The all-new Shimano Vanford F is designed to become the ultimate finesse fishing reel with a super-fast start-up. Replacing the iconic Stradic Ci4+, this reel is equipped with a range of technology upgrades that set the Shimano Vanford F apart.
Personally, I’m especially excited about these new Vanford spinning reels from Shimano. The Shimano Vanford range effectively replaces the already immensely popular Stradic CI 4 plus reels, and you might ask why to change something that’s already so good. Well, the answer is pretty simple to make it even better. And that’s exactly what Shimano has done with these new Shimano Vanford spinning reels.
Shimano Vanford F Technical Specifications Chart
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Shimano Vanford F |
| Product Family | Vanford |
| Product Type | Spinning Reel |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| Material | CI4+ (Carbon-Infused Composite) |
| Ball Bearings | 7+1 |
| Gear Ratio Options | 5.3:1, 6.0:1, 6.2:1, 6.4:1 |
| Retrieve Rate | 26-40 inches per crank (depending on model) |
| Drag System | Hagane Front Drag |
| Max Drag | 7-24 lb (depending on model) |
| Line Capacity (Mono) | Varies by model (refer to manufacturer’s guide) |
| Line Capacity (Braid) | Varies by model (refer to manufacturer’s guide) |
| Line Retrieve Per Crank | Varies by model (refer to manufacturer’s guide) |
| Weight | 5.3-7.6 oz (depending on model) |
| Handle Position | Reversible (right or left hand) |
| Body Construction | CI4+ (Carbon-Infused Composite) |
| Spool Material | Aluminum (cold forged) |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX8 |
| Technology | Hagane Gear, X-Ship, Silent Drive, Micro Module II, X-Protect |
| Warranty | Limited 1-year warranty |
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Why do I recommend the Shimano Vanford F fishing reel?
There are five models in the range from a lovely little one thousand up to a compact body of five thousand. The biggest thing that these reels are their smoothness and fast performance. They are just stunning.
Smoothest reel with an attractive look
They just take off like a scared cat when you turn that handle, and the reason is that the Hagane micro module gearing system inside and the MGL rotor system of which combine to make these ones of the smoothest spinning reels I’ve ever handled.
CHECK PRICE OF Shimano Vanford F Spinning Reel
So the cosmetics and colors on these reels are beautiful. You need to see them in the flesh to really appreciate them, and they sit perfectly with Shimano’s very popular Zodias range of rods. The two together look like dynamite.
Drag performance
Everything about this reel is smooth, including the drag performance, one thousand two thousand and three thousand sizes have felt drag washers which give me ultimate in performance for light tackle and finesse fishing, and the four thousand and the five thousand have crossed the carbon drag washers for that high performance on bigger fish.
And because the avid saltwater fisherman is notoriously tough on their gear, Shimano has incorporated the X-Protect system into the Shimano Vanford range. They protect water from getting into the gears and, even more importantly, into the bail roller assembly.
The Shimano Vanford is 48% easier to turn than just about any other reel, I don’t know how they measure that, but it sure feels good in my hands.
Lightweight body with extended spool
And when it comes to casting, the long-stroke spool, we’ll get you a couple of extra feet on every cast, which means more fish! Still drawing upon a lightweight Ci4+ body construction, the new MGL rotor makes the reel 48% lighter to turn when compared to a standard rotor design. Micromodule Gear II and Silent Drive are featured in the new Shimano Vanford F, and the Hagane Gear has been upgraded for added strength.
Shimano Vanford incorporates Long Stroke Spool technology to increase casting distance while producing a smoother line lay on the spool during retrieval.
Upgraded CI4+ body construction
Built upon a CI4+ body for both a lightweight feel and carbon rigidity, the Shimano Vanford incorporates a MagnumLite (MGL) Rotor for up to 48% less rotational inertia than traditional rotor construction for a quick response in critical situations.
The Vanford features Shimano’s cold-forged HAGANE Gear and many of Shimano’s premium technologies for increased fishing performance and years of durability. Shimano Vanford’s SilentDrive and MicroModule Gear II technologies combine to produce a new level of smooth rotational performance while reducing overall reel vibration.
IPX8 Saltwater Compatible
X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without sacrificing light gear and rotor rotation. This has increased the durability of the Shimano Vanford’s roller clutch and line roller to an IPX8 standard. By incorporating the new Long Stroke Spool design, casting performance has also been improved.
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X-Protect technology and water-channeling construction enhance Shimano Vanford’s water resistance and overall durability — an important feature for a reel sure to be found in inshore environments. From ice fishing and drop-shot fishing for smallies in the sweetwater to stalking tailing fish in the flats, the Shimano Vanford has no equal. A new legend is born.
48% Lightweight Shimano Vanford F Spinning Reel Review
This is the lightest spinning reel that I’ve ever owned and is excellent for any jigging application. The drag is as smooth as silk. I’ve been fishing the Shimano Vanford reel for about two months, and I’ll pick up a few more of these. Shimano knocked it out of the park on this one.
Aero Wrap II
This two-speed oscillation system layers the line onto the spool in a crisscross pattern that reduces line-to-line friction for longer casts. Aero Wrap reels utilize a patented worm gear design to move the spool upward quickly and downward slowly to wind the line in a precise pattern, reducing friction, and giving smoother, longer casting ability.
Latest CI4+ Technology
CI4+ is an advanced version of the original CI4. This highly technical material is 2.5 times stiffer than CI4 and is used to increase weight savings.
Cross Carbon Drag & G-Free Body
This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings and the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever. G-Free Body technology has been developed to shift the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod. By moving the center of gravity closer to the angler’s hand position, the G-Free Body helps to reduce fatigue and enhance casting comfort.
Hagane Gear
With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of the reel. Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives you the long-lasting smoothness and pleasure that you feel when you first use a reel, over and over again. No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear.
Long Stroke Spool
The Long Stroke Spool has longer strokes compared to conventional spool designs. This long-stroke specification results in a greater casting distance.
MGL Rotor
The Magnumlight Rotor is 25% lighter, offering better balance and requiring 22% less inertia, making it easier to start and stop your retrieve for an overall smoother feel.
MicroModule Gear II
Shimano’s exclusive manufacturing technology further advanced state-of-the-art gear tooth surface design and MicroModule Gear II. The drive and pinion gear surfaces have been analyzed and updated from the ground up in pursuit of perfection.
One-Piece Bail
One-Piece Bail allows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller. Its seamless design reduces friction and the change of tangles or cuts to the bail arm.
Propulsion Line Management System
The most obvious component of the Propulsion Line Management System is the new Propulsion spool lip design. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations, it has been determined that this new spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip design while preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.
S A-RB
These bearings have been through the same process as our A-RB bearings but feature shields on both sides of the bearings that reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.
Silent Drive
From the fundamental, whole-body design to the most intricate parts of the drive train, including the drive gear, worm shaft, worm shaft pin, and worm shaft gear, every piece has been carefully reviewed, and the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances.
X-Protect Waterproof Drag
With the use of rubber gaskets, the drag is sealed against intrusion of the elements such as water and dust. X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without sacrificing light gear and rotor rotation by combining our water-repellent coating and our specially designed water-channeling labyrinth construction.
X-Ship
X-Ship provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This means the gears will stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. The added benefit is that friction between the spool shaft and gear is eliminated. This will enhance the casting performance of the reel with lighter lures and allow for longer casts.
Shimano Vanford F model specifications:
|
Model Number:
|
Bearings: | Gear Ratio: | Line Per Handle Turn: | Weight oz: | Mono Line Capacity: | Braid Line Capacity: | Max Drag: |
| 6+1 | 5.6:1 | 27 | 4.9 | 2/190, 4/100, 6/60 | 5/135, 8/105, 10/65 | 6 | |
| 7+1 | 5.1:1 | 25 | 5.3 | 2/270, 4/160, 6/110 | 10/95, 15/75, 20/65 | 7 | |
| 7+1 | 6.1:1 | 32 | 5.3 | 6/165, 8/105, 10/95 | 10/140, 15/115, 20/95 | 7 | |
| 7+1 | 6.0:1 | 35 | 6.3 | 6/200, 8/140, 10/120 | 10/150, 15/145, 30/100 | 20 | |
| 7+1 | 6.4:1 | 37 | 6.3 | 6/230, 8/170, 10/140 | 10/200, 20/140, 40/105 | 20 | |
| 7+1 | 6.2:1 | 40 | 7.6 | 8/240, 10/200, 12/160 | 15/230, 30/180, 50/120 | 24 | |
| 7+1 | 6.2:1 | 40 | 7.8 | 10/240, 12/195, 14/165 | 20/260, 30/235, 40/185 | 24 |
Shimano Vanford F Video Review:
What I have experienced with the Shimano Vanford F reel
Best reel I have ever bought
Super smooth, affordable reel
Taken half a dozen trips so far. The reel is super smooth with excellent line lay and a great drag, and it is also very light. Replaced my 20-year-old Shimano Stradic’s. These are well built and smooth, & the line twist is nonexistent.
Light reel and a smooth retrieve
Highly Recommended
I have found the Shimano Vanford reel to be excellent. The spool design allows long casts and, for some reason, seems to avoid wind knots in the windy conditions we’ve been experiencing here in the Midwest. I have the reel spooled with a 20lb braid.
Bottom Line
Sculpted from over a decade of engineering advancement and a rich lineage of predecessors, the new Shimano Vanford tests the boundaries of technology and engineering found in spinning reels. I really liked the product. I fished it several times with it, and it didn’t give me any problems. So I would recommend this reel.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What’s the difference between the Shimano Vanford 2500HGF and the Shimano Vanford 3000XGF?
The difference between the two is that the 3000 model has a higher gear ratio at 6.4:1 and a larger spool diameter for increased line capacity. I would say the 3000 sizes would be ideal for any inshore fishing application.
