Should You BUY the NEW VANFORD 2020? | Unboxing | Comparison

[@PythonDad]

Glad to get some real feedback instead of people just going "SUPERFAST" and talking about it being smooth. Like everyone already knows this. The FL is way smoother than the FB CI4+ so if this is that much smoother, too, plus the weight drop, it's a winner. What I'm actually most excited about is there's a 500 size. Overkill panfish rig, here I come.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Ralph Eastham Haha I couldn’t agree more! I think it was necessary for an in depth review and comparison between the Ci4+ and yeah it’s a 2020 Shimano we all know they’re smooth. And yeah it is that much smoother than the Ci4+... and the weight drop is a huge plus. Definitely a winner in my book! And oh my god I can’t feel that statement any more 😂😂👌🏽

[@BockchoiBoi]

It's so light it feels like a toy lol... I own the 3000.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Ohitsmryang it is definitely ridiculously light... thanks for commenting!

[@pissywilly]

Just paid $212.84 for the JDM 3000hg from Asian fishing portal. Thats delivered. I've ordered shimanos from them before. Good company

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Awesome glad you found one!!

[@maasai-]

Great review allover , but filt drag is actualy more smoother , yes not as dureable, clever lad keep good work on.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@snipehunter28]

Can't wait to get my first Vanfords in a couple more days. Just like with the FL Stradics I ordered mine overseas to get the 5.3:1 (C3000) and 6:1 (C3000HG) gear ratios. I'll trade the speed for the extra power of the lower gear ratios.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Heck yeah man!! They are super sweet!! And aha!! An international man 🧐 I like the extra power I have when I’m trying to crank in fish out of structures and docks!

[@jayytee8062]

Perhaps the difference in spool clicker sound is that one reel has line on the spool and the other not.....??

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Jayy Tee unfortunately that is not the case! When I upload the fishing video with the Vanford you will hear that there is still a clear different in drag sounds!

[@jayytee8062]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing Oh ok. It was just an observation. But if it that's the case then thank you. I will have to definitely place the Vanford on my wishlist.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Jayy Tee yes it was a great idea! I’m sure it plays into it a tiny tiny bit but overall the spool size, shape, and components all have a say in how the drag clicker sounds! Thanks for watching! Definitely a reel that’s worthy of the Wishlist!

[@quanloikid1]

Another great video. You need to weigh the reels without line. The spool on the Vanford is long throw and should be heavier and theoretically holds more line. The Stradic CI4+ C3000XG-FB empty weighs 190g according to Shimano and the Vanford C3000XGF 179g

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

I’ll have to compare them without lineb

[@quanloikid1]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing Thanks for the answer, but if you could be more prompt with your response. I'm old enough that I might not be alive for the next one

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

@@quanloikid1 haha this one has slipped the cracks too many times and I was able to see it and respond!

[@81Zoetje]

I got myself a Vanford 2500F. And found it to he super smooth. Casting is great and the sound of the drag makes you want to catch fish like never before. Downside however is the play in the handle. There's a small wiggle in the handle to the body. From what I can see it's either the cilinder in the handle or there's still to much space between the handle and the body. Any suggestions how to get rid of this?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Yes it is an incredible reel! And the drag sound is amazing for sure!! Also that is interesting because my Vanford does not have much play right there... There are shims you can add to reduce handle play so you could try adding some of those to help if possible.

[@slide_ways]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing the shims included in the box? If so where do you put them?

[@ShinkiZer0]

Great vid as always! Now idk if i should get the vanford or ballistic lt. Decisions decisions.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Shinkiro thank you so much! Means a lot man! And definitely Vanford brother... the repair factor alone should push you more towards the Shimano as diawa always has issues with part availability! Keep everything in mind!

[@brodiemathews5139]

Even the FL is km’s better then the ballistic LT

[@Mr.Spectaculous]

"Fishing for Creek Chubs is better than nothing" Indeed.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

😂😂👌🏽

[@ryajsmit]

Ci4 drag sounds way better the loud tin can Vanford could be a little quieter only down side

[@banderson2101]

Just got my Vanford 3000 and threw it on my Lamiglas Redline for steelies!

[@cado8431]

very informative. good analysis! keep up the good work Isaac :)

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Caden Nicholl thanks bro!! Can’t wait to see you again!

[@jackgrieser4426]

Handle paddle on 3000 iS different from the much smaller paddle on the 2500

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Yes it is!

[@brucer9409]

I have a bunch of the Ci4's in the 3000 size, and am very happy with them. I was thinking of sampling one of these in the 2500 size for drop shotting and other light(er) line, finesse applications, except after viewing your well presented video, I feel like if the cross carbon drag system is not on the 2500 (only starts on the 3000) then I'm not sure I would bite if no improvement over the Ci4. Am I correct on this? It's not that I'm unhappy with the drag on the ci4, but for the drop shotting would appreciate an even smoother drag system when moving down to 6# , but sounds like no dice?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Yeah you are correct there is only carbon fiber drags in the 3000 size and up. I've heard the reason for doing this is to increase the level of fine tuning of the drag. Basically you can start adding drag at .5 lbs of pressure where with carbon drags you would start the drag to engage at 3lbs of drag. Not 100% sure but its what I have heard.

[@stevestory8483]

How do you like the Vanford compared to the Stradic FL trying to decide between the 2 for inshore fishing in Tampa , mainly throwing artificials. How well does it balance on a rod?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

It doesn’t balance super well to heavy rods because it’s such a light reel so if you’re looking for a reel for a 8-17lb rod you want to get the 4000 size Vanford in my opinion if you’re looking for pure balance. The best way to tell is to try it on some of yo ur favorite rods and see how it feel to YOU! The best decision maker on this personal preference is you! Good luck my friend and I’ll see you in the bay one day!

[@xclusivereef5805]

so i have to ask would you go with a Stadic or a vanford used and upgrade them? which would you choose? mostly for shore blues and bass fishing????

[@Raza_Odiada]

Who has the vanford in stock? I cant find it

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Serpent Sun Betts Fishing Center had a 2500 Vanford a few days ago, other than that you have to keep checking around the local shops for one!

[@samzilla1050]

Looking for a reel for fluke, salmon and black fish which would you get stradic or vanford in the 3000 size

[@vire559]

The 500 size doesn't have the same internal like 1000 size and up. Basically the same as Sienna or FX 500 minus washer, gear and body material

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Yep exactly!

[@slivers4007]

So what's the difference between a VF3000XGF (Tackle wharehouse) and a VFC3000XGF (Fish USA)? What's the "C" in the part number?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

It looks like Tackle Warehouse just forgot the C in their listing...Almost all of the 3000 newer shimano reels have a 'C' in the name because they are the same body sizes as the 2500s. The "C" refers to the compact body design which basically means it has the same size body as the previous sized model. Hence we see the 'C' on the 3000 and 5000 sizes because they have the same sized main body with slightly deeper spools (than the 2500 and the 4000 respectively) for more line capacity and a different sized handle. Sometimes they also have a slightly different gear ratios too! I hope this answers your questions!

[@wuquanchi]

9:18 it is kinda weird, another KZbinr says the opposite. Stradic would smoother than vanford for some reason. the more gear in vanford causes the more inertia maybe.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

I have both and I feel both constantly at work and I believe the Vanford to feel smoother than the Stradic FL but everyone has their preferences!

[@quanloikid1]

What do you think of the Vanford 2000SHG...when it becomes available?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Joseph Grossman I think it would be perfect for a little reel used for mainly smaller fish with finesse applications but I could see it getting some good use on the flats for redfish, trout, and smaller snook!

[@quanloikid1]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing I'm going to use it with 4lb Fluoro on downrigger for Lake Ontario Salmon. My record is 19+ lbs ob 6lb--no shock leaders. Thanks Doc

[@dp4867]

Hi, very helpful video👍 Can you please find out if the Vanford 2500HG have also carbon fiber drag washers or just oiled felt drag washers? Thanks, much appreciated.

[@dp4867]

Ok got it, just saw the answer in one of your comments to another subscriber. I guess it's a No.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

@@dp4867 it is a no! The 2500 does not have carbon fiber drags! That is starting at the 3000 size just like the stradic FL 3000

[@smokenjoe4022]

I just bought my second one a 3000 to go with my 4000! What next the 1000 the 500 or do l wait for Shimano’s next greatest reel ever in the history of the world😳!

[@peterwann8868]

Is this the same Long Stroke Spool on Stradic FL? Or this is longer Long Stroke Spool.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

This is the same long stroke spool found on the Stradic FL! I like the idea of a longer long stroke spool hahaha!!

[@roymiller1295]

Do u do the Vanford upgrades for subscribers ? If so what do u charge ? Keep up the great videos, love your show !

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Roy Miller thank you for your support!! And we could work something out just email me! [e-mail]

[@roymiller1295]

West Coast Florida Fishing Thanks, when my 3000 comes in I will check back with u. I hav arthritis and my hands are not steady enough to work on reels.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Roy Miller you’re welcome!! And alright! Sounds great! Just let me know!

[@outlawsys1]

By any chance have you had a chance to open up a Vanford 500? If so are there any bushing that can be replaced to ball bearings? I was told which I question is that it doesn't have any bushings?

[@lvsaltwater]

Nice video ,, I was wondering ,, I have the CI4 and just got the Vanford ,, haven't used it yet ,, I have never had a problem with the Roller bearing on my CI4 ,, I know others have ,, my question ,, is the roller bearing on the Vanford interchangeable to the CI4?

[@waqarjaved2931]

Instantly subscribed! Great work and keep them coming. Cannot wait for the vanford upgrade video! A quick question, now that u have both vanford and the FL, which of these two has the stiffer/stronger rotor? And solely for inshore work in 4 or 5k size which of these two is the better buy?

[@waqarjaved2931]

@@artificialslinger9730 Wow thats snookzilla! I really appreciate you sharing your experience and feedback. Personally 3k size and below i am more inclined towards the vanford. But confused what to get for the heavier setup in 4 or 5k size range, as your structure rods, Vanford or FL...? I havent had the chance to check them out personally yet.

[@waqarjaved2931]

@@artificialslinger9730 Thanks!

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

waqar javed I suppose that is case closed! Let me know if you have any more questions! And also thank you for subscribing!! The Upgrade video is in the works!! Currently debating doing a 2 Bearing upgrade and then a full upgrade or just jumping to the full upgrade on it!

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

The Troutinator Thanks for the help Frankie!

[@waqarjaved2931]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing Yes @troutinator suggestions were helpful indeed! I guess the new/up coming sustain, whenever launched, would be better than both vanford or FL for 4 or 5k sized inshore heavy setup. It should have the stronger mgl rotor of vanford and the sturdier metal hybrid body of stradic. And plz go for the full upgrade!

[@costaplenty7482]

Dude I wet my pants!!!!! Is this an exact copy of the fl in ci4 material??? Do you think the rotor of the vanford will fit on the fl??? When you do a full bearing upgrade it will be the smoothest Shimano by far. Congrats once again. Its 7.30am in Greece and you made my morning /day/week & even my month. Seriously keep up the good work.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

costa nicolaidis Hahaha I did too!! But seriously, thanks for your support man! And YES it is precisely that!! With the MGL rotor so it is super fast on the startup inertia!! And it does not look like it will fit into the FL BUT I will double check for you 😉 and yes it will for this price range!! Got that full upgrade video on its way soon!! Good morning my friend! Have a great morning/day/week and even month brother 👌🏽✊🏽

[@costaplenty7482]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing Super major❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏👏 Please catch some major size 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

costa nicolaidis oh yeah! I will my friend!

[@huybap8726]

in size 2500, which i should buy ? ballistic lt or vanford ? i fishing for bass and breamfish, thank you

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Vanford all day long!!!

[@markdean6656]

Got 2 Vanfords coming, waiting on JnH tackle. Got a 3000, and the 5000

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Saawweeeeettt!! You are going to LOVE them!!

[@markdean6656]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing I'm sure I love my 2 Stradics FLs, and actually did the spool support bearing upgrade, and gomexus power knob, from watching your videos!! So keep um coming, appreciate what you do!!

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Mark Dean yeah if you love the FL you will love the Vanford, and that’s awesome!! I am actually getting an upgrade video ready for the Vanford! Thanks for the Support man!!

[@solexcollector831]

Good job. I been looking for a rod for like 3 years. Hope you can help me. Looking for a phenix triffecta gen1 trx-s 1007-2 or trx-s 907-2. Thank you

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Thank you! Man I haven’t ever seen that rod before I’m sorry! I hope you can find it one day!

[@4492573]

Hey Bro, I meant to ask you, the bail wire on the Vanford, is it Titanium? I was told the Stradic FL bail wire is stainless? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

I would have to agree that it's probably stainless or else they would have stated that it was titanium for selling purposes.

[@albert8523]

Just ordered the 5000 size after seeing this video.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Awesome! It’s a fantastic reel!

[@stevestory8483]

Have you noticed a noise when you spin the real handle and let it free spool? I bought one today and had to return it as when I free spoiled at the real had a noise almost like a dry bearing and they brought another one out and it had the same noise that was super annoying for a $250 reel to have. The real felt so amazing but I ended up returning it does yours have the same noise by chance or any thoughts on why it’s making that noise. I spoke to the guys at the tackle shop and one of them said he had a stradic FL that made the same noise and that it was super annoying.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

I have not had that same noise with my Stradic at all! I’m sorry that you had that experience! What did you end up doing?

[@stevestory8483]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing ended up returning and picking up a Fuego LT. Have been really happy with it for Bass and saltwater fishing so far

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

@@stevestory8483 that’s a sweet reel for the money! Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@trapstar1998]

Hey mate just bought a shimano 2020 TP 5000XG can you recommend which bearing to upgrade?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

I wouldn't even upgrade that reel! It is a BEAST

[@pissywilly]

I just ordered a 3k vanford. Do you think it will take a ci4 gomexus power knob?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Yes it definitely should!!

[@fishermanprime7180]

Hey I just switched all ,y gear over from penn and Daiwa to shimano I just picked up a vanford 4000 and a stradic fl 3000 and I see you know your stuff I should be ok fishing for big blues , rockfish and red drum right ?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Yeah 100% you’ll be fine fishing for all that stuff just make sure you’re taking care of your reels and don’t abuse them too much as they don’t like taking beating but they will be smooth for a very long time and hold up well when taken proper care of! Glad to help you!

[@fishermanprime7180]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing greatly appreciated love the videos keep them coming fish on

[@Elliottcam]

Great info, maybe I’ll upgrade. £210 for a 4000 in UK.

[@AnglingAddictssrilanka]

great comparison..thank you!!!

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ibogames3915]

What is the differents about slip max with 9kilo or 11kilo slips?

[@kylewells6871]

Ordering a 2500 today!

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Awesome man!! You’ll love it!!

[@4492573]

The Vanford in the 2500 size,,,,, does it have carbon fiber drag washers as well ?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

The 2500 size does not have carbon Fiber Drag washers.. I wish!

[@4492573]

I personally prefer the handle on the 2500.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

oceanrider12 I hear you! I don’t like the 3000 handle either. I have a video uploading in 10 minutes on upgrading to a gomexus handle with my vanford! Stay tuned!!

[@4492573]

If you could pic one reel the 2500 Vanford vrs the 2500 Stradic Fl. What one. Both 20 lbs drag and Vanford 6.3 ounces and the Stradic FL 7.9 ounce. What one. Tks.j Oh, both for inshore , saltwater.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

oceanrider12 wow if I could pick one reel... between the two.. right now I reaaalllyyyy like the Vanford.. but I haven’t fished it yet... I REALLLYYY like my Stradic FL too though.. I think it’s situational because I like using my FL when I need a little more beef around structure for snook and big redfish.. That’s a hard question man! If you can afford it I would say give the Vanford a shot! I will say though.. it might be difficult to pair it to a rod really well since it is so light!

[@joe_davis_]

creek chubs for life

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Lmao!!! I know a few guys that agree with this...

[@joe_davis_]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing on the way to one of my bass spots in the woods theres a pool in one of the creeks that holds thousands. cant tell you the amount of fun i had as a kid

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

@@joe_davis_ dang that sounds like a blast for 5 year old me too!

[@andrewgio1]

do you know how to get the clicker washer to stay on the shaft of the ci4? I took mine apart and cant get it to seat.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

andrew I don’t really understand your question... you can’t get what to seat onto the spool?

[@andrewgio1]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing the clicker washer on the shaft. its a plastic circular washer with lots of little ridges that makes the noise with the clicker on the spool. It also has a pin in it that I guess helps keep it in place on the shaft.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

andrew from my understanding there is no pin in that clicker ratchet (that’s the correct part name 😁) and that ratchet is held into place with the retaining clip on the bottom of the bearing or bushing that slips into a grove onto the ratchet.

[@andrewgio1]

​@@WestCoastFloridaFishing well at least I know to ask about clicker ratchets and retaining clips instead of washers and pins. I can't get it to seat it always slides past. Not a big deal it works without it and my buddies don't know when I get into good fish

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

andrew hmm.. I recommend to watch one of my full tear downs where I go in-depth of putting the spool support back onto the reel and show how I do it the right way!

[@UvlechenRybalkoy]

Отличные катушки! У меня Stradic CI4+ отловил 4 года, проблем нет, как новая. Есть отличие в подшипниках у Stradic CI4+ надежнее подшипники. Но в плавности хода думаю проигрывает

[@philhicks2167]

Thanks

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Thank you!

[@jtmarshall]

I'm trying to decide between the vanford and the stradic fl.. Weight is not a concern as much as brute strength is.. would you say the stradic fl is alot stronger having the metal body?

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

I’d say that if weight isn’t a concern then the ci4 Vanford has no edge over the fl. It’s the exact same reel. One has carbon ci4 and the other die cast aluminum body. That’s an easy choice for you, FL is cheaper and stronger as the aluminum body is more rigid than the ci4 body

[@jtmarshall]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing i ended up picking up a diawa saltist backbay in a 4000 size... I love it

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

@@jtmarshall nice that’s a solid reel too!

[@jtmarshall]

@@WestCoastFloridaFishing i paired it with a st croix yak mojo.. surprisingly the combo is amazingly well balanced

[@bugman770]

You added an extra outro in the middle of the video 😂😂😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Fatalshotzzz332 Dang! Thanks for pointing that out! I’m fixing it now!

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

It is fixed now thank you!

[@gorillamotors]

I just bought a Vanford 5000. Can I use a Vanford 2500 3000 or a 4000 spool on the 5000 model I bought?

[@7oras86]

Did you use vanforf 5000 in saltwater ?

[@gorillamotors]

@@7oras86 Yes. I thought the 5000 would hold more but it does not. The 5000 spool has the same exact dimensions as the 4000. I use my 5000 for saltwater and my 4000 for freshwater.

[@7oras86]

@@gorillamotors thank you .. I really want to buy vanford 5000 its amazing reel and its very strong but many people told me vanford Is not for salt water .. also on shimano site they are not clear about that its for salt water or fresh water only ...

[@gorillamotors]

@@7oras86 You just have to clean it every time you use it in saltwater.

[@purifierphoenix2043]

too bad the 500 size literally removes all features and costs the same which is ridiculous

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Agreed....

[@omarsoto3797]

The name is the only thing keeping me from purchasing one 🤨

[@jishnups3831]

When can the subs get another giveaway bro.

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

jishnu p s How about at 1500 I’ll release another one! Any giveaway ideas??

[@smokenjoe4022]

🤣you sound like me do l need it No am l going too get it Yes🤣! Are they very 😎cool oh hell Yes!!

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

Ahahaha yeah that sounds like the majority of things I buy!

[@dianazhou2909]

To be honest the Vanford is 🤮

[@dianazhou2909]

Looks

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

@@dianazhou2909 I was about to say I disagreed completely because it offers so much! Everyone has their opinion of looks but I love it!

[@Nofishnoclue]

Doesn't look as good as the stradic, but what reel does, it looks pretty nice imo though

[@WestCoastFloridaFishing]

@@Nofishnoclue they usually do really well with that department!