Spinning Reel Opinions

[Crank1up]

Need to purchase a new spinning reel. I found the shimano Vanford for about $175, is there a better reel for the money in this price range?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[heelamonster]

Vanford is a great reel, absolutely. What techniques are you using it for and what rod will you pair it up with?

[Crank1up]

Shimano poison adrena 7’2 medium light and gonna use primarily for drop shot.

[Bassbme]

I think the Vanford is worth the $250 price you'd pay at Tackle Warehouse, so at $175 it's an absolute steal !!!

[Crank1up]

appreciate the input

[JJohnSind]

I think the Vanford is worth the $250 price you'd pay at Tackle Warehouse, so at $175 it's an absolute steal !!!

Probably the previous version Vanford, which I didn’t like over the CI4+ Stradic that it replaced. The new one might possibly be what it should have been in the first place.

[Finlander]

Abu Garcia Revo X punches well above its price point.

[Bassbme]

Probably the previous version Vanford, which I didn’t like over the CI4+ Stradic that it replaced. The new one might possibly be what it should have been in the first place.

I only have experience with the Stradic FL, not a CI4+. Maybe the CI4+, other than being lighter, was a better reel. I know I feel the Vanford is a better reel than the Stradic FL. And not just from a weight standpoint.

I picked up a Sustain FJ this past spring, and while I have no need for another spinning reel, I'd be curious how the new Vanford stacks up to the Sustain FJ. I absolutely love the Sustain. I've read some reviews where people think the drag on the Sustain is junk. Either I got one with an awesome drag, or they got one with a bad one, because the drag on mine is very smooth.

Still, at $175 you can't go wrong with a Vanford.

[Crank1up]

Probably the previous version Vanford, which I didn’t like over the CI4+ Stradic that it replaced. The new one might possibly be what it should have been in the first place.

it is definitely the previous version, not the new FA. I have a couple of these Vanfords and have had no issues. I posted to make sure there wasn’t something I was missing.

[wmitch2]

Any of the medium priced Shimano Reels are great. I run Stradic 2500HG's and love them !! You'll be very happy with the Vanfords !!

[JJohnSind]

it is definitely the previous version, not the new FA. I have a couple of these Vanfords and have had no issues. I posted to make sure there wasn’t something I was missing.

The only thing I didn’t like about the OG Vanfords was the flex in the rotor. Stem is really solid (as it should be). When the Vanfords first came out, they were hard to find in stock, so I went to the new Daiwa Ballistic MQ’s. I liked those better for the relatively same price point, but I liked them so much I moved on to the Exists (where the monocoque design came from).

[golfpro307]

I would go a Used Certate on Ebay