Vanford 2000, 2500 or 3000…..ugh

[James Brant]

I am 74 and the right shoulder, elbow and wrist are not what they were. My new rods and reels are all light weight and that keeps me fishing. 
I have a Megabass Orochi Shaky Head rod on the way and hence the Vanford question on size. I have a Vanford 2000 that weighs 5.3 ozs on a Zodias 7’ rod that is Heaven to fish. The 2500 and 3000 weigh the same, 6.3 oz. Any opinions on the balance with these two and how noticeable will the extra ounce make? The 3000 spool would allow longer casts.

I drive myself nuts with research and agonizing over decisions like this. Thanks guys.

[The Bassman]

The ounce difference won't really affect balance. The larger spool will actually enhance line management with heavier line. I have all three reels you mentioned and they've taken my fishing to a new level. The 3000 has a T handle if that makes any difference. I swapped out all my handle knobs for left hand large baitcasting ones. The stock knobs are too small for me.

[Msl819]

Not sure about the Vanford but the Stradic (which I also love) has an upgrade to carbon drag washer I believe with the 3000 and up.  That may could factor into your decision too if the same holds for the Vanford.  I have the 2000 Vanford and it is a great reel as well.  

[The Bassman]

19 minutes ago, Msl819 said:

Not sure about the Vanford but the Stradic (which I also love) has an upgrade to carbon drag washer I believe with the 3000 and up.  That may could factor into your decision too if the same holds for the Vanford.  I have the 2000 Vanford and it is a great reel as well.  

Stock felt washer has a smoother start up with light settings. CF is great with baitcasters, not so much with spinning.

[WRB]

It comes down to the type and size (diameter) if the line you use. I have the Vanford 2500 on SC Croix Victory VS71MF rod that weighs 3.5 oz. line is Max UG 5 lb test Copolymer for finesse bass season fishing. This combo is a little tip heavy but the rod handle allows you to balanced it.

Regarding drags the Vanford has Shimano’s state of the art drags 

Size is a personal choice.

Tom

[Kdizzle]

 With a light line set up, in which I mean 6 pound test and under, I would say that carbon drag washer are a no go.  They stick too much at the onset of a hookset to allow enough energy transfer from the fish to the rod and reel.  

 

Off shore fisherman tend to love it when they are fighting 10 pound reds, but they are usually, fighting those fish with 15 or 20 pound flourocarbon leaders, 20 pound braid, and big 40 or 50 size reels.

[evo2s197]

I would go with the 3000 size, better line management if using flourocarbon.

 

Great choice on the Orochi, very nice series.

[JustJames]

The 2500 vs 3000 size Vanford is the same 47x17mm spool size? I got the info from Shimano Japan website, @The Bassmanmight be able to confirm that. So going from 2000 size (43x13.5mm) to 2500 size will gain casting distance, bigger drag?, line management and selection of line type. Going from 2500 to 3000 size should get you a bigger handle per @The Bassmanmentioned and a ton of line capacity that would be nice for saltwater fishing not bass. 
I love my 2000 size for the way I fish, but 2500 wouldn’t be that bad either. BTW I retired my old ci4 2500 for catfish setup and only use 2000 size reel for bass.

[Rob St Croix]

I have a Stradic Fl and the carbon drag comes in handy when you hook into a Hybrid or a big Shovelhead.

[bulldog1935]

2500 is for braid, and 3000 for larger mono/fluoro - each will manage the correct line better.  

Both are the same body with different depth spools.  

 

2500SHG
[Nylon (lb-m)] 5-110, 6-95, 8-70
[Fluorochemicals (lb-m)] 4-130, 5-100, 6-80
[PE (No. -m)] 0.6-200, 0.8-150, 1-120

 

C3000XG
Nylon (No.m) 2.5-180, 3-150, 4-100
[Fluorochemicals (lb-m)] 2.5-160, 3-130, 4-100
[PE (No. -m)] 1-400, 1.5-270, 2-200

 

Either should out-cast 2000 because of the longer stroke and larger diameter spool.  

2000 is the small frame and would be the choice for managing even finer braid and UL mono.  

 

JDM has a 3000MHG model that is based on the larger 4000/5000 frame and uses a shallow braid spool, but that's heading the wrong direction for our OP.