Shimano Nerds, Assemble!!

[RevoSEMIpro]

Joking aside - whats the skinny on the Vanford vs. the Stradic Ci4+? They seem to spec out about the same and have the same pricing. I'm in the market for a pair of 2500 size spinning reels and maybe a 1000 to replace some Saros 2500s that are getting relegated to walleye duty.

 

Is the Vanford meant to replace the Stradic or am I missing the point? The bargain hunter in me needs to know if I should hold out for Stradic clearance or just pull the trigger. Obviously Vanfords aren't available quite yet (that I can see).

 

Thanks

[Mat_ski]

Vanford= stradic fl ci4 so, stradic fl with carbon body and mgl rotor

[JustJames]

The Vanford is to replace the whole Stradic CI4+ line, so no confusing between Stradic FL (aluminum) or Stradic CI4+ FB (Carbon). It is a smart move from shimano but bad on the name lol. If you are buying CI4 at the full price, I would say go for Vanford. New MM gear, X-protect and long stroke spool.
The deep discount on CI4+ already passed, not a lot of place carry it anymore or at the full price. Vanford has been shipput, a lot of ppl got their shipment from pre-ordered.

[shimanoangler]

I am eager to hear other's responses on this topic, as I have really struggled to like the Ci4+ HG reel.  It has been a TW best seller since it came out, yet to me its just blah.....  Don't get me wrong, I love Shimano products, and the FL is an unbelievable reel.  Just wonder why so many have taken to the Ci4+???  Looking forward to reading the comments on this post (sorry, not trying to hijack, I promise, just trying to add to the conversation).... 

[Tywithay]

5 hours ago, shimanoangler said:

I am eager to hear other's responses on this topic, as I have really struggled to like the Ci4+ HG reel.  It has been a TW best seller since it came out, yet to me its just blah.....  Don't get me wrong, I love Shimano products, and the FL is an unbelievable reel.  Just wonder why so many have taken to the Ci4+???  Looking forward to reading the comments on this post (sorry, not trying to hijack, I promise, just trying to add to the conversation).... 

I would say that any reel that has a carbon body is going to give the perception that it's less smooth. The rigid graphite material will transmit vibrations more than an aluminum body. The reel could be Stella smooth, but certain folks will  be able to feel the gears meshing, because of the material, and their perception will be that it feels geary. It may be more difficult for some to discern, others may just not care, or come from a cheaper reel that felt worse, but Carbon vs. Aluminum vs. Magnesium will always feel different, even if everything internally is identical. 

[The Bassman]

I have four perfectly good CI4+ FA's and refuse to drink the Vanford kool-aid.......yet.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Be it a spinner, baitcaster or rod, light  weight rigid material transmits feel. The ci4 is a great reel if light weight, trouble free and longevity are what you’re looking for. Van ford is just a name change. No reason to sell off everything and start over. 

[JohnFromLisbon]

I know they want the use the brands globally but I really miss the good old days when Shimano spinning reel names started with S and casting ones with C.

 

But yes, like everyone said, Vanford is the new Stradic Ci4+, no matter what sales pitch they use.

[LCG]

I heard somewhere that Shimano changed the name of the stradic ci4+ line to the new van Ford to better align with their V names of high end reels ie vanquish. 

 

I have the stradic FL and it's very smooth in every way. I would imagine the van Ford would be perfect for anyone looking for a lightweight reel. I just prefer the solid aluminum feel. 

[JustJames]

On 9/13/2020 at 4:15 PM, The Bassman said:

I have four perfectly good CI4+ FA's and refuse to drink the Vanford kool-aid.......yet.

You actually should get two or three, one in 500 of course and 1000 and 2000. Please I’m dying to hear a real input on these size. 

[ImThatGuy]

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

You actually should get two or three, one in 500 of course and 1000 and 2000. Please I’m dying to hear a real input on these size. 

I will get mine on the water on Sunday.  Will let you know how it goes.  My first Shimano.  It seems very solid from the feel.

[The Bassman]

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

You actually should get two or three, one in 500 of course and 1000 and 2000. Please I’m dying to hear a real input on these size. 

Don't tease me like that. You wouldn't want to contribute to the delinquency of a tackle addict, would you?

[JustJames]

14 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

Don't tease me like that. You wouldn't want to contribute to the delinquency of a tackle addict, would you?

I guess it is too late now for you lol. Come on now, you know you want them lol.

 

15 minutes ago, ImThatGuy said:

I will get mine on the water on Sunday.  Will let you know how it goes.  My first Shimano.  It seems very solid from the feel.

What size? I really want to know spool diameter of size 500 and 1000. Shimano japan listed 43mm on 2000S but none available on 500 and 1000. Mostly Shimano Japan will sell 500/1000 under different model like Cardiff, but no info yet.

[ImThatGuy]

I got the 2500

 

[JustJames]

Thanks, but not really interested in 2500 size, my bass are too small for that size reel lol.

[NHBull]

I do like the idea of the 2000 size and a higher gear of the 3000