This time, we are reviewing Shimano's new Vanford.
To sum it up in one phrase, this reel is:
"A lightweight all-rounder reel with few flaws"
We will look at the points that have evolved after the model change, compare it with other reels, and also provide an impression from actually using it.
If you are interested in the Shimano Vanford, please read to the end!
What Kind of Reel is the Vanford?
Shimano's spinning reel "Vanford" is a mid-range model whose selling point is its lightness. It is a lightweight model with good operability, available at an accessible price.
Its predecessor was named Stradic CI4+, and it was released in 2020 under the new name Vanford.
This Vanford has undergone a full model change in 2024. This new Vanford is commonly referred to as the "24 Vanford".
Lineup
The 24 Vanford lineup consists of 13 models ranging from C2000S to C5000XG. It can handle various types of fishing, from Ajing (horse mackerel) and Eging (squid fishing) to light shore jigging.
The handle knob shape is an I-shape for models from C2000S to 2500SHG.
Models from C3000HG to 4000MHG feature a T-shaped handle knob.
The C5000XG features a round handle knob.
By the way, there is only one double-handle model, the C3000SDH.
If you want a high-gear double handle, the implication is to choose from the Sephia SS series.
Evolution Points of the 2024 Vanford
From here, let's look at the points that have evolved with the model change. There are five main evolution points.
- Internal gear durability doubled
- Winding feel became more powerful and smoother
- Equipped with a new mechanism to suppress line trouble
- Drag wear resistance improved by more than 10 times
- More refined and chic design
Let's look at them one by one.
Internal Gear Durability Doubled
Equipped with InfinityXross
In the 24 Vanford, the meshing area between the drive gear and pinion gear has been expanded.
They now mesh more on a "surface" level, improving durability by approximately 2 times compared to conventional models.
In addition, the internal gears last longer, maintaining a high-quality winding feel over a long period.
The image shows the drive gear (right side) of a Stradic also equipped with InfinityXross. After tests applying continuous load, there is a difference in the degree of wear on the drive gear surface. It can be seen that the model equipped with InfinityXross on the right has less wear. (The gears are colored gold to make the results easier to see)
Winding Feel Became More Powerful and Smoother
Equipped with InfinityDrive
This 24 Vanford achieves powerful and smooth winding by adopting InfinityDrive.
This significantly reduces sliding resistance and the torque required for rotation through special low-friction bushings and surface treatment/processing of the main shaft.
As a result, resistance is reduced, winding power is transmitted more efficiently, and the winding feel itself has become smoother.
Equipped with a New Mechanism to Suppress Line Trouble
Equipped with Anti-Twist Fin
With this update, it is equipped with a new mechanism called "Anti-Twist Fin" that suppresses line slack.
This suppresses phenomena that lead to trouble, such as the line falling off to the lower part of the spool or being wound while twisted.
As a result, the reel is finished to be less prone to line trouble.
Drag Wear Resistance Improved by More Than 10 Times
The 24 Vanford is equipped with drag washers made of a new material called "DURACROSS".
The material is strengthened by weaving fibers orthogonal to the direction of the fibers in conventional drag washers. This improves wear resistance by more than 10 times while maintaining smooth drag performance.
More Refined and Chic Design
The design has also become more refined.
The red decorations, which were previously a matter of preference, have been significantly reduced in the new model.
Also, the body has been changed from matte black to a glossy black. The prominence of the plating has also been suppressed, reborn into a more chic design.
Commonalities with the Previous Model "20 Vanford"
The commonalities with the previous model "20 Vanford" are:
- MicroModule Gear II: Increased strength and reduced gear noise by miniaturizing the gears and increasing the number of teeth.
- SilentDrive: Eliminated minute rattling, gaps, and shaking between parts by reviewing the body and drive-related components.
- HAGANE Gear
- X-Ship
- MGL Rotor
- X-Protect
- G-Free Body
- Long Stroke Spool
- CI4+
- SA-RB
- AR-C Spool
- One-Piece Bail
These Shimano technologies are incorporated.
Comparison with Other Shimano Models
Now, let's compare the 24 Vanford with other Shimano reels. We will compare it with the following two models:
- 23 Stradic
- 22 Miravel
Comparison with 23 Stradic
First is the comparison with the 23 Stradic. This reel is Shimano's global strategic model, whose selling points are basic performance and high rigidity (core solid series). We have summarized the main differences in a table.
| Main Specifications | 24 Vanford | 23 Stradic |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | CI4+ | Aluminum |
| Rotor Material | CI4+ | High-strength resin |
| Total Bearings | 7 (9 for DH model) | 6 |
| Double Handle Model | Yes (C3000SDH) | No |
| Bail Material | Titanium | Stainless Steel |
| Weight (C3000 size) | 180g | 225g |
The Vanford is a model that emphasizes lightness and operability. When compared, the difference in design philosophy is reflected in the materials of each part.
If you prioritize lightness and operability, choose the 24 Vanford; if you prioritize rigidity and winding power, choose the 23 Stradic.
Comparison with 22 Miravel
Next, let's look at the differences with the 22 Miravel in a table.
By the way, this reel is an entry-level model in the MGL series, whose selling points are lightness and operability. In terms of positioning, it is one rank below the Vanford.
| Main Specifications | 24 Vanford | 22 Miravel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bearings | 7 (9 for DH model) | 5 |
| S A-RB Bearings | Adopted | Not adopted |
| Double Handle Model | Yes (C3000SDH) | No |
| MicroModule Gear II | Adopted | Not adopted |
| One-Piece Bail | Adopted | Not adopted |
| Waterproof Mechanism | X-Protect (Line roller, body) | CoreProtect (Body) |
| Long Stroke Spool | Adopted | Not adopted |
| Worm Shaft Oscillation | Adopted | Not adopted |
| Weight (C3000 size) | 180g | 205g |
As expected, even within the same MGL series, there is a difference beyond the price gap when compared to the latest Vanford.
Unless you have a very specific reason, you will be happier choosing the 24 Vanford.
Comparison with Daiwa Models
Next, let's compare it with Daiwa reels. We will compare it with the 24 Luvias.
Comparison with 24 Luvias
The 24 Luvias is a Daiwa spinning reel whose philosophy is the coexistence of operability and rigidity. The main differences are shown in the table below.
| Main Specifications | 24 Vanford | 24 Luvias |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | CI4+ | ZAION |
| Rotor Material | CI4+ | ZAION |
| Total Bearings | 7 (9 for DH model) | 9 (10 for DH model) |
| Double Handle Model | Yes (C3000SDH) | Yes (LT2500S-DH) |
| Waterproof Mechanism | X-Protect (Line roller, body) | Magsealed (Body) |
| Weight (3000 size) | 180g (C3000HG) | 175g (LT3000-H) |
Since the manufacturers are different, a simple comparison is not possible. However, as rivals, they are similar in their use of lightweight materials and lineups.
The Luvias is slightly lighter, but the price is higher.
Impressions of the Vanford
Now, let's move on to the impressions of the 24 Vanford.
First Impressions
First, the out-of-the-box first impressions. The topics are the following three:
- Design
- Winding feel
- Weight
Design
Let's start with the design. You can see that the overall design has become more sophisticated.
The red decorations that were on the spool ring, sides, and handle base have been significantly reduced. Also, the body has been changed from matte black to glossy black.
The cut-out part of the spool is similar to that of the 24 Twin Power.
Changing the body color to glossy black was the right answer. The design has become tighter.
By reducing the area of plating, it has become a more effective accent.
Winding Feel
Next is the winding feel. The impression of the winding feel right out of the box is as follows:
"Surprisingly moist and pleasant, and the winding is sufficiently light"
Since it is a model whose selling point is lightness and operability, I thought the winding feel would be hollow. Surprisingly, it is moist and the winding feel is good. The initial winding is also light and comfortable, as expected of a model whose selling point is operability.
Weight
Finally, the weight. The catalog weight of the Vanford C2000S purchased this time is 155g. The actual measurement was 153.5g.
155g for a C2000S is perfectly light. Considering the balance, it is good to use it in combination with a somewhat lightweight rod.
Actual Fishing Impressions
Next, let's move on to the actual fishing impressions! The topics are the following four:
- Operational feel
- Winding feel
- Line trouble
- Drag performance
Operational Feel
As expected of the core model of the MGL series, whose selling point is lightness, the operability is good. It could be used comfortably even with a jig head of about 0.4g.
Also, the weight is not too light, making it hard to feel tip-heavy, which also plays a role in improving the operational feel.
Depending on the rod, it should be comfortable with little tip-heaviness for rods up to 7 feet or less.
Winding Feel
Next is the winding feel, and this is surprisingly excellent.
The actual fishing this time was mainly using jig heads for Ajing (horse mackerel fishing). It's not a fishing style that involves a lot of winding, but I still firmly felt the "lightness of initial winding" and "good texture".
To be honest, the winding feel and initial lightness are superior to the 25 Soare XR made specifically for Ajing.
Line Trouble
Next, regarding line trouble.
This time it was night Ajing over several sessions, but trouble did not occur even once.
I cast jig heads of 0.5g or less many times in considerable headwinds and crosswinds. Even in those conditions, it was trouble-free thanks to the added Anti-Twist Fin.
I feel it is finished as a reel that can be used comfortably even in fishing where the line tends to slack.
Drag Performance
The impression of intentionally using the drag by making it quite loose is "It's normally smooth and good!".
However, the 25 Soare XR I usually use is equipped with Rigid Support Drag and High Response Drag, so my impression is that its smoothness at the start of slipping is superior.
Shimano 2025 Soare XR
Advantages of the Vanford
Now, let's look at the advantages I found after actually purchasing the 24 Vanford. There are three main advantages.
- High operability
- Peace of mind with Anti-Twist Fin
- High standard of winding feel
High Operability
The first advantage of the 24 Vanford is its "high operability".
As written in the actual fishing impression, the body is lightweight, and the initial winding is light, making it a reel that is easy to handle in any type of fishing.
Among them, it will fully demonstrate its true value in fishing that emphasizes operability.
The high operability will be particularly useful in fishing such as bass fishing, Eging, Ajing, and trout.
Peace of Mind with Anti-Twist Fin
The second is the "peace of mind with Anti-Twist Fin".
In fishing that requires rod operation or fine reeling, the line tends to slack and cause trouble.
In such situations, the Anti-Twist Fin prevents the line from slacking or being wound while twisted.
Actually, even in actual fishing where a considerable wind was blowing, trouble was zero. Thanks to the Anti-Twist Fin, it is finished as a reel that can be used with peace of mind.
High Standard of Winding Feel
The last is the winding feel. The high texture of the winding is also a major advantage of the 24 Vanford.
Because it is the MGL series, naturally the initial winding is light. Yet, even when you continue winding, the texture is high, and the winding feel is moist.
There is almost no noise, allowing you to firmly concentrate on fishing.
Disadvantages of the Vanford
The 24 Vanford has no real disadvantages, but if I had to raise one, it would be the following:
- A clear performance difference has been set compared to the XR series
A Clear Performance Difference Has Been Set Compared to the XR Series
The 24 Vanford is lightweight, has good operability, and is reasonably priced.
However, it is clearly differentiated with a performance gap from fish-species-specific models based on the Vanford (such as Sephia, Soare, Exsence, Complex etc.).
Differentiation points from fish-species-specific models:
- Rigid Support Drag
- Rapid Fire Drag
- High Response Drag
There is a performance difference mainly in the drag-related parts. Furthermore, there are differences in sizes specialized for fish species and designs corresponding to each brand.
And unfortunately, you cannot convert it to Rigid Support Drag by adding bearings. Conversion to High Response Drag is possible, though...
However, currently, there are advantages unique to the 24 Vanford, such as Infinity-related technologies and the Anti-Twist Fin, so you should choose according to your priorities.
Rigid Support Drag
Summary: A Lightweight All-Rounder with Few Flaws!
This time was a review of Shimano's 24 Vanford.
I hope you have understood that it is a "lightweight all-rounder reel with few flaws". It is the perfect reel for those who say, "I want a lightweight reel but don't want to compromise on the texture of the winding!".
