Is Shimano's TINY Vanford FA500 The ULTIMATE Finesse Fishing Reel?

[@548jaime]

Greetings from Alabama. I've been eyeing this reel for some time now in the size 2500-3000 for a good all around fishing reel. I'm a total Newby but I recent fishing trip to Louisiana got me hooked, literally. I recently subscribed to your channel, great content. 💯👍🏼

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@548jaime Thank you! Yes, they’re great reels!

[@huntinfishin7214]

I can honestly say i don't need one but will definately be getting one. 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

🤣

[@claywalsh6853]

Starlo, have you ever thought of being a Santa at Christmas time? You'd be perfect with that little deep kind sounding chuckle hehehe.

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@claywalsh6853 cheers for that! Yes, I was actually Santa for a few years at my local fishing club Xmas Party! 🤣

[@daniel1993aus]

Love the thumbnail, Starlo! Can imagine Gollum sneaking around with a 500... I certainly will be. 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Me too! 👍

[@mitchmcbride6053]

FINALLY … awesome looking reel going to be a new popular option for sire

[@StarloGetsReel]

Agreed!

[@mbnz0174]

Stunning little reel. I won't be buying one any time soon as my Stradic Ci4+ 1000 only gets light use, but one day!

[@keithprinn720]

Common sense especially for an occasional use item. Not a phone for a teenager requiring upgrades every six months.

[@tapwater9843]

Good to see some jdm equip filtering through. Cant wait till bfs reels and rods are on the shelves.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Don't think I'd be holding my breath. ;)

[@benbeverley561]

Nice review. I’m certainly like a kid in a candy store when something new comes out from Shimano! 😂 The number 1 - 150 m is the Gou number (like PE rating) 1 (0.165mm) will fit 150m on the spool.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Ah! There you go! Now I know! Thanks for that.

[@beaconoflight3225]

G'day Starlo, I love 500's also, I brought in a few Nasci 500's I ordered direct from Japan. Nasci reels are just awesome value for money. They are all I use up to the 5000 size. Love your comparisons and gear testing mate... bought a dialuna 10ft after your review... love it!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good to hear. So glad you like that rod. They’re certainly not cheap, but I absolutely LOVE mine!

[@raynewman4904]

Nice reel Steve, looking forward to seeing it in action. Cheers.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Me too!

[@johnloxley8705]

watching this guy just makes me feel like I’m actually there on boxing the fishing reel. since subscribing I’ve been watching many of the videos and I have to admit I absolutely love Shimano reels. Any size under 2500. I have a few 1000 size rails but I don’t have any 500 size . Some are hard to get hold of over here in the UK probably the same as it is for you guys over in Australia. i’m going to have a little look and see how much they are and see if I can get hold of any. Love watching the video buddy and thank you so much for sharing and just love your facial expressions and seeing you so excited.😂😂😂 honestly what are we like?…. The boy in the man never goes away. That’s always a good thing. All the best, buddy. 👍👍😁😁🎣🎣

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks for that lovely feedback! One of the wonderful things about KZbin is being able to interact with viewers from all over the globe! I hope you can find a 500 size reel in your part of the world. 👍

[@aresze7083]

After checking out the Shimano’s website for more specs it’s amazing how much braid you fit on the spool. According to the spec sheets the 500size can hold PE0.6 - 185m / PE0.8 - 140m / PE1.0 - 110m. That’s a lot of line for finesse fishing that’s for sure. The braid is so thin these days. PE0.6 is to be 12lb, PE0.8 rated at 16lb and PE 1 rated at 21lb.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Wow, yes, that's a lot... Although I've never understood all that "PE" stuff... I'm old school and like my pounds or kilos. ;) Either way, if I can get a 150 yard spool of 6 pound braid on there, I'll be more than happy.

[@aresze7083]

@@StarloGetsReel PE rating is rather more accurate way to gauge how much line you can potentially have on the reels since different brands have different line thickness. Personally found it much easier to use as well compared to the regular lb rating.

[@arimarkss5435]

Great Video Starlo!!

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@arimarkss5435 thanks!! 👍

[@sandytrackxfishing2810]

Imagine a 500 twinpower 🤤🤤 I came from the stradics and vanfords and decided to buy a twin power...... well there's no competition now 4 twinnpowers in and I don't own any other reels now. 500 size is cool tho!!

[@landrover1155]

Another great video Steve. Couple of things. 1. These Vanfords are awesome. Bought a 3000 compact and love it. Great for finesse fishing up bay Snaps etc. 2. I reckon you should sell a Starlo Doll of the sort with the bobbly head - i would have one on my bow and one on the dash of my car for good luck. Tight lines! Cheers

[@StarloGetsReel]

Love it!

[@nobodyhome8148]

NICE!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@jasonflett3587]

I just purchased a new vanford 5000. Would be nice if the starf at these tackle shops tell you there is a new model out.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Great reels.

[@hengbun3002]

Awesome small reel for travelly or even salmon/tailors.

[@StarloGetsReel]

For sure!

[@fush5936]

Im tempted !

[@jamierichards27]

Looks like it’d be an awesome little bream lure reel! Might have to get a pair of them for my good bream lure rods! I’ve been using an old Shimano Sedona 750FB and 1500FB on them, and they’re getting a bit worn out… Just a shame I can’t get 125y spools of 2lb fire line anymore, as that would go great on them.

[@stevenelliott155]

G'day Starlo. Yep that seems impressive. I know you're a Shimano man, but I wonder how it stacks up against the reel that I have. It's a Diawa Presso LT 2000SS-P. The specifications are very similar with one exception. It has 12 sealed bearings. And it would be about $100 dearer I'd reckon. Matched with the Presso rod, it's just a delight to use. It would be interesting to do a side by side comparison.

[@Happy_dayz90]

I’ve got a 500 spoiled up with 3lb Fluro and it’s amazing for bream with light hidden weigh jig heads and 2-2.5” plastics

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice! 👍

[@Happy_dayz90]

@@StarloGetsReel it’s real finesse fishing for bream off pontoons and such … but a lot of fun and I have the 2000 with 8lb braid as my flathead set up (odd Jew on it as well)

[@70hammo]

Thanks

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank YOU! 👍👍👍

[@simonhunt4614]

Nice ,would like to see what rod you pair it up with starlo...Those Shimano expride would suit ..

[@StarloGetsReel]

Great suggestion! I'm still looking... I'll let you know.

[@No_mans_flies]

I’m off to Japan next week to chase black bream and invade as many tackleshops as possible. I think one of these will be coming home with me!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice!

[@wholybatman]

Consider a Vanquish while you're over there

[@No_mans_flies]

@@wholybatman do they make those in a 500?

[@wholybatman]

@@No_mans_flies No, the smallest one is 1000 SSPG.

[@No_mans_flies]

@@wholybatman will check it out, really want to get a nice 500 size

[@adamfraser4509]

Be very interested to see your thoughts after a few months Starlo!

[@StarloGetsReel]

For sure... Me too!

[@peteh7966]

My 1000 Vanford matched with the Atomic Skinny Water rod is my go to combo, pulled in a 39cm bream on it just this morning! One thing I did do, was replace the felt drag washer with carbon fibre, really, really nice. Might wait for a long term review to see how the 500 stacks up. just in case I "need" another set up.

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@peteh7966 nice!! 👍👍👍

[@ronmb81]

I wonder If this 500 size reel carries the same technology as the other sizes in the series. The previous model F500 (overseas model) did not include MGL rotor, Micromodule gear II, silent drive, Xship etc. If this is the case of previous model than Shimano Australia need to update their website to state the removed technologies on the 500FA, as it can be misleading to potential buyers.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good points and questions. I note that the 500 doesn't have the anti-twist fin that's now found on the other FAs... There could well be internal differences to. I'll report on that in my follow up video...

[@robbiefishing]

Who in their right mind would print black writing on a dark box. 😂😂😂 That's one sweet looling reel.

[@Kearnesy]

Imagine hooking a mulloway as by catch with that reel

[@StarloGetsReel]

Indeed!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Or you could buy a Sienna. 😂 I love Shimano because even the cheapest reels work well. Probably make a great video.

[@StarloGetsReel]

True! I looked at the Sienna in this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6G2q3h8lMaAapo Amazing value for the price!

[@samasimOFsh]

Maybe the best finesse reel Shimano Australia has to offer but not the best spinning reel currently on the market. That being the Shimano 23 1000sspg vanquish. It's great to buy Shimano locally and support the local tackle Shops.I just think that if Shimano gave Australian reps the best of the best it will be better in the long run for the reps, fisherman and the Australian economy. Rather than us spending our money over in Japan for the gear we want, yes it still supports Shimano but not Shimano Australia... Shocked that they haven't sent you the 23 bfs Calcutta or the vanquish 1000sspg for review. It's a 1000 that weighs 140g that's the same weight as the vanford 500 A with more line capacity which speaks volumes. You are missing out a lot on your bream fishing using the Vanfords over the Vanquish. I am confident it will change your finesse game! The resistance to inertia and that start and stop winding capabilities on a spinning reel is something that I've never heard an Australian fisherman talk about. Something that is a big game changer that Vanquish deserves credit for over all other spinning reels and the reason why it's actually knows as the ultimate finesse reel in Shimanos arsenal. None of the high end finnesse reels Daiwa makes compares to the vanquish. Yet Daiwa exists and airities are coming to Australia 😅 Seriously though Shimano has gear we don't see that Daiwa dreams of making for the same price.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Interesting stuff.

[@keithprinn720]

dont own a 1000 so will listen to experienced spin angler's views who spend thousands of hours a year using this 500. On the right rod would be perfect for stream trout, bream and bass as you say and as a light float rod for blackfish in estuaries, gars and mullet. how it feels in your hand doing this is what matters.

[@EzraSwannellFishing]

Im just glad shimano is coming out with 2000. Next, 2000 shallow! like japan.

[@jesusblessthesecommentsamen]

What’s the 200o suited to ? I remember everyone used 2500 then changed to 3000

[@EzraSwannellFishing]

@@jesusblessthesecommentsamen nah most bream guys like a 2000, no point in 1000.

[@jesusblessthesecommentsamen]

@@EzraSwannellFishing oh bream 👍

[@EzraSwannellFishing]

@@jesusblessthesecommentsamen yeah

[@EzraSwannellFishing]

I think the spools too small for casting. It's more an ice fishing reel, or maybe a tiny stream trout reel.

[@StarloGetsReel]

I'll let you know!

[@EzraSwannellFishing]

@@StarloGetsReel 👌

[@shanejohnson57]

😱dearer than the 1000

[@StarloGetsReel]

No sure where you saw that? List price (RRP) is the same as the 2000, from what I've seen? (The 2000 is a larger-spooled 1000... I don't think Shimano Australia are stocking a standard 1000 in the new FAs - not much point with a 500 and a 2000 in the line-up.)

[@shanejohnson57]

Bcf I haven’t checked mo yet

[@snoopyandnoopy]

Does a spool diameter that small make sense? Always thought a larger spool diameter increases casting distance and reduces line twist/ distortion.

[@StarloGetsReel]

The spool diametre is actually the same as a 1000. It’s only the spool height or length that shorter.

[@antonb8422]

I’m struggling to see how the 500 series will entice all bar a small few Starlo There is probably a good reason why Shimanos other 500 models don’t reach here. But iv been wrong before

[@StarloGetsReel]

I'm sure it won't be a massive market, but it's nice to finally have a 500 for those who are keen to try one.

[@rayz527]

👌🏻👍🏻

[@shanejohnson57]

Ime lookin today for a 500 light light light for me fun not the kill

[@StarloGetsReel]

Hope you can track one down! More are coming, I believe.

[@jesusblessthesecommentsamen]

What rod you matching artiesta or 24 poison ? 😊expirde is 77 g no weight for artiesta on sight

[@StarloGetsReel]

I’m still trying to decide!

[@jesusblessthesecommentsamen]

Yeah same love to know what balances nicely with it 👍

[@cheesus4688]

Mr starling, totally irrelevant question/statement, 2 weeks ago I lost an old fishing mate and he left me his fishing gear, open 3 Berkeley bags and he has them full of the squidgie range, now here’s my question haha sorry, is the blue fox label the original packets or are the coloured version the originals? Cheers jacko

[@StarloGetsReel]

Sorry to hear about your loss. The Blue Fox label is from very early in the Squidgies journey and would be the oldest, I reckon.

[@cheesus4688]

@@StarloGetsReel all goods mate, unfortunately it’s apart life but memories live on, thanks for the reply, I’m gunna chuck the unopened blue fox packets in the safe 😂🫡

[@bywhytexyz8518]

me and daiwa fuego 23 crying in the corner

[@wdmzjwqy]

Would this size be any good for squid fishing?

[@StarloGetsReel]

I can’t see why not.

[@5wisher5weet]

140g? Cmon Shimano, I want 130 or less!

[@downunderdave5417]

I'm scared to use my 1000 at times so 500 ????????????

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@downunderdave5417 Horses for courses.

[@TheSebtrain]

That will be perfect for perch fishing uk 👌

[@StarloGetsReel]

Absolutely.

[@TheSebtrain]

@@StarloGetsReel can’t seem to find the 500 fa. Only the 500f. Is it a new release??

[@5wisher5weet]

140g? Cmon Shimano, I want 130 or less!