basing that on the sizing of LT reels more than first hand knowledge. The 25XX models being slightly smaller than the Real4 models i have, and continue to use. Line is an interesting one. As you point out different brands have different diameters and an 8lb line of one brand maybe thicker than the 12lb of another. 8-10lb is my preferred line class. To go to a thinner 15lb line might help make the reel a little more versatile but you can only pull as hard as the leader at the end will allow. Not sure that a fine 15lb braid would offer any more abrasion resistance than a similar diameter 8lb, would it? Finally, the other thing I would have like to see is the retention of the round eva knob. Of these I am a fan. Would I look at trying the new Vanford? Yes, I would. Sadly, I think Daiwa have dropped the ball a bit with the LT series so brand loyalty is a little shaken and the door is open for a new player!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Hi Raymond! thanks very much for sharing your ideas on the reel here buddy. Give one a go in the tackle store next and you'll see what I mean, super light to turn the handle. In terms of your question about abrasion resistance it's not as simple as the strength = abrasion resistance, it has a lot to do with the number of fibres in the line, but for simplicity sake 6lb braid is more abrasion resistant than 80lb so I guess we can draw that conclusion. it's interesting you mention that you're not a fan of the LT series, gotta be honest - I love those things. Reels are a personal thing IMO. Tight lines Raymond, thanks for taking the time to contribute mate

[@harryschofieldfishing]

The 2500 size with 10lb line would be my pick. I sell alot of these reels at work and they are awesome 👍

[@ByronTeaHill]

Right on, haha you would know :)

[@robertdiskordia3910]

I've always had a soft spot for the Stradics CI4+, reliable, light reels but they lose out to similar cost Daiwa's for smoothness. Looks like the Vanford has changed that, still the bullet proof reliability but now comparable to Daiwa in smoothness and feel. Favourite size spinning reel is 2500, fishing for bream, I find 2500 is the best mix between spool size and reel weight, always loaded with 0.6PE line

[@ByronTeaHill]

Man thanks for sharing your ideas here, I hadn’t thought of that, but I definitely agree this reel is bloody easy to use. Your comments been entered into the giveaway! Thanks legend.

[@jarednimiczeck1150]

My favourite size is 2500, as I spend most of my time fishing in Gippsland. I tend to fish for a very wide variety as I tend to fish Lake Tyers which is a mixed bag of bream, flathead, tailor, silver trevs and mullet. I'd probably use 16lb dangan brain which is a Pe 0.8, strong enough and thin enough to catch everything

[@ByronTeaHill]

Very nice!

[@flickwithmick]

2500 shallow spool, 6lb braid ✅ great review

[@ByronTeaHill]

Let’s go!!!