2500 Stradic Fl or Vanford?

[Randy Price]

Forgive me if this horse has been beaten to death but I'm in the market for a new "all purpose" spinning reel and want to know what your experiences are between the two?

[LCG]

I bought the stradic FL 2500 when it was first released. No issues at all. Super smooth drag and the reel is solid as they come. Vanford will weigh less, but I would imagine just as solid. I would mount each on a rod to see which "feel" you like more.

 

If I could it it over, I would probably go with a JDM Stradic FL 2000 shallow spool as I use braid to leader. But the 2500 size is not large by any means. 

[roadwarrior]

I was weighing the same decision not long ago. I decided to go with the Stradic 1000FL.

Although I hate to admit it, the performance is VERY comparable to my Stella 1000FJ.

 

                                

 

[T2DM]

I have both in 3000 size and for me in the long run Vanford would be a good
choice cause of the weight, might have to spend a little bit more on lighter
rod though, I have my Vanford paired up with GCX 842SJR-the Stradic on 853JWR
and the balance is pretty good on both setups.

[bulldog1935]

Stradic and Vanford are the same reel internally - Vanford is lighter externally composite. 

There are differences in the reel knee length that people have hit Vanford for. 

I have the heavier Twin Power 3000MHG, which has forged aluminum rotor in addition to the forged aluminum body, and bench-made in Japan - not recommending it, but throwing out the weight example to support a vote for Stradic. 

 

Also better add I have a JDM Vanquish, which is the best finesse spinning reel ever made. 

[mrpao]

To me it depends on the application I'm using it for.

Vanford for bottom contact, topwater, small crappie style jigs or other lighter stuff. The lighter weight makes it easier to work the rod tip.

Stradic for cast and retrieve lures like spinners, smaller paddletail swimbaits, crankbaits. The aluminum body makes the strait line retrieve feel smoother.

[WRB]

The Vanford reel stem has a fast bend and may not be comfortable if you hold the between 2 fingers.

Stradic doesn’t have that issue and balances better with spinning rods 7’+.

Tom

[Scrapiron]

4 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

I was weighing the same decision not long ago. I decided to go with the Stradic 1000FL.

Although I hate to admit it, the performance is VERY comparable to my Stella 1000FJ.

 

                                

 

Man oh man… same here!  I keep switching back and forth this weekend and wow- so very close.

 

As others have said— depends on your rod. I have a Vanford but it’s my least fav reel… nothing wrong with it at all, but out of 4, it’s in last place.

 

I still love ya Stella baby, don’t worry!

[Tail Slap]

IMO unless weight is a major factor I would recommend choosing the Stradic FL.  After my first one I picked up a few more in other sizes.

 

 

[LonnieP]

I was in the same boat a while back. After handling both of them I bought the Vanford. It felt smoother and was so much lighter than the Stradic. 

[A-Jay]

@Randy Price

I'm currently fishing 4 different Shimano spinning reels 

including the Stradic FL and the Vanford.

All very good reels for their price point IMO.

None are 'decidedly' better than the other.

If there are 'differences, they are slight.

To that point, and other than knowing which type handle is on which reel,

if I were blind folded, I'd be hard pressed to tell them apart.

(which is sort of like fishing at night)

Bottom line, I do 'like' the Stradic just a little bit more than the rest, but just a little.

 (to be fair, it's the new kid on the block, so there's that)

Don't tell the other reels please.

A-Jay

[KP Duty]

I would go Stradic.  I don't need a lot of line capacity, so a jdm shallow version would be preferable.

[Darth-Baiter]

20 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

@Randy Price

I'm currently fishing 4 different Shimano spinning reels 

including the Stradic FL and the Vanford.

All very good reels for their price point IMO.

None are 'decidedly' better than the other.

If there are 'differences, they are slight.

To that point, and other than knowing which type handle is on which reel,

if I were blind folded, I'd be hard pressed to tell them apart.

(which is sort of like fishing at night)

Bottom line, I do 'like' the Stradic just a little bit more than the rest, but just a little.

 (to be fair, it's the new kid on the block, so there's that)

Don't tell the other reels please.

A-Jay

I caught my wife counting my rod/reel combos yesterday.  I'm gonna show her this picture to recalibrate what she considers, "a lot of rods".  hahah.

 

back on topic.  I LOVED my 2500 Vanford.  I wouldn't call it solid or robust.  there is a price to pay for it being so light.  I bumped it recently and crushed the bail, and bent the main shaft.  sure it was a fairly "oh-S..t!" level bump..but it did crumple like an empty beer can.  it is in for repairs now, and I imagine reel-techs are handing my reel around with I don't understand? looks on their faces.  if they call and tell me it is toast, I'd buy another one ASAP.   I love how lightweight it is.  

[Revival]

I prefer lighter reels so I love my Vanfords.  My Stradic FL is extremely smooth though.  
 

Both are awesome reels.  Just get both and sell the one you like less.

[Randy Price]

Thanks guys for all the replies.  I'm going to get the Vanford.