The Shimano Vanford Might Be The Best Reel On The Market! - Flats Class YouTube

In this video Captain C.A. Richardson with Flats Class TV is going to be giving an in-depth breakdown of why the new Shimano Vanford might be the best reel on the market heading into 2021. Shimano is known for making some of the best products on the market and Vanford 100 percent supports that reputation they are known for.
Shimano Vanford Details:
Continuing to push the envelope of innovation, the Shimano Vanford Spinning Reels are packed full of Shimano’s most advanced technologies to provide unmatched performance. Delivering effortless reeling, the Shimano Vanford Spinning Reels are equipped with the MGL Rotor to create lighter rotations, making it easier to startup your retrieve and feel the lightest of bites. Micro Module II gearing and Shimano’s Silent Drive System also works together to improve smoothness, reduce gear noise, and eliminate minute rattles and vibration for a new level of smooth rotational performance.
Delivering a dose of strength, the Shimano Vanford Spinning Reels are built with HAGANE cold-forged aluminum gearing that is up to 30% stronger than the Stradic FK to ensure rugged and rigid performance. Built to last as well, they are reinforced with X-Protect technology that works to eliminate corrosion and performance loss over time. Complete with the Long Stroke Spool for optimized casting distance and smoother line lay on the spool, the Shimano Vanford Spinning Reels are the most technical and advanced spinning reels in their class.
Features:
-MGL Rotor
-Micro Module II Gearing
-CI4+
-Silent Drive
-Long Stroke Spool
-HAGANE Gear
-X-Protect

[@Misaroner]

*Bought a 500 for an ultralight rod. It's very smooth **enjoyable.fishing** recommend casts great. One odd thing- the bale wire is a bit heavy diameter in my opinion for a reel of this size. But a great purchase.*

[@needmoreboost6369]

Wtf a 500?? I was looking for a new finesse reel I need this item now! I’ve got the 2500 because of its weight and because they didn’t even have a 1000

[@michaelwahl9281]

Fished the 2500 and 3000 Vanford for 2 months now and love them. Pairs up with the gen 2 zodias rods well and have one on a gloomis GLX. Super smooth great casting reels.

[@Shartmouth-Mcpoo]

I bought this reel as my first setup and it’s definitely awesome. It’s 3 years old and still perfect

[@donnag5191]

Love your videos. You are such a great teacher! Thanks! Wish you would put links to the products you reference in your videos so we can more easily find them.

[@katherinevickgreensage5942]

Got it for my husband for Christmas he used it today and he loves how light it is

[@robert039]

Great gift!

[@Epicmodernfishing]

I bought two vanford 3000 used them a few times the only thing difference from my CI4+ cast a little farther that’s all everything else kinda the same to me. Love the light weight, smooth & perfect for small game fishing. I will get one of 5000 when it available on the market.

[@fc4305]

I have picked up 3 Vanford's in the last couple of months for my inshore setups, they are amazing reels for sure and Shimano is all I am ever gonna use. All my heavier setups are Saragosa, All Rigs are now super smooth

[@samzilla1050]

How those the ci4+ body hold up against big fish

[@jakeballoch2612]

I have the same outboard and the same Planet Ocean. I may have to take your word on this reel. I like your style!! 🤙

[@AnglingAddictssrilanka]

thanks for the awesome review!!

[@lilpeteryo]

I have 2 of the 2500 and their real good

[@LilDino808]

Great video, personally I prefer the stradic FL over the vanford but that’s just me. Vanford is a great mid level spinning reel I just preferred the FL. Tight lines and I love the videos.

[@exotics5721]

Hands down. FL is the best. Feels way more solid than Vanford.

[@ChasinTailTampaBay]

Love my stradics! I'm gonna have to check out the vanford!

[@xonick2]

It’s basically a stradic with lighter material

[@timtorkelson7201]

Have both,ones real good and Vanford is better!!

[@jlforeman45]

Thanks for the review

[@Doodsaplenty]

Great review and content -much appreciated! I Just picked up a Vanford 4000. Would I still use a medium rod?

[@smallbatchsessions6892]

I started to get a Vanford and found a Twinpower for just a little bit more . I do have plans of getting a Vanford 2000 for some freshwater finesse baits . I fish Midwest lakes for bass and panfish but really like your channel. Awesome review of the Vanford reel and Shimano Rod . I bought the Twinpower and a Medium action 7’5” fast taper G.Loomis GLX . Long casts with light to medium weight lines small to medium sized soft baits . Got this for fishing very clear lakes .

[@actwins2147]

Just ordered the vanford

[@kennygeorge4454]

I have the Vanford 5000 and love it.

[@THAOpeacockcichlids]

I love my Vanford!!!!

[@philtarbox8256]

Thanks for the review CA... I've been looking to get a new spinning reel for saltwater applications... the Vanford definitely sounds like a pretty good one

[@emilianobishop9934]

I know Im quite randomly asking but does anybody know of a good website to stream newly released tv shows online?

[@emilianobishop9934]

@Trace Elias thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :) I really appreciate it!!

[@traceelias5846]

@Emiliano Bishop Glad I could help =)

[@russelljambers7311]

I Just ordered the Vanford and the Expride today. Then see it with that much action is wonderful. What model Expride is that?

[@markrigg6623]

New, Vanfords feel nicer than Stella's. They may not be as durable long term, but I think its the nicest feeling spinning reel from Shimano. It's as nice feeling as my exist Lt.

[@exotics5721]

Great review. In my opinion the Stradic FL feels way more solid. The handle doesn't have play like the Vanford does. Both are above anything else on the market though.

[@paling1872]

Above the stellas?

[@donaldbulloch9426]

@@paling1872 I have both. It’s close!

[@danlalimar9369]

First time I just bought a conventional Penn 30. Which fishing Rod should you recommend? I have been using a spinning Reels.

[@alejandroamaya2803]

I'm convinced.... im offnto my local tacle shop to buy me one 🥰🥰🥰...

[@spencerb891]

Have a 2500 and a 2000, I think this is the best reel you can buy also. The 2000 weighs 5.3 oz and is perfect for ultralight fishing. The 2500 and 3000 weigh 6.3 but have 20 lbs of drag- great multi-species reel.

[@timtorkelson7201]

I have 2 3000's and love them!!

[@joegrimes8293]

Where did you find a 2000 size vanford?

[@joedennehy386]

The stradic fl daiwa sol are also pretty good in the market. But the certate is probably the best imho

[@peterkerns8343]

I have a couple shimano IX spinning reels. Both reels are 16 years old and still work fine. And they only cost 12 bucks each. It just a bare bones reel. No ball bearings, no dyna balance, no aluminum spool, no instant anti reverse, no fast gear ratio, but it is rock solid.

[@kevinmaguire4437]

C.A.! I am torn between the Vanford Or the twinpower in the 3000= thoughts I am sure you have fished both and was just curious as your input. Please and thank you 🙏

[@fishermanprime7180]

Hey question buddy I have a 4000 vanford where would you draw the line as far as targeting species that’s

[@samehnicolareviews537]

Hi, I'm a Shimano boy, but did you tried Daiwa MQ, give it a shot and i would like to great your opinion, regards from Egypt

[@philjones3981]

Great video CA. Have you considered using the new Shimano Curado MGL for some power finesse fishing? I was thinking about getting one of those because my Chronarch G doesn't seem to like anything below 1/4 oz

[@flatsclasscharters]

I got one!

[@Hihahafookyasi]

My 3000 vanford is excellent. I paired it with a 2020 St. Croix mojo inshore

[@aarronconkright999]

What size mojo inshore did you get for it?

[@Hihahafookyasi]

@@aarronconkright999 7' i like the new one with the full cork. Casts far and is light.

[@elijahwarren1045]

I ordered the reel about 3 days ago, I’ve heard so much about it when it comes to freshwater I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it inshore but I got it anyway. Can’t wait for mine

[@Hihahafookyasi]

@@elijahwarren1045 I use my vanford and ci4s only in saltwater. I have only needed to change one roller bearing. Try not to dunk them they will be fine.

[@tristonwilliams1873]

new mojos are trashhhh

[@predatorfishingnorway1044]

Hi Man, i have a question, I heard around many guys talking around that if you buy the original bearings from stella this vanford will be there, i have two vanford and i want to upgrade, even the parts are expensive but still can save 400 euro. It is possible? Many thanks and tight lines!

[@brandonsmith7864]

Should have gone with this over the penn clash 2. Awesome drag and smooth but reel has a noticeable "wobble" that the stradics never had. Maybe next time.

[@mikhailkoslovskiy7860]

Hey Mate, Was that a big mouth bass? Epic video

[@hytak18]

It's a Redfish I believe.

[@gorillamotors]

I had already owned a Vanford 4000XG and wanted one with a larger line capacity. The 5000 said it would hold 185 yards of 40# braided Power Pro line. The max I could get on it was 150 yards (done at Bass Pro) of 40# line. The measured dimensions of the line capacity area of the 4000 spool and the 5000 are IDENTICAL. Totally identical. The 5000 and the 4000 are identical reels except for the handle. The reel is an outstanding reel BUT Shimano lied about the line capacity just to sell another reel.

[@Rx12233]

It blows my mind too that the 4000 and 5000 are the same size as a penn 3000 reel

[@danielrimer1632]

buying thx

[@joeyjoe8892]

It looks like a nice reel I have all the Shimano has the ci-4 plus and the FL the only thing I can't seem to understand is why the roller bearing keeps going on them I keep replacing them I don't know if it's because it's an aftermarket bearing but they don't last as long as they do when you get the brand new real nowhere near it and we always give you a thumbs up Captain Richardson a little feedback once in a while won't hurt

[@joeyjoe8892]

@@artificialslinger9730 yeah well you got lucky cuz it sure as hell didn't happen for me and definitely not on the FL or the ci-4 Plus

[@joeyjoe8892]

@@artificialslinger9730 I'm thinking more like an aftermarket bearing

[@joeyjoe8892]

@@artificialslinger9730 and the reason why I say that is because when I buy the Reel new I don't have a problem for months and as soon as I change the bearing out I might get a week or two out of them sounds far-fetched but it's the truth

[@joeyjoe8892]

@@artificialslinger9730 yes I've done that on my last bearing which is still going right now only I use the little Evinrude Johnson saltwater Grease I packed both sides not heavy but lightly that's actually an older trick but it seems to be working for me but I do think these bearings replaceable bearings anyway are aftermarket set up

[@anthonyantanaitis1720]

I rinse with fresh water and dry. Give it a quick blast of WD-40 and a drop of oil. I’ve done that for years with all my spinning reels and never had a problem. Correction some Daiwas have magnetic oil so just rinse them with fresh water

[@billshepard2908]

My only complaint with the Vanford is the gear ratio on the 2500 I own. Phenomenal drag, pristine smoothness but power wise I'd prefer something 5:1 for power fighting big Lake Lanier Spots. Just my opinion.

[@richardhardin191]

CA.... Great video. I have 3 CI+4s, (a 2500 and two 3000s). I just bought my first twin power 3000. I'm lacking a great 4000. I have a new Saltist 4k, Stradic 4k and Clash 4k. Not crazy about them. My other dilemma is that I really want a Stella in my arsenal. Just to have it!!!. I live in Nokomis and have a big bay boat that I can fish in 2' of water and still run offshore for Red Snapper, 2600 Pathfinder. I want that Stella for the offshore and big snook on the beach. Would you recommend I get a 4k Stella or a 5k Stella. My favorite reel that I own is a basic white Stradic 5k. I've caught monster Kings and sharks on it that have nearly spooled me and I don't think a 4k is enough. Which Stella would you buy if you HAD to have one? I will likely get a 4k Vanford or do you think I should just get the Stella in a 4k? Also, which size rod would you recommend depending on which reel? I'm trying my new Bull Bay Reel Animals out with my 3k and also two new St Croix Avids.

[@stevensilva1350]

Check out the Stella FJ5000

[@Ionut_Fishing]

If i have to choose between vanford and sustain fj, what reel do you think is more durable, strong? Sustain have aluminium body (i trust în aluminium body because i use stradic FL but in vanford i dont trust s-o much because of ci4+body

[@garybarrere7552]

Nice

[@jtmarshall]

I want a 4000 or a 5000 in the worst way! Can't wait for them to come back into stock

[@mutaali6425]

If you're still looking for a 4000 I have a brand new one for sell I want a 2500 or 3000

[@tabutog]

How about the stradic sw? How does it compare to the stradic fl and vanford?

[@danlalimar9369]

I like going on charter boat fishing for yellow tail, tuna etc. My questions is, How long should your Leader line be when using 40 lbs braided fishing line? Also can I use a 50 lbs leader?

[@SaltySeaCaptain]

it depends on how deep the fish are. Most people use around 3-7ft for inshore. And yes you can and many do use a stronger leader line than their mainline.

[@horned_w1tch]

Can I ask about your choice of braid color? I live in Saint Marys GA and I use moss green. Can I use blue too in the darker waters?

[@flatsclasscharters]

Moss green likely a better choice for you

[@homerhiers6086]

IMHO, doesn't matter if you tie on a long leader

[@Darksouls_69]

For casting and bottom definitely but not in heavy class. For jigging... Its a little bit meh. For jigging i can recommend FL save u guys like 20 to 30$ depends on store that sell it. FL is masterpiece and affordable reel u can get for jigging very durable reel the body so solid.. just my opinion. Hi from Malaysia 🇲🇾 btw

[@Red-mo2uo]

Is it good for recreational large mouth fishing?

[@donb1661]

Line roller and line roller bearing still a 1 piece assembly that isn't sealed? Constant failure (noise/smoothness) on my Stradic FK.

[@Blane_be_fishin]

Roller bearing system is much better on the new stradic fl. Last much longer. I imagine it’s just as good on the vanford.

[@NashFishingChannel]

For freshwater maybe vanford is better because of the weight. For saltwater i thik stradic FL is the winner. Nice color, solid body and the price is a lot cheaper.

[@adammatthews2826]

13 fishing made a good reel, Creed GT, same parts as the Stradic but it rust out in 5 years. Very light weight with carbon fiber

[@adammatthews2826]

@feeshyfeeshy yeah it actually does, I guess you took the time to look and cross reference the parts just like I did and yet yours was a one off. BTW- I just sent back a Stradic 4000, the pearl one to Charleston to get fixed and they sent it back to me in two days, and said they could not fix it, it was the crank handle, plastic that cracked, I then took a old Sedona crank apart, put the plastic crank seat on the Stradic crank and it is now working. Great customer service…. But you know best…..

[@jonathonborges2914]

Vanford or the Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT better?

[@ronnieschaeffer3726]

Penn 3500 rules in my circle. Thanks for the comparison.

[@4Paok4Eptalofos]

Unfortunately Shimano Vanford comes defective from the factory.I have 2000SHG for ultra light fishing and after some fishing sessions it started to make a noise from the inside every time i spined the reel the noise came out the problem was from the inside of the main gear.There is a lot of space that can only be fixed on some point with some shimmers on the main shaft. Οfficial shimano service dont fix thjs because they dont do modifications u can only fix this alone or on a private service dealer. The same problem occurs on the 3000model by many others. Stradic FL is way more well build despite the lower upgrades.

[@stevestory8483]

Basically a Stradic FL with a Ci4 body. Should be sweet. How well does it balance on most rods

[@michaelwahl9281]

You will want a lighter rod to pair it on. Shamano zodias is a good pair and I have it also on a gloomis GLX and it balances well

[@spencerb891]

2000 for light or ultralight. 2500 is great for a medium light or medium but really even the 2500 is light enough for an UL rod.

[@renkeschulenberg1596]

What do you think, how long can you use the Vanford ? 1 year ? 2 years or longer ?

[@renkeschulenberg1596]

@Dee Pee thank you...

[@willriley1619]

Wish it had a different handle or maybe it can be bought with a different one. T handle styles are my least favorite types to use on light tackle especially when finesse fishing.

[@jtmarshall]

Heres a video of installing a power knob on a vanford.. theyre wicked easy compared to some of the daiwa reels that have riveted on handle knobs kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJnRhJScmrOUjdE

[@snookerson9292]

Would you like to do a Stella review with me?

[@vsonic86]

Sorry I’m too in love with BG

[@Cakeem]

I have both reels the Fl stradic and the vanford in the 2500 size. The vanford has to much flex in the rotor. Put your thumb on the line roller arm pivot screw(attaches arm to rotor) and gently pull back on the line roller with index finger at the same time. It takes no effort to make it flex backwards. I think they cut too much material out of the rotor on that side. The Fl does not have this issue.

[@nguyenbanghia8970]

Took my brand new Battle II 5000 for a spin yesterday for the very first time and I hooked a 20lb yellowtail using a Ugly Stik X2 (medium hard) rod kzbin.infoUgkxM68VkfsQhHaabDce1IwOCXuvumcpbZ_k . This combo was recommended on some website and it did not disappoint me. The reel is smooth, the drag click is pretty cool cause i think it adds to the excitement of fighting the fish, personally the drag is my favorite part. I use braid and 300 yards will fill the entire spool. This combo is my main setup from now on although I have to disclose I am new to fishing.

[@syaheer8689]

Is this reel suitable for jigging?

[@slyarsenal]

Youre gonna break that rod holding it like that

[@WhatTheFuck-hg4mk]

I had a Stradic FL and after a few fishings days it began to vibrate a bit. It wasn't smooth anymore. I sent it back for repair and never got it back because they couldn't repair it due to lack of parts shimano provides. I got my money back but this is not bearable. This spool lost service support a few months after release. Wonder what happens if your guarantee ends and you are not able to repair it. Huge disappointment ... shame on Shimano. I wonder what they think about this.

[@adammatthews2826]

What happen to ur Falcon Rods?? Guess they aren’t paying you anymore.

[@homerhiers6086]

Lol

[@adammatthews2826]

@@artificialslinger9730 well you ask him last year and he is going to tell you the flacon rods are the best, now the shimano... just goes to show you money makes people talk and say what you want them to say

[@static2101]

C5000XG all day

[@cabezamiami]

Big ass SHIMANO shirt and selling like a pro...lol. And we were looking for a real honest review...

[@NoMindPureHeart]

Not Really Sorry. The Vanquish the model up, is alot better in comparison to the Vanford. I suggest to trail the Vanquish. And realize the Truth.

[@reyweygant9402]

Twin power XD might be better then the vanford

[@ethanfartis9764]

Vanquish is even lighter and better

[@user-nr4di8bx9k]

Well given the difference in prices it should be lol

[@masondang119]

400 HELLLL NAWWWW BRO

[@jcthugsta]

Only the Finest! Have a 3k Vanquish for fishing inshore and its unreel...psshhh!

[@gabrieltudor6165]

High gear ratio is bad in ALMOST all scenarios. It's the tell tale of a bad reel. Now, i`m not saying that the vanford is bad.

[@snipehunter28]

In almost every scenario is exactly right. The only exception is probably drop-shotting which is something I don't do. I have two Vanfords. I got mine from overseas because they are offered in different gear ratios. The C3000 is 5.3:1 and the C3000HG is 6.0:1. Because the spool is larger my C3000 with a 5.3:1 reels in more line per turn of the handle than any of my baitcasting reels that have 7.5: gear ratios and only one inch less line per handle rotation than one of my baitcasting reels that has an 8.0:1 gear ratio. I use my Vanfords only in saltwater and I guarantee you the lower gear ratio reels have more power than the C3000XG with a 6.4:1 ratio.

[@caseydangar1193]

No idea what you are talking about. 6.4.1 gear ratio is literally the most used gear ratio in spinning reels for bass fishing. Gear ratio can effect the torque and power on a reel but thats why you pull up then reel down when fighting a fish. Ive got reels of all ratios and the different ratios are for different lures and different techniques. You get what you pay for. Buy quality like shimano and you want have to worry about having a bad reel. But gear ratio has absolutely zero bearing on a reel being good or bad. The gear material and quality of machining will but ratio absolutely will not in any way effect a quality reel.

[@pitchkapizda8355]

Definitely not best reel on the market you have to regularly replace the bushes

[@drumsgood1952]

Those are nice reels, but much too expensive.

[@masondang119]

I get what your saying but if you can invest into that it’s really good I have the stradic which last me over 5 years no problem. If you can’t go over the budget consider a penn battle 2 or fierce 3 they are really good and penn is a well known company. If you look for cheap reels they don’t hold up as much as the higher priced ones and they don’t last as long you get what you paid for in Shimano’s line up

[@drumsgood1952]

@@masondang119 Penn Battle II's are great, I have 4. If I buy another spinning reel it will be a Daiwa Fuego. But, I most use casting tackle.

[@tomwiggins1225]

Expensive is a relative term, you get what you pay for

[@tubingforever]

This is a paid review.

[@KeepingitAnalog]

Nah...Daiwa hands down are the best. We all know you miss using your Daiwa's.

[@KeepingitAnalog]

@@artificialslinger9730 Please.

[@KeepingitAnalog]

@@artificialslinger9730 I don’t have to, I own well over 100 reels, both Shimano and Daiwa. How much is Brian Dufek paying you?

[@praiseazazel6644]

Daiwa is only good at the high end all the low end gear is bit crappy. Shimano is good all around but shines at bang for buck in the middle price range.

[@KeepingitAnalog]

@@artificialslinger9730 Thanks for setting me straight.

[@jonathanreyes-mf2tp]

The diawa ballistic is better

[@theblake5356]

Pfffff! You couldn’t be more wrong. The Vanford isn’t even the best reel for its price point, let alone “the best reel on the market”. The Stradic FL, which is inexplicably priced slightly under the Vanford is a significantly superior reel.... and it’s $20-$30 cheaper!!!(something that Shimano will soon be rectifying). The Vanford, which is a dedicated FRESHWATER reel, is a nice upgrade from the now discontinued and grossly over-hyped Stradic Ci4+. But for the $$, there are a plethora of better options within the same price range.

[@artificialslinger9730]

Shimano themselves have stated the vanford reel is made for both. ( They only list it as freshwater that's the only difference ) I personally have 8 FLs , 2 Vanfords . If I had to pick one for the rest of my life for snook trout and reds it would be the vanford hands down. Got big reds and snook up to 38" on my 2500 vanford handled it nicely. No issues. I've have sunk my vanford a few times and still smooth as the day I got it. Don't underestimate this reel. Buy one and try it. For the price point both the FL and Vanford are the best on the market I've tried. Stay away from daiwa and penn junk

[@dev3AK]

@the Blake, You don’t know what you’re talking about obviously.

[@tomwiggins1225]

You don't know what you're talkin about