SHIMANO Vanford Reels (Cardiff, Soare XR, Complex XR) Tuning and Maintenance

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

This is the video I have been waiting for ever since getting my Vanford! The cheapest 4 bearing Vanford upgrade kits I had found previously were $50 or more and that was from eBay so you have no idea of the quality of those bearings. i_fish again helping out our community with great quality gear at sensible prices.

[@bestthingsinceslicedrice]

Yup I did that ebay route myself and was disappointed with the quality of the bearings. So when I saw what Victor was offering on his website. I did not hesitate to order

[@Sweetaccord]

Your Vanford bearing upgrade is exactly the same as doing a Stradic I've done. If someone needs to do a Stradic this video is perfect.

[@andrewbiggles2288]

I have a 2000 cardiff, 2 x 2000 soare's and a 1000 vanford so this tutorial is just perfect for me Victor, thanks a million mate. My little vanford is one of the perfect reels where everything is silent and just perfectly buttery smooth....... the others all have small noise issues or slightly tight feeling compared which i'm used to with Shimano lucky dip production quality.

[@andrewbiggles2288]

Bummer, just realized you don't ship to Australia.

[@ifishcatfish]

usually when they go away after one maintenance..

[@JamesBraid6]

This is one of the best vids I’ve seen. Excellent Victor, so much to take in. I know it would be a pain in the arse but wish you could ship internationally. Can only dream..

[@ifishcatfish]

thank you sir. Yes, international is real pain. First of all too much money for any economics to work, and secondly, u have to fill frikking duty forms on everything..

[@gleamtarrest6310]

Thnx Guy! I have a Vanford 1000k that is prolly 2 years old & I am going to do the upgrades.. it BADLY needs it. I can't wait to get some bg1 1 gram #10.. & a few floats. I went fishing Thursday and found a treat that I have never seen... I estimated 150- 200 crappie sitting on bed. Was super excited saw some seriously huge females sitting tight on bed, cought several males and they was extremely fisty!..

[@ifishcatfish]

Make sure nobody follows you there : )

[@gleamtarrest6310]

​@ifishcatfish had a guy come in behind me so I turned around and started casting out in the deeper water, one day I am going to buy me a Walmart rod & reel ( prolly a red one) and get a huge cheap float and start casting that when people get close.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks for the tear down! Don’t plan on upgrading any of my reels until something fails or feels bad. But video is very interesting! Thanks!

[@ifishcatfish]

Thanks D

[@BmwM140iClubsport]

Hi, i ordered the complex 2500xr and it came with 4 washers loose in the box with a note. Please use the enclosed adjuistment washers in order to create the winding shape you prefer. Complete details for installing these washers and creating different winding shape are included in the instruction manuel. But the whole manual is in chinese😅

[@ifishcatfish]

every reel comes with those. Is this your first reel purchase? U most likely don't need them, they are there 'just in case' your line is not in the middle of the spool

[@BmwM140iClubsport]

@@ifishcatfish my first shimano spinning reel. Never had them before with other brands😅. Also iff i reel it it makes a winding/whistle noise.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@BmwM140iClubsport wooo, i don't go there, sorry, thats a deep rabbit hole and i aint goin there

[@bobjohnson7207]

Awesome upgrade Victor.

[@Nickporter17]

I definitely want to do this upgrade! What do you think about Stratic vs Vanford for inshore and surf fishing?

[@ifishcatfish]

Vanford is for ultralight fishing. Stradic is for Yanking

[@Nickporter17]

​@@ifishcatfish thanks! I got the Vanford. Going to get the bearing kit.

[@ifishcatfish]

well this video is for the old vanford. I don't have a kit for the new vanford yet. Don't know which one u got

[@Nickporter17]

@@ifishcatfish I got the 2020 Vanford 4000 on closeout. Should be good for me!

[@ifishcatfish]

@@Nickporter17 it is.. I never put my bearings on size 4000 though. I think they are exactly the same, because on the Sahara they were the same, but im not sure

[@jimpeterson3806]

I don't even have these reels but watched the whole video. Great stuff! 👍👌

[@ifishcatfish]

I just put it out to build my reputation 😎

[@gabem6458]

Great video. Would love to see one of these for the 21 Presso.

[@ifishcatfish]

there is NOTHING to replace on the Presso, but i figured a noninvasive way to put some grease on the gears every winter..

[@rallyguden9091]

I have installed all the bearings you reccomended. I love to tinker with my gear and you really inspired me to do upgrades to my reels. You have said ceramic bearings does not allways make the reel feel better but why? When do you use steel, hybrid or ceramic bearings? The biggest difference i have found is that ceramic bearings have more sideplay in my experiance. Thanks for you very informational videos king!

[@ifishcatfish]

There is too many variables that go into this, speed of rotation is one, and tolerances is another. Also temperatures and durability, access to dirt.. Unfortunately it is not simple and even i don't know everything and what i've done to this reel is result of many tests

[@rallyguden9091]

@@ifishcatfish thanks for your awnser, sounds more lika a trial and error more than a science. I guess i will have to take your words for it since i dont have enough bearings in all sizes to test for myself haha. Great videos!

[@ifishcatfish]

@@rallyguden9091 It IS a science, and Daiwa has scientists who do that. But i am not a scientist, and i just keep messing around until i find one that i like : )

[@c_fishingtv]

very informative. nice video. i use this video to do maintenance of my cardiff xr. thank you very much for this video.

[@ifishcatfish]

yup, thats why i like Shimano more. Try doing this to Luvias..

[@JesseWest-q7o]

I have two vanfords 3000, 4000 and a miravel shallow spool 2500 I use for panfish. I really like all of these reels. I have a really nice rod coming in the mail and I need to buy a reel for it. What is your favorite reels you've used. I'm looking for another 3000 size freshwater reel. I'd pay a bit more than a vanford or less. I like the idea of mid depth spools but It is not needed. Going to pair it up with a st croix legend tournament walleye rod. Really I have loved shimano my whole life. All my favorite reels have been shimano. Thanks love all your videos you do a great job. Good luck fishing!

[@ifishcatfish]

i have a Reel Buying Guide 2024 video with everything i recommend at particular price point, so u can pick from those. But i focus on Ultralight reels and i don't include metal frame reels because they are too heavy and i don't need the strength. But if you are buying larger sizes, there are more options. The most obvious choice is the 2500 size Luvias, but in low gear ratio. It will feel smoother than SHimano

[@JesseWest-q7o]

Thank you so much for a quick reply. I decided to go with the ultegra. I think it pairs up with the rod I got coming a bit better. I really appreciate your videos and will suggest you to others. Thanks again have a great day.

[@abcJ-q4v]

adding bearings... would it rust easier? as compared to bushings... in saltwater

[@ifishcatfish]

the one on the main shaft might rust. Its supposed to be protected by the x-protect, but if u splash it, it might rust. And the one under the spool for sure will rust. Not the ceramic bearings inside though. They are completely ceramic, first, and second, they are inside the body, and if u get salt inside the body of the reel, u have bigger problems than your worm gear bearings

[@longstrangetrip3535]

Victor, when will you have more of the Vanford bearing kits in stock, I would really like to upgrade my 2500, thanks.

[@ifishcatfish]

one.. two weeks from now.. i had to order bulk from a factory to get a decent price..

[@longstrangetrip3535]

@@ifishcatfish thanks for the quick reply, I will keep checking back.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@longstrangetrip3535 they were just shipped today .. so they coming for sure..

[@zazante]

Great video!!! How noticeable would ypu say is the difference in smoothness?🤔

[@ifishcatfish]

No difference in smoothness. But a little more free when u turn

[@joecalcagni9615]

Awesome! Any clue if the 3000 size Vanford has the same bushing/bearing setup?

[@ifishcatfish]

that is an excellent question. I know the 2500 does, because i have a 2500. I know the 3000 is the same as a 2500, except the spool. I think the biggest risk you run is that the bearing under the spool may be different size, but that is a cheap bearing. If you want to buy the set and the bearing doesn't fit, i can give u refund for that bearing. Or u can keep it. That is a universal bearing for the spools of ALLL DAIWA and SHIMANO reels up to size 2500. The presso reels use the same bearing under the spool. Most likely the 3000 will be the same... i just want to be honest with you that i don't know for sure

[@davidung4054]

Wish I were as handy to take apart reels. If I were as skilled and weren’t afraid to damage reels, I would have bought a Vanford to match my Eradicators.

[@ifishcatfish]

Buy one and send it to me!

[@davidung4054]

Thanks Victor, I would truly appreciate that. I will email you, thanks again

[@andrewbiggles2288]

Can i just check on the subject of the felt drag washer replacements SH-011x1 from Hedgehog Studio for the complex and soare reels did you say previously that you added two felt washers to replace the thicker single carbon washer. I have a bag of the washers and Shimano drag grease but wanted to double check how many to use per spool.

[@ifishcatfish]

If u have 2 use two. Careful woth shomano feag grease! If u put carbon grease on the felt u gona make it slip again. Use grease made for felt. Or get a little jar of my grease.. just to see what slow clicks is like ! :)

[@andrewbiggles2288]

@@ifishcatfish Thanks mate i made sure i bought the correct felt grease.

[@thatonebeone]

my stella 22 1000 has 2 washers on the worm gear on the back and little to no play on the spool very similar to yours .. not sure why shimano factory didn't do it

[@ifishcatfish]

good to know. I never opened the stella they sent me for review..

[@thatonebeone]

you need to be a reel designer for shimano japan its like you knew it needed one but yet they did it but not for that one .. i guess its for flag ship reels only but easy to do but you saving lots people time that want to do it @@ifishcatfish

[@MrFirFI]

Any idea when ur gonna have bearings again?

[@ifishcatfish]

i hope in 2 weeks...

[@deimantaskriauza5260]

Any chance you can do Abu garcia zenon 2000s review?

[@ifishcatfish]

i have tried it on someone else boat but i don't have this reel. Send it to me and i will review it

[@deimantaskriauza5260]

@@ifishcatfish dont have it, but wondering to buy between vanquish, airity ant zenon..

[@ifishcatfish]

@@deimantaskriauza5260 well zenon is two levels lower than the other reels

[@joecalcagni9615]

Just saw some reviews of the new Vanford FA - have you been keeping your eyes on it? They are now using Duracross drag washers and the press release said you get the smoothness of felt with about 10x the durability. Any clue how the duracross washers work? Think I should try to find them and put them in my Vanford?

[@ifishcatfish]

@@joecalcagni9615 just tried it today. Nice but not gona spill too mich. Duracross is high density felt.

[@Spoonfisher]

You created the bearings?

[@ifishcatfish]

i created the SET, after trying 15 options over the last 2 years

[@abrahamjoseph6707]

With your recommendations I bought a nasci for saltwater fishing. Is the vanford a good choice for saltwater also? Thanks Vic.

[@abrahamjoseph6707]

The professor is in session.

[@abrahamjoseph6707]

I don't think I can do this. I have no technical skills.

[@ifishcatfish]

No, vanford is plastic... i would tangle with saltwater fish.. Nasci is better. If u want to go next level to Stradic FL, if u want higher yet, go the new Twinpower

[@abrahamjoseph6707]

Thanks Vic.

[@kylem1819]

It looks like the vanford set is out of stock, do you know if you'll have more available?

[@ifishcatfish]

Available now.

[@chunglee763]

Hi. I was wondering do you mark your pinion gear and drive gear so when you put it back together the teeth mesh stays the same as when it comes from the factory?

[@ifishcatfish]

what - like a crankshaft on engine? Why would u do that? If anything u don't want it where it was befrore so to smooth the wear.

[@chunglee763]

Well when I pulled my 2500 vanford apart and put it back together it had a very geary feel. So i kept trying tooth by tooth until i found the sweet spot again. I think the gears wear in together and if you don’t have the pinion and drive gear teeth in the position they were in previously it won’t be as smooth.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@chunglee763 No. U did something else when u put it together. The Pinion on this reel will never wear

[@chunglee763]

@@ifishcatfish thanks for your replies. Wish I could get the bearing kit from you but I’m in Australia.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@chunglee763 I know what you are talking about very well, but there are other reasons. The plastic idler gears is one, but most likely is different friction coming somewhere with the main shaft. It is never the gears, never ever. Doesn't matter what grease u put on the gears.

[@mattmiller3336]

I have a JDM Ultegra 2000shg that I'm planning to take overseas. It looks like hard ultralight use with frequent splashing or worse. I'm curious about what I can do or should do before the trip.

[@ifishcatfish]

Nothing. Try to keep it out of the water and rinse it with freshwater after every trip

[@scottdeline]

Can you tell me if this tune up would work for the soare bb? And what are the differences between the soare xr and the soare bb? Thanks!!! 👍

[@ifishcatfish]

soare BB is not soare, it is Ultegra. I don't know if the tune up will work. My guess is that the oscillation worm bearings will fit but don't know about the other two bearings

[@scottdeline]

​@ifishcatfish I ordered your kit and 2 parts from shimano. From what I can see it should work just fine. Fingers crossed but I think it'll work. Worst case I'll just have to buy one of these reels 😅

[@ifishcatfish]

@@scottdeline almost all of the cost of the kit comes from the two fully ceramic bearings on the oscillation worm, and i am sure those will fit. And the washer on the back will pick up some slap from the spool.. As far i know i offer the best price available anywhere for these ceramic bearings anyway so there is no risk in your purchase to be honest because just the two ceramic bearings and the washer are worth it. And then u combine shipping with getting other items so u should be good. I didn't oil your Legalis bearings not to make a mess in the package, but dip them in some oil before installation because oil is very good on that location.

[@scottdeline]

@ifishcatfish sounds good to me! And yes from what I can tell, your prices are the best. And the bg1 is an absolute panfish slayer!

[@scottdeline]

​@ifishcatfish just wanted to update that the 3 bearing set so far has worked in my soare bb c2000. Still waiting on the rotor nut from shimano which should be here any day now to test that bearing. But the 2 ceramic bearings fit the oscillation worm just fine 👍

[@bestthingsinceslicedrice]

After this upgrade you now have a Vanquish you can brag around to your friends. Lol just kidding

[@ifishcatfish]

Exactly :). Dont be like that :)

[@bestthingsinceslicedrice]

Also put so much tractor grease all over your reel like you are applying icing on a cake. So you are ready for this years crop harvest 🤣

[@bestthingsinceslicedrice]

On a serious note glad you have that online shop. End up ordering the set of bearings and the anti surge grease. Look forward to seeing more interesting stuff there in the future

[@mattp5712]

You should do this as a side job. I'd send all my spinning reals to you for maintenance, lol

[@ifishcatfish]

I do offer this exact service, and only on these exact reels. I have opened them over 50 times and know every single screw and trick inside of them. If you are interested email me, but i can tell u my time will cost $20, u have to buy the bearings, and , of course, the shipping. If u want to tune one just for kicks, email me.

[@mattp5712]

I absolutely will, thank you

[@mengu190]

you cant use stainless steel bearing inside the spool nut. it worns out the spool shaft cos it made from aluminum. you have to use special bearing like stella or vanquish that the bearing has brass inside ring and it is really expencive.

[@ifishcatfish]

Brass is actually stronger than steel, which is why they make the pinion always from brass. Thats 1. But the whole point of having a bearing is that it will rotate with the rotor, and thus avoid most of the friction altogether. Thats 2. The bushing is fixed in the nut, and is spinning like crazy around the main shaft and creates a lot of friction.

[@huckfin1100]

One thing i dont agree with , manufactures should keep with all same screws on a reel make it easy for the buyer to service their purchase/reel. Either go with all flathead or philips screws.

[@ifishcatfish]

I’ll drink to that. But aint never gona happen :)

[@bestthingsinceslicedrice]

Daiwa. Ehem! Hold my beer