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

[WRB]

I apologize, sometimes people dish products just to pass winter dull drums.

My $30 reel performs better then a $300  reel BS.

Tom

[jbsoonerfan]

Just now, FishTank said:

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

Which must be related to the "Cheap stuff is just as good Chimpanzee" 

[Drew03cmc]

2 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

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. 

Not to mention the Lew's reel is a graphite frame and suspect to twisting or distorting, whereas the Vanford is a CI4 frame, carbon composite. Carbon drag washer will always be smoother than felt. There is zero exception to this. I used to be the guy wanting the cheaper reels and was okay with using them. Now, I primarily have Curados and above, along with a Stradic CI4+ spinning reel and a mid level Daiwa spinning reel. I, now, see the benefit to the smoother drag and the higher quality components. 

[optimator]

7 minutes ago, WRB said:

I apologize, sometimes people dish products just to pass winter dull drums.

Tom

[Deephaven]

Where can you buy the Lew's WSP50 for $30?  I have a couple "kids" crappie sticks with no reels.  Don't need longevity for these.

[FishTank]

3 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

Where can you buy the Lew's WSP50 for $30?  I have a couple "kids" crappie sticks with no reels.  Don't need longevity for these.

 

Haven't ordered from them but here you go.....

 

https://www.fishusa.com/Lews-Wally-Marshall-Signature-Spinning-Reel?quantity=1&IO-Model-Reels=753&gclid=CjwKCAiAg8OBBhA8EiwAlKw3ktwejhLis3_d2xud4R6sdVk78rYRIPmtX4fXJ4o4JMYiT_cHzYXo4BoCB1IQAvD_BwE

[MN Fisher]

45 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Haven't ordered from them but here you go.....

I've ordered from them several times. Quick service, accurate descriptions...they're one of my regular shopping places.

[garroyo130]

8 hours ago, Drew03cmc said:

Not to mention the Lew's reel is a graphite frame and suspect to twisting or distorting, whereas the Vanford is a CI4 frame, carbon composite. Carbon drag washer will always be smoother than felt. There is zero exception to this. I used to be the guy wanting the cheaper reels and was okay with using them. Now, I primarily have Curados and above, along with a Stradic CI4+ spinning reel and a mid level Daiwa spinning reel. I, now, see the benefit to the smoother drag and the higher quality components. 

 

Look at the size of the reel. It's meant for 4lb line, 6lb tops. If you're twisting the frame with those pressures, Lew's has bigger issues. 

[dodgeguy]

If you go baitcast get a Lews carbonlite for 209 at Sportsmans outfitters.gteat reel for finesse.

[garroyo130]

Ok back to the topic ... 

 

Maybe you just got an exceptionally good Lews reel. I have to say that exact Lews Wally Marshal reel in that size is probably the worst feeling new reel I've ever handled. 

[Drew03cmc]

2 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

 

Look at the size of the reel. It's meant for 4lb line, 6lb tops. If you're twisting the frame with those pressures, Lew's has bigger issues. 

Graphite spinning reels aren't worth their price. I had a Lew's Mach (graphite frame) and caught a 1lb smallie. I could feel the reel binding. Never again. 

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, Drew03cmc said:

Graphite spinning reels aren't worth their price. I had a Lew's Mach (graphite frame) and caught a 1lb smallie. I could feel the reel binding. Never again. 

Maybe a bad one?

All of my spinning reels are graphite-frame - I haven't had that issue, even when pulling in 4#-6# pike.

[NYWayfarer]

I would recommend the Lew’s Speed Spin SS10HS at 7.4 oz it’s heavier than the Wally Marshall but a much better reel. You will notice the difference I promise.

 

Its what I use on my St Croix Avid medium light action rod for Perch and Panfish. Still handles the occasional Pickerel and Smallmouth just fine as well. 
 

Comparing a Lew’s anything and a Shimano was not going to end well.

[Shimano_1]

I totally get someone fairly new to all this assuming that a 30 dollar reel feels similar so why should I spend more. Used to be of the same mind set. After a few years I realized I was replacing my cheap stuff yearly and my buddies that had spent more money for quality were getting years from theirs. Quality comes at a price period.  I can't tell u if a vanford is worth the money....but for me it absolutely would be. I fish several spinning reels in the 100 dollar range and am satisfied.  Have no clue if the lews is a decent reel. If you're satisfied with it that's all that Matters.  Just dont expect vanford performance and quality from anything that cost 30 bucks....it's never going to happen. Most shimanos I own and have owned get better with use. Can't say the same for the lews and garcia reels I've owned. Lews reels are fantastic for their price points and for 30 bucks if it casts and reels I guess its a winner. Just remember a year down the road to reevaluate its performance and I think it'll make sense why some guys prefer the higher end gear.

I agree comparing lews and shimano on here is gonna ruffle some feathers. I personally feel that they're quite comparable dollar for dollar.  I think the tournament pro is a worthy competitor to the curado. Some of the better spinning reels are comparable as well. Of course we all know what they say about opinions lol. Both companies make fine products....just no comparison in the 2 reels being compared here.

[NYWayfarer]

38 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Ok back to the topic ... 

 

Maybe you just got an exceptionally good Lews reel. I have to say that exact Lews Wally Marshal reel in that size is probably the worst feeling new reel I've ever handled. 

Are you talking about the WM Signature Series reel or the WM Shooter reel. 
 

Both are the same price but the Shooter is neon green and blue. The OP has the signature series reel.

[garroyo130]

1 hour ago, NYWayfarer said:

Are you talking about the WM Signature Series reel or the WM Shooter reel. 
 

Both are the same price but the Shooter is neon green and blue. The OP has the signature series reel.

 

I had the signature as well. Big step down from an Okuma Ceymar.

[Yazman]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'm not throwing shade at the Vanford--it's a great reel and definitely nicer then the WSP50. I've never said the $30 Lew's and $230 Vanford are equivalent.

 

Maybe I should have framed my question in a different context: The Vanford is better, but $200 better? It sounds like for those who fish several times a week for many hours it definitely is, but for a dad with two kids in diapers, going to school and working it probably isn't, since I get out for maybe an hour a week (if I'm lucky!). 

 

My standards for judging the "feel" of the reels (while of course, subjective) is my 3 Daiwa Tatula LTs. I consider then the smoothest I've ever had. The Vanford 500 to me felt better then the Lew's, similar to the Abu Revo Premier 20 or Pflueger XT20, and less smooth than the Tatula. 

 

For $30 I expect a functioning product, for $60 a nice reel, for $120 a really nice reel, and for $240 the nicest I've ever had. In this case, I personally felt like it was in the "$120 really nice" range and not worth the extra coin to a small-timer like myself. No disrespect--the Vanford is a nice, quality product that I'd be happy to own. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying it. 

 

My question was essentially, "if I close my eyes and spin both reels they feel the same, so what does the extra $200 get me?" It sounds like the answer is longevity, durability, and higher quality components. 

 

For me, I'm gonna stick with the Patriarch 20 (or maybe the Carbon X 500 when it arrives), but to each his own! Feel free to disagree with me, it's just my amateur opinion ?. Thanks everyone for your input! I've learned a lot since I started posting and reading here.

[Eric 26]

2 hours ago, Yazman said:

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'm not throwing shade at the Vanford--it's a great reel and definitely nicer then the WSP50. I've never said the $30 Lew's and $230 Vanford are equivalent.

 

Maybe I should have framed my question in a different context: The Vanford is better, but $200 better? It sounds like for those who fish several times a week for many hours it definitely is, but for a dad with two kids in diapers, going to school and working it probably isn't, since I get out for maybe an hour a week (if I'm lucky!). 

 

My standards for judging the "feel" of the reels (while of course, subjective) is my 3 Daiwa Tatula LTs. I consider then the smoothest I've ever had. The Vanford 500 to me felt better then the Lew's, similar to the Abu Revo Premier 20 or Pflueger XT20, and less smooth than the Tatula. 

 

For $30 I expect a functioning product, for $60 a nice reel, for $120 a really nice reel, and for $240 the nicest I've ever had. In this case, I personally felt like it was in the "$120 really nice" range and not worth the extra coin to a small-timer like myself. No disrespect--the Vanford is a nice, quality product that I'd be happy to own. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying it. 

 

My question was essentially, "if I close my eyes and spin both reels they feel the same, so what does the extra $200 get me?" It sounds like the answer is longevity, durability, and higher quality components. 

 

For me, I'm gonna stick with the Patriarch 20 (or maybe the Carbon X 500 when it arrives), but to each his own! Feel free to disagree with me, it's just my amateur opinion ?. Thanks everyone for your input! I've learned a lot since I started posting and reading here.

Perfectly explained. As a blue collar father of two who assists  coaching youth football in the summer early fall my time on the water is limited. As such I try to pick gear that is functional,fairly priced an built to last a reasonable amount of time. Nothing against anyone who uses and enjoys higher quality/enthusiasts level gear for which there are many including on this site. I’m not trying to equate my Abu Revo x with my Daiwa Tatulas and certainly not my $35.00 Piscifun and KK reels with even my Abu but hey I knew what I was getting. One of the reasons I grabbed the carbon x reels was a favorable review on it at *** and I’m glad I did as it meets “my “ criteria as stated above. I really enjoyed as I always do the opinions/recommendations this thread has brought about which are as varied as the members on this site. Again looking forward to hearing your impressions when you receive it. Best of luck.

[Deephaven]

Now I am really curious.  Ordered the Wally Lew's special this am.  It is going on a 5'6" UL that I got free at some point for my boys to fish off the dock with.  Might get cast for a few hours 2x this year before bass season opens up by one of them as well...but might not.  

[cottny27]

9 hours ago, Yazman said:

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'm not throwing shade at the Vanford--it's a great reel and definitely nicer then the WSP50. I've never said the $30 Lew's and $230 Vanford are equivalent.

 

Maybe I should have framed my question in a different context: The Vanford is better, but $200 better? It sounds like for those who fish several times a week for many hours it definitely is, but for a dad with two kids in diapers, going to school and working it probably isn't, since I get out for maybe an hour a week (if I'm lucky!). 

 

My standards for judging the "feel" of the reels (while of course, subjective) is my 3 Daiwa Tatula LTs. I consider then the smoothest I've ever had. The Vanford 500 to me felt better then the Lew's, similar to the Abu Revo Premier 20 or Pflueger XT20, and less smooth than the Tatula. 

 

For $30 I expect a functioning product, for $60 a nice reel, for $120 a really nice reel, and for $240 the nicest I've ever had. In this case, I personally felt like it was in the "$120 really nice" range and not worth the extra coin to a small-timer like myself. No disrespect--the Vanford is a nice, quality product that I'd be happy to own. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying it. 

 

My question was essentially, "if I close my eyes and spin both reels they feel the same, so what does the extra $200 get me?" It sounds like the answer is longevity, durability, and higher quality components. 

 

For me, I'm gonna stick with the Patriarch 20 (or maybe the Carbon X 500 when it arrives), but to each his own! Feel free to disagree with me, it's just my amateur opinion ?. Thanks everyone for your input! I've learned a lot since I started posting and reading here.

I don’t feel the need to spend more than 120-140 just being a “fun” fisherman.  If one has made it his profession then the top of gear would make sense & benefit you.  And I don’t know what everyone’s talking about with frame twist. Most of mine are carbon reels and I’ve never had this issue.  Of course I’m not fishing 65# braid down in FL.  I got plenty of bps prolites & carbonlites from 2008 or so that still work perfect.  They get broke down and maintained each Winter.  
 

Also, I 2nd the Okuma Ceymar.  Mine is a beast better than any Shimano I’ve owned in the price range. 

[JustJames]

15 hours ago, Yazman said:

My standards for judging the "feel" of the reels (while of course, subjective) is my 3 Daiwa Tatula LTs. I consider then the smoothest I've ever had. The Vanford 500 to me felt better then the Lew's, similar to the Abu Revo Premier 20 or Pflueger XT20, and less smooth than the Tatula. 

If you have compared Vanford to Tatula since the beginning, there might even be a lot more ppl agree with you, and I for one. They both almost at least in the same category. You were trying to beat the expensive with the cheapest available which little unfair. They both reel, do the same thing, different is one with way better material inside and out, one with quality QC, R&D while the other just an OEM make a bunch of parts and sticker for different brand. 
I can say this, I’m also not impressed with Vanford in smoothness when compared to all my Daiwas (ballistic FW, Tatula LT Kage LT or even Exceler LT) but others thing like solidity, smooth strong drag and protection is way above those.

[Fishes in trees]

The "Cheap is just as good Chimp" don't come around my house.   The "Buyers remorse gorilla" I keep him sedated with semi- regular doses of IPAs - or some other style of barley pop.   The bait monkey - I just reason with - I understand he has his needs, but I wave my hand around the fishing shed, then point at the garage & the house.  I've done "ok" taking care of the bait monkey's needs, but he ain't the only income sinkhole around.

 

That being said, once I get my taxes done, my current trolling motor has ten years of service on it and needs to be put out to pasture.  Last year I put a third year on my trolling motor batteries, they used to be old and not holding power like new - now they are pretty much toast and noticeably lose power after 4 or 5 hours on the water.   The bait monkey always gets his, but sometimes I make him wait for a while.

[PhishLI]

22 hours ago, Yazman said:

for a dad with two kids in diapers, going to school and working it probably isn't, since I get out for maybe an hour a week (if I'm lucky!). 

Then you don't need a heirloom quality reel. You'll be fine with your choice.

[immortl]

Resurrecting an old thread, but if you or anyone who comes across this are still looking for a good quality lightweight spinning reel, the JDM Shimano Soare XR fits the bill and is, in my opinion, a good deal.  Specs have it at 135g/4.7ounces.  I picked one up this summer for one of my ultralight stream trout rigs and have been very pleased with it.

[QED]

On 2/20/2021 at 5:14 PM, dodgeguy said:

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

Try these:

Shimano Soare CI4+ 500S            4.9 oz            3/76.5
Shimano Stella FK 1000                5.8 oz            4/160, 6/110
Shimano Vanford 500F                 4.9 oz            4/100 6/60
Shimano Vanford 1000F               5.3 oz            4/160, 6/110
Shimano Vanford C2000HGF        5.3 oz            6/165. 8/105

 

And if you were wondering, there are several BFS casting reels under 5 oz!