Disillusioned by new Shimano Vanford 500 vs Lew's Wally Marshall Signature Series 50

[Yazman]

I have an ultralight set up (St Croix Triumph 5' UL) that I had a Lew's Wally Marshall Signature Series 50 reel on. I was mostly happy, but baitmonkey kept telling me that the Shimano Vanford 500 which costs literally 10x as much (29.99 vs 299.99, but same bearing count and weight) would be so much smoother and more pleasant to fish with. Baitmonkey thought it was silly using a $29 reel with a St Croix rod.

 

So I just got the Vanford 500 today, and while it is definitely a nice reel, it doesn't feel that much different than the Lew's 50. The Lew's has way less IPT, and the knob feels cheap and has a little play, but it doesn't feel like $200 difference worth. For comparison, my Pflueger Patriarch 25 feels the best out of the bunch.

 

I have lots of inexpensive and top-end expensive stuff, but I'd like some opinions on this one. Could it be that the Vanford is that much nicer, and I feel guilty spending the cash? Is the main difference between the Lew's and the Vanford longevity and endurance? Am I just suffering from the baitmonkey disease?

 

#FirstWorldProblems

[ironbjorn]

A lot of the time with a spinning reel you're paying for longevity and drag (superior, consistent, and much less likely to fail).

[evo2s197]

2 minutes ago, ironbjorn said:

A lot of the time with a spinning reel you're paying for longevity and drag (superior, consistent, and much less likely to fail).

Exactly this. 

[garroyo130]

At that size of reel you're missing out of much of the advantages other reels gain from it.  Example, felt drag is arguably better at very light settings than carbon fiber drag. Threaded handle vs hex-through (or whatever its called) handle doesn't matter at the light drag settings this will be used at. Spool size is also likely too small to be significantly affected by differences in design and weight savings will be minimal to none since the reel weighs nothing. 

 

Longevity is likely all you'll really gain here.

[Yazman]

You guys rock! I appreciate the advice. Just packed up the Vanford to return. Gonna stick with the Lew's or Patriarch.

[dodgeguy]

1 hour ago, Yazman said:

You guys rock! I appreciate the advice. Just packed up the Vanford to return. Gonna stick with the Lew's or Patriarch.

Why don't you just buy the top of of the line Lews spinning reel ?

[Yazman]

49 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Why don't you just buy the top of of the line Lews spinning reel ?

I'm aiming at the lightest set up possible, and for Lew's is looks like the Wally Marshall 50 and Laser Lite 50 both are the lightest at 4.9oz. Both are $30. If Lew's has some higher end ones that light I'd be interested. If there are any other reels out there from anyone at 4.9oz for that matter, I'd be interested. 

[dodgeguy]

Didn't know anybody made a spinning reel that light.

[MN Fisher]

57 minutes ago, Yazman said:

I'm aiming at the lightest set up possible, and for Lew's is looks like the Wally Marshall 50 and Laser Lite 50 both are the lightest at 4.9oz. Both are $30. If Lew's has some higher end ones that light I'd be interested. If there are any other reels out there from anyone at 4.9oz for that matter, I'd be interested. 

 

11 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Didn't know anybody made a spinning reel that light.

It's coming out next month for sale - Abu Garcia Zenon. The 20 size is only 4.9oz - but at $500...it's not a cheap reel.

https://www.nationalwalleyetour.com/abu-garcia-introduces-the-worlds-lightest-spinning-reel-the-sub-5-ounce-zenon/

[dodgeguy]

I have a Lews baitcaster that light.its mind blowing. And it wasn't $500. 

[MN Fisher]

6 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

I have a Lews baitcaster that light.its mind blowing. And it wasn't $500. 

Ya - I wouldn't either - just pointing out that there are other reels that are that light

 

The most I've paid for any of my reels was one of my Fuego-CTs - $84

Even my $200 Patriarch I only paid $70 for - used from Legacy.

[WRB]

Sell it in Flea Market instead of complaining.

Tom

 

[Yazman]

I also find it interesting that the Zenon is $500 for 4.9oz, the Vanford 500 is $230 for 4.9oz, and the Lew's WSP50 is 4.9oz for $29! I'm blown away the Lew's is so light. I've had a couple of these, and I like them. I'll probably opt to keep my Pflueger Patriarch 25 on my St Croix UL, even though the Patriarch is a hefty 5.4oz hog ?. The Patriarch is just buttery smooth like my Tatula LTs. I guess if I'm worrying about 0.5oz difference in my UL set up, I've probably got bigger issues. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

These two reels are not apples to apples   in any way, shape, manner or form. There is no argument to made for felt over carbon drag either. Carbon drags are not all about power, but rather smoothness and consistency from let off throughout the range. An inexpensive reel can no doubt be serviceable if that’s what fits your budget, but to some level you do get what you pay for. Even if longevity is the main advantage that’s a substantial advantage to many (but admittedly not all) users. 

[JustJames]

When do we compare, plastic light to magnesium light or carbon composite light? 

[optimator]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Sell it in Flea Market instead of complaining.

Tom

 

That's a bit harsh. The guy that's new to our forum was just asking a question. 

[Yazman]

^Thank you. I wasn't complaining, and as I stated previously, I'm returning it for a full refund (gotta love Amazon prime!). I'm just looking to learn more and get some opinions on gear from folks more knowledgeable than I.

[WRB]

I don’t care if you are a newbe or oldster dishing a good product because you feel it’s over priced deserved reply.

Shimano Stractic Spinning  reels I own are early 90’s vintage and still in excellent condition after decades of use. If you pay and prefer $30 reels sell the $300 reel and don’t complain.

Tom

 

 

[Eric 26]

You can take a look at the Piscifun carbon x 500. It’s 5.1 oz $65.99 and you can get 15% off if you sign up for their newsletter.  I have both the 1000 & 2000 sizes bought and used last year and although I can’t speak for their longevity I can say they are extremely smooth and as well put together on paper at least to much more expensive reels. I do have their top of the line baitcast reel and have been using it for several years with no issues.  You can also find their products on Amazon with no issues returning it if you’re unsatisfied.

[optimator]

13 minutes ago, WRB said:

I don’t care if you are a newbe or oldster dishing a good product because you feel it’s over priced deserved reply.

Shimano Stractic Spinning  reels I own are early 90’s vintage and still in excellent condition after decades of use. If you pay and prefer $30 reels sell the $300 reel and don’t complain.

Tom

 

 

OK, I see you're just going to double down  

 

This is what the OP asked:

 

"Could it be that the Vanford is that much nicer, and I feel guilty spending the cash? Is the main difference between the Lew's and the Vanford longevity and endurance? Am I just suffering from the baitmonkey disease"?

 

He was asking a question. You Tom, are the one complaining. 

[Yazman]

20 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

You can take a look at the Piscifun carbon x 500. It’s 5.1 oz $65.99 and you can get 15% off if you sign up for their newsletter.  I have both the 1000 & 2000 sizes bought and used last year and although I can’t speak for their longevity I can say they are extremely smooth and as well put together on paper at least to much more expensive reels. I do have their top of the line baitcast reel and have been using it for several years with no issues.  You can also find their products on Amazon with no issues returning it if you’re unsatisfied.

Just ordered one! I even found a 17% off code, making it less than $55 out the door. Thanks friend!

[optimator]

9 minutes ago, cottny27 said:

Haha he will get used to it.  Bunch of jackalls

Meh, the wealth of good info here makes it all worth it. Mostly. 

[cottny27]

 

Here’s a 4.8oz from China for about $50, but you would never know. Smooth as butter after I went thru it and polished everything.  I like the cheap sh$$!  I removed the labeling on the brake side. 

[Eric 26]

1 minute ago, Yazman said:

Just ordered one! I even found a 17% off code, making it less than $55 out the door. Thanks friend!

You’re welcome ? Please let me know what you think of it when you receive it. I don’t see a lot of opinions either way on here about their products and I at least have been pleased so far. And hey I’m always looking for a good product at a fair price.

[FishTank]

Alas.... if there is a Bait Monkey, there must be a Buyer's Remorse Gorilla.