Shimano Vanford C5000XG spinning reel initial impressions review

Very early days with this amazingly light and smooth as you like spinning reel, but I have put together a sort of initial impressions review of this new Shimano Vanford C5000XG - which is actually the same size as a 4000 size Shimano reel. All is explained in the video, hope it makes sense!
Lure rod: coming soon...............
Shimano Vanford C5000XG spinning reel: bit.ly/3aZV21S
Savage Gear Sandeel Pencil 150 lure used in this video (they fly!): bit.ly/3kE8bRG
Check out my website and blog: www.henry-gilbey.com/​​
Find me on Facebook here: / henry.gilbey​​
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links which means at no extra cost to you I will make a small commission if you click on them and make a qualifying purchase. Many thanks if you do choose to buy via these links.
Copyright free music thanks to:
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savfkmusic

[@alfontana6242]

I live on the Oregon Coast here in the U.S. I had my Vanford 5000 reel for about 3 months now and I been using it for Steelhead fishing, large sea run rainbow trout that can reach 20 lbs. Lightweight, fast retrieve, and reels smoothly and the round ball handle is great and comfortable. So far this is the best spinning reel I ever owned and I'm 70 years old and been fishing since I was 5. There not cheap here in the U.S. they run $240.00 US but they are worth every penny.

[@henrygilbey302]

Nice one Al, thanks for watching and for commenting. Oregon is one of the areas in the world I most want to see, and especially your awesome steelhead. I have seen them up in BC, but never in the US. Really good to hear about the reel doing so well for you, steelhead are powerful fish!!!

[@FishDonkey626]

I feel the same way. These reels are nice

[@martinpaul6146]

Good to see you on video again. That passion and excitement got me into fishing years ago, so don’t be afraid to “lose it “ now and again. Great stuff, oh and Thankyou Storm.

[@henrygilbey302]

Thanks so much, really kind words, and don't worry, I can still lose it at myself a beauty!

[@cozab5487]

Man, I've read your reviews for years and always enjoyed how spot on they were, and how you always kept it real and went only off your own experiences with each reel at the time updating as you went along, this is the only true way to do it and I always respected that, so I gotta say its so good to see it in video form! Keep up the awesome stuff mate🔥🎣

[@henrygilbey302]

thank you so much, really kind of you

[@chuckymcchuckface8768]

Henry, this vid is honest, clear and your opinion is well qualified. I appreciate you producing this.

[@henrygilbey302]

many thanks

[@colinphilpott3700]

Nice to hear you presenting again. A bit of nostalgia hit me there :) Thanks for these Henry.

[@henrygilbey302]

Thanks Colin! It did feel a bit weird to set up a camera on my own with nobody else around - and then speak to it!

[@colinphilpott3700]

:) Like a duck to water.@@henrygilbey302

[@blakecrowley5321]

So great to see you back!

[@henrygilbey302]

thanks Blake!

[@d1g1taldan]

Henry, great little video that. Super informative and to the point. Please do mire like this. Looks a good bit of kit to be fair, but we’ll see how it holds up

[@henrygilbey302]

Thanks Dan, and yes, you are so right - they are new reels, how will they hold up to a good bit of saltwater use?

[@willcooper8694]

Brilliant video and fantastically informative. Bring on more Henry Gilbey KZbin videos I say!

[@henrygilbey302]

wow, thank you kind sir, much appreciated!

[@yallaboybrookwell4420]

Decent review Henry...keep em coming

[@henrygilbey302]

thank you

[@smokin1974]

Good to see you the other side of the lens again Henry - more vlogs please fella!

[@henrygilbey302]

Vlogging eh? Older dogs learning new tricks, will keep on with it and see where it goes, thank you

[@andrewsmall1746]

Great video Henry

[@henrygilbey302]

Thanks!

[@markhoffman9655]

You might be a new blogger but your years of still photography informs your videography very nicely.

[@henrygilbey302]

thanks Mark, very nice of you to say so!

[@Jack-tp5ji]

Cracking review!! Thanks H

[@henrygilbey302]

thank you!

[@cespaia]

Bravo, it keeps getting better and better!!! 🔝🔝🔝

[@henrygilbey302]

most kind, thank you!

[@pfpublius]

I fish mainly saltwater. Got a Vanford 4000 a few months ago and loved it. Immediately turned me on to Shimano. I like how they roll down design features to lower models over the years. Their lettering scheme for versioning is easy enough to keep track of. I just got a Stradic FL 4000 & plan to get the 4000 FM too. Growing up as a kid fishing whatever $30 every 3-5 years would get me...man i couldn't imagine fishing quality gear. My first taste was a Chinese Pflueger Trion 12 years ago. I still have that reel & fish it regularly. But the Shimano was a gamechanger. Leagues ahead & it excites the kid in me. That alone is worth the price tag.

[@bassfishingireland]

Nice one Henry, I enjoyed that

[@henrygilbey302]

thank you!

[@danielrimer4850]

I have the Vanford 1000, 2500, 4000 and just bought the 5000. I love them all! I have a Sustain 3000 that I love more thn anything! Thx for sharing.. I watched your review before I bought the 5000

[@henrygilbey302]

Nice one Daniel, glad I could help.....

[@1kingkongkory]

Great video I like the look of that reel Henry, I'm a fab of those big round handles I used to use a hart reel just because of the handle.

[@henrygilbey302]

agree, I love those handles

[@garylawlor2288]

I agree with you Henry when you say that reels are at a risk of becoming too light. Some rods need a bit of weight down the butt end, especially if they have a bit of glass towards the tip, it helps with the feel of the set up.

[@henrygilbey302]

yep, I can't help but think that I might have been put off a few rods in the past because they didn't feel quite right with a really light reel

[@johnloxley8705]

I don’t do any sea fishing !!! . I go lure fishing for perch. But for some unknown strange reason I love watching this guy. Loved watching his videos as well back in the day. Even then I didn’t do any sea fishing. I never have. I don’t know what it is about this man but he is the kind of guy that could turn the freshwater fisherman to the salty side 🤣🤣🤣👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🎣🎣🎣🎣.... them reels are awesome! Could certainly do with a couple of those. Top man 👍🏽👍🏽🎣🎣😀😀

[@henrygilbey302]

crumbs John, thank you kindly!

[@zakkrick]

Caught my first stripers with my Vanford 5000, love it so far. I might get an extra spool from eBay for lighter braided lines

[@henrygilbey302]

I so love your stripers, awesome fish, awesome country

[@FishingWithDL]

Very much enjoyed your video my friend. Tight lines 🎣.

[@henrygilbey302]

Thank you David, most kind

[@md560]

Great content Henry, can we have more please. 👍

[@henrygilbey302]

I will do my best, thank you for your kind words

[@bethefish9102]

Just got a 500 for lrfing, loving it so far.

[@henrygilbey302]

bet that's a stunning reel!

[@simonknox5580]

I went for the 4000 & as you say extremely light. So far no complaints 🤙

[@henrygilbey302]

Seem to be lovely reels

[@Gamefishing111]

I purchased a 4000 and it seems tiny compared to my last 4000 reels,I smet it back and ordered the one on here ,but compared to my xgage 4000 it’s tiny

[@markfauzi5587]

Most cinematic footage of the Shimano Vanford I've ever seen. Shimano corporation should owe you. Tight lines from Vanford C3000 HG owner.

[@henrygilbey302]

thank you!

[@markfauzi5587]

@@henrygilbey302, You're welcome, Sir!

[@reyjester383]

Worked great on the Walleye fishing trip

[@MADPIKER01]

Exactly the same as the sustain C5000XG. Had the same issue when I was looking for a 4000+ size reel. Thought a 5000 size would be too heavy but then learned the C meant compact (as in a 4000 sized body). Really nice feature if you want to step up to 30lb 40lb braid without losing too much in the way of distance or for punching into a wind with 20lb braid. Fantastic reels and interestingly the Sustain C5000XG has the similar handle. Prefer the Sustain as they have the flatter stem to the reel seat and as you rightly say, Might not be a deal breaker for some but when you have noticed the difference then you tend to have a preference towards what feels comfortable.

[@henrygilbey302]

This sounds interesting, I'd like to see a Sustain C5000 for that flatter reel stem especially........

[@MarcinKantor]

nice video Henry, keep it up. enjoying that video production?

[@henrygilbey302]

many thanks Marcin

[@simeonpawling2613]

Gotta love Shimano.

[@henrygilbey302]

yep, lovely reels, but towards the end of the year is going to get interesting for me on the spinning reel front

[@InfinityFishing]

Hope you continue videos henry, nice to see your Face too

[@henrygilbey302]

not sure about my face here on KZbin, but thank you!

[@shenanigans8apeach]

Have you made an updated review of this vanford 5000? Thanks

[@ctgilcrest]

great review i picked up the vfc5000xgf for my 9'6" mh shimano 18 dialuna. my 9'6" m just arrived and the c5000xgf pares well with it also. balanced well on both rods. striped bass, california halibut, surfperch, and rock fish have all tested this outfit. thanks for the nudge. nor. cal. surf fishing!

[@henrygilbey302]

Lovely outfit, nice one! I hear more and more about your surf fishing and the striped bass especially, oh for the world to get back to normal and for us to be able to visit your awesome country once again...................

[@castnbaitangler4931]

Nice

[@henrygilbey302]

thank you!

[@marsu2004]

Love your very helpful review. What rod were you using?

[@henrygilbey302]

Thank you kindly.........> Mainly the Savage Gear SGS8 9'6'' 12-46g rod from memory

[@TheDuffman1986]

Is there a follow up review of the reel??

[@colinpritchard777]

Hi Henry please could you explain the little black tool that comes with it ? Please

[@alexlap53]

Would you recommend this reel for jigging with 20gr-40gr metal jigs? I m thinking to pair it with a major craft crostage 15-40.

[@aarahuffaztaha4421]

Sadly shimano doesnt produced a regular gear ratio (5.1) for this 5000 size vanford. End up getting vanford in 3000 & 3000xg to cover all types of fishings (versatiles reels) & vanford 500 for ultralight/finesse/prawning and paired them with shimano zodias rods.. But i do agreed that vanford is very light, i think due to material been used (ci4/mgl). Smoothness is just ok ok. Overall definitely worth it ...

[@shaunprawn88]

I'm still undecided whether to get this or the stradic fl instead. It really does look like stunning reel though.

[@henrygilbey302]

Pretty sure you would not go wrong either, but finding one for sale seems to be the problem at the moment...............

[@brendanspencer2550]

I'm in the same boat!

[@TheBassRacer]

Brilliant review but I bet I could get wind knots😂 I love the handles as well👌

[@henrygilbey302]

no wind knots possible....................or is that the kiss of death??!!

[@TheBassRacer]

@@henrygilbey302 Kiss of death, if you not had one in a year I’ll buy one😀

[@barlow2976]

@@TheBassRacer I can honestly say I didn't have a single wind knot on my Shimano, all season, mainly at night. Sufix or J Braid, never a frown.

[@ianblewett3118]

Hi Henry, I'm looking about for a new bass reel at the mo and I found your review to be hugely useful. Just one small question - does this one have a anti reverse? VMT Ian

[@henrygilbey302]

there is no anti-reverse switch which I love

[@ianblewett3118]

@@henrygilbey302 Thanks for responding. ATB Ian

[@kylezeng8049]

Hi, your videos are very nice. I am wondering what rod you are using in this video?

[@henrygilbey302]

I think it was mostly the Savage Gear SGS8 9'6'' 12-46g lure rod

[@tegangalemv]

Does anyone know how to take the stock knob off the handle? I’m trying to put a gomexus power knob on it. I can’t find any videos anywhere. Thanks!

[@buonchiu]

My stella 2021 sw 6000hg top 1 on the word 🤲

[@konne16]

Still deciding... Doing alot of rock saltwater fishing... think I have to go for a new Stradic SW or Saragossa...

[@henrygilbey302]

I don't know the Saragosa

[@craigd123]

Gosa is heavy as sht

[@leonprice7234]

W Hi, what rod are you using in this video ?

[@michaeldwyer561]

Hi Henry any chance u could do a video on best knot braid to fluro thanks mick

[@henrygilbey302]

Will try and do this one day when I get better at filming myself! Have a look around on my blog for the FG knot..........

[@sebby-s5741]

Good evening Henry, I recently bought my own c5000 and I was wondering what the little “lollipop” style item with the Shimano logo is used for. I didn’t find any information about it in the manual

[@henrygilbey302]

you've lost me there - lollipop logo? Please explain and I will try to help

[@sebby-s5741]

@@henrygilbey302 i found out what it was after reading about 5 pages of Manuel in fine print. It’s the handle “screw driver” to open it up. For the round EVA handles only also how do you like the c5000 so far?

[@gerhang3759]

What's your setup

[@jakecorcoran8705]

Hi Henry great video very informative 👏 👌 is the reel still holding up well? Im in two mind whether to go vanquish 5000 think it be worth the difference in price Thanks

[@henrygilbey302]

Thanks Jack. Stunning reel, it really is, but my "problem" if you like is that I love fishing with the Penn Slammer IV 2500 spinning reel so much............

[@jakecorcoran8705]

@@henrygilbey302 I do like the slammer but would you say it can be used for 15gram lures ok doing stuff of the shore?

[@henrygilbey302]

@@jakecorcoran8705 I'm very comfortable using the Slammer 2500 with lighter lures, but for sure a Shimano is going to be lighter and smoother and 100% trustworthy with the line management side of things............these Vanford reels are stunning

[@Talos353]

It's the same with the C3000 which is a 2500 reel with a deeper spool.

[@henrygilbey302]

yep, nice one, thank you

[@timtorkelson7201]

Have 2 3000 Vanfords and love them ! Super smooth and noticeable vs my Ci4+

[@user-rl6wr2ny7f]

How has it held up ? Great video and cracking view.

[@henrygilbey302]

All good so far, it's a seriously stunning bit of kit

[@user-rl6wr2ny7f]

@@henrygilbey302 Did yours feel a bit stiff at first? Just got the 500 version and currently my old Sedona 750fb feels miles smoother. It feels a little tense, I need to apply more force in certain parts of its rotation at certain angles. I'm wondering if it's simply been over greased or I should send it back. Over than that is feels great but my fishing style involves alot of slow retrieves so it will bother the hell out of me. I thought I was being silly until I got my Sedona side by side with it.

[@daffamaulana6794]

I love your accents

[@raj1634]

What rod should I pair it with? Any advice

[@henrygilbey302]

Very much depends on the lures you need to fish with and the conditions you tend to fish, hope this link might help www.henry-gilbey.com/ive-got-x-to-spend-on-a-rod-and-reel/

[@MrBigFishJoe]

What’s the latest, is it still performing well?

[@henrygilbey302]

Yep, really liking it www.henry-gilbey.com/blog/shimano-vanford-c5000xg-spinning-reel-review-interesting-dilemma-around-200-here-in-the-uk-if-you-can-find-one

[@H20chromer]

I just got my vanford 5000 today. There is quite a bit of in and out slop in the handle as well as gear engagement movement so much that it makes a clicking noise when reeling. No line on it and not on a rod. Is this normal, does yours have this much play in the handle/ gear?

[@henrygilbey302]

No, this is not normal at all! The reel needs to be changed.............

[@H20chromer]

​@@henrygilbey302 I just received the second one I bought today as a replacement and this one is the same way! Very disappointed in how loud and sloppy these reels are. It feels like they left out a bushing that would take up some of the gear lash. Maybe its a machining issue in the composite X-ship bearing mounts? Or maybe its just me being too critical on a 200+ dollar reel. I was soo excited that this was the answer to having a reel that would last a while but it only looks good on paper

[@henrygilbey302]

@@H20chromer I don't know what is going on, I fished with mine again last night and in the hand it feels about as smooth as a reel can get when you are fishing with it..........

[@H20chromer]

@@henrygilbey302 I bought two identical model vanford 5000's from two different online stores and both felt and sounded the same. I am talking no line on them and not on a rod. I think the carbon body amplifies some of the noise and that they are soo concerned about easy start up they built it with looser tolerances. I came across a stradic fl vs vanford video and he said the same thing i did about the vanford and that the stradic fl has better tighter tolerances and is quieter. So I shipped those back and gave shimano one last chance and bought the stradic fl 5000 same size and specifications (pretty much) but has the aluminum body and i can confirm this reel hands down is quieter and tighter tolerances. Also the 5000 handle is the ball but a dense rubber instead of the foam i like that better as well. Well it was fun chatting reels, may your line always be tight and your net wet. Cheers

[@henrygilbey302]

@@H20chromer Glad you are now sorted for a reel, a real shame the Vanford(s) didn't work for you, I will keep my eyes and ears open for any of the problems you talk about..........thank you

[@TheRogerronaldo]

What rod were you using?

[@henrygilbey302]

A selection from these new Savage Gear SGS5 and SGS8 rods I have been working on, mainly the SGS8 9'6'' 12-46g rod in this video

[@stevestory8483]

I’m about to pull the trigger and buy this 5000 Vanford how has it been holding up so far?

[@henrygilbey302]

Love it www.henry-gilbey.com/blog/shimano-vanford-c5000xg-spinning-reel-review-interesting-dilemma-around-200-here-in-the-uk-if-you-can-find-one

[@stevestory8483]

@@henrygilbey302 thanks!

[@mattstringer4966]

I have the 3000 it's great

[@henrygilbey302]

good to hear

[@timtorkelson7201]

Paired my 3000 with a St. Croix 7'1 medium and put 10lb 832 braid on it..Awesome!!!

[@henrygilbey302]

@@timtorkelson7201 Nice one, enjoy!!!

[@carlocosta1706]

The C stands for the drag material,used in SA in very adverse conditions ,holds up very well

[@henrygilbey302]

The C actually stands for Compact

[@craigd123]

@@henrygilbey302 it stands for Carlo Costa

[@MrFonzi22]

Time for a follow up update please

[@henrygilbey302]

Seriously good reel, will do my best, but I am fishing with the Slammer 2500 so much these days

[@choppa9786]

How is it holding up in the salt?

[@henrygilbey302]

wash it down, don't drown it in saltwater, as smooth as you like

[@raj1634]

Can I put this on an ugly stik carbon medium action 7 ft 3 rod?

[@henrygilbey302]

I don't know the rod, sorry

[@raj1634]

It's 4 to 7 kg line rating will it work on it?

[@tonywatkins7801]

Henry hi , Just a quick question are you right handed or left handed as in your reel retrieve hand should it always be with the rod rings facing down or the other way sorry to sound so anal on this just i prefer reeling in with my right hand

[@henrygilbey302]

I'm right handed, a spinning reel is used with the rod rings facing down

[@chippiegary605]

Hi Henry , great vid as always 👍, just added that great handle to my vanford c3000xg fits perfectly totally transforms the reel in my opinion , it’s part no -rd21270 if any one’s interested

[@henrygilbey302]

Many thanks, didn't know you could do that, much appreciated.

[@mcl560]

do u oil the xprotect line roller?

[@henrygilbey302]

I put a bit of grease in there to be honest, works fine

[@mcl560]

@@henrygilbey302 Good to know. thx for sharing. i hv been quitely following your articles and channel and absorbing your experience... lol.

[@FishDonkey626]

Lure Rod ?

[@henrygilbey302]

I think it was the Savage Gear SGS8 9'6'' 12-46g lure rod

[@allskoolguru]

the jeremy clarkson of fishing

[@henrygilbey302]

hopefully not!

[@johnratcliffe6438]

And what are the names of those lure rods Henry? 😇 Great upload to watch with breakfast, thank you!

[@henrygilbey302]

Nice try John, gotta give you credit!

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@henrygilbey302 😉

[@Kragothe]

i tried slowing the video down so i could see the name on the rod :p

[@henrygilbey302]

bad person! Nice try though!!!!

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@henrygilbey302 It is a lovely looking rod Henry. I'm sure we are all looking forward to learning more about it in due course.

[@stevejones9636]

would you recommend this reel for the surf?

[@henrygilbey302]

if your surf fishing is anything like mine..........no

[@stevejones9636]

@@henrygilbey302 no very rough here mainly big waves

[@stevejones9636]

So a daiwa exist 5000 would be better?

[@henrygilbey302]

@@stevejones9636 I don't know the Daiwa Exist, sorry

[@henrygilbey302]

@@stevejones9636 Slammer then.........

[@sergkoval5835]

Daiwa fuego lt 6000

[@henrygilbey302]

I don't know any of the newer Daiwa reels

[@adamvvs2644]

Wheres the review after a year?

[@Fishingonly2020]

Gift for me

[@wuquanchi]

and I have 3k spool with 4k body because there is no "C" code in front of the model name :) 3000MHG.

[@henrygilbey302]

is that good or bad? So confusing, why they do this is beyond me!

[@wuquanchi]

@@henrygilbey302It is good, I knew it and I bought it intentionally, It is kind of the best of two worlds. sensitivity of 3k with 4k power. But this model is sold only in Japan.

[@dillonsullivan5]

Pains me to see hooks on the reel like that 🤦🏽‍♂️ that’s how you put knicks in your line over time

[@henrygilbey302]

the hooks are in that position to get the shot for the video