2023 Shimano Vanquish Review and Initial Thoughts

[FishTank]

I have been fishing for a few hours each day this week with my new Vanquish C2500S and so far it is amazing. It might be the best spinning reel I have ever used. I knew it would be good but the casting and smoothness are unlike any other reel I have owned or played with, including the new Stella and maybe the Exist.  Only time will tell but Shimano hit out of the park with this reel. I have the same overall impression for the Daiwa Zillion SV. It's a game changer for me. I have paired it with a G. Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR. I wasn't sure about this rod as I had it paired with a Daiwa Emeraldas Air FC LT. Even though I like the Emeraldas, the combo just felt off to me but with the new Vanquish C2500S, it's perfect.

 

There are a couple of things that are noticeably different about this reel outside the smoothness and how light weight it is. One is the drag. It has a slow start up and then it tightens down quick so fighting a fish is just different from other spinning reels. Second is the super slow oscillation of the rotor. Next is this little gizmo below the line roller.

 

 

It is supposed to help with line lay and wind knots. The reel comes with an extra one and is adjustable somehow. I haven't moved mine as it lays the line perfectly out of the box and also, not a single wind knot yet. I am truly amazed at how a simple thing can make my fishing experience that much better.  

 

I do have to comment on the line I used as well.... It's YGK Xbraid Ohdragon X4 Sinking Braid in 13lb #0.8.  I have never used sinking braid before but supposedly it has a higher specific gravity than regular braid and has a fluorocarbon core. In any case, it too is a game changer for me. It is unlike any other line I have used. It behaves differently than braid but yet it's definitely not anything like FC.  It will cut through wind pretty well and sinks as soon as it hits the water, eliminating loose line sitting on top which means feeling that bite on the fall immediately.  It also has the same sensitivity as regular braid. Now for the part that blows me away about this line..... with a 1/16oz ned rig head and a 3in finesse TRD I am getting 120-130'+  casts easily. I can't explain it but the line just explodes off of the spool.  I have often shared my displeasure with braid but not with this line. I really like it so far. I might try a thicker version for a BFS baitcaster in the future. 

 

I have caught 20+ fish this week (all small ones, 14in and under) and this combo of line, reel, and rod have gone well beyond my expectations. I can't put in words how fun it is to fish. I am just dumbfounded and amazed with this one. 

 

 

[bulldog1935]

For four years, I've been saying Vanquish is the best finesse spinning reel ever made.  

Aside from perfect threadline management, which Shimano has pretty much conquered in all their worm drive reels above every other brand - What impresses me the most in Vanquish is starting and stopping wind.  You put this reel beside another worm drive Shimano and you notice the difference - there is zero resistance to start winding, and even more impressive, the reel drive does not continue to push your hand when you stop.  

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

For four years, I've been saying Vanquish is the best finesse spinning reel ever made.  

Aside from perfect threadline management, which Shimano has pretty much conquered in all their worm drive reels above every other brand - What impresses me the most in Vanquish is starting and stopping wind.  You put this reel beside another worm drive Shimano and you notice the difference - there is zero resistance to start winding, and even more impressive, the reel drive does not continue to push your hand when you stop.  

I totally forgot about the stop/starting of this reel. It's so fluid, you don't really think about it.  It's sort of second nature on most spinning reels. I need to try it with some small jerkbaits and see how it does snapping a lure quickly.  So far all I have used are 3 or 4 ned worms on a 1/16 oz jig head.

[Bigassbass]

I love Shimano spinning reels, I have to say the Miravel is a total disappointment but I knew for the price it couldn't be much.  It's an entry level reel better than some but you need to spend some money and buy a nice reel, like a Vanquish for sure. 

[MN Fisher]

14 minutes ago, Bigassbass said:

but you need to spend some money and buy a nice reel, like a Vanquish for sure. 

Soon as someone gives me the money so I can afford one. Some of us are on very tight budgets.

[bulldog1935]

too often and too divisive on BR Gear forum, and even off-topic.  

if others spending their money how they choose bothers you, better to not post, or OP a topic that interests you.  

 

I'll add @Bigassbass Stradic is the entry-level workhorse worm-drive Shimano.  

 

If you plan ahead, maybe do the math, saving for one good reel that lasts twice+ as long (keeps its on-spec performance 3 or 4 times as long) may be the long-term frugal choice.  

@FishTank - that start/stop thing makes a touch difference fishing big fish that are sipping tiny bait. 

 

[garroyo130]

9 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

I'll add @Bigassbass Stradic is the entry-level workhorse worm-drive Shimano.  

 

I've seen you post this several times. Is there a difference between the Spheros SW worm drive and Stradic worm drive design? 

[bulldog1935]

@garroyo130

I've never handled a Spheros SW or A, and use my large frame Stradic in the same niche.  The drive, spindle and drag on this reel do everything I need here.  

If you give credence to Alan Tani, he didn't like Spheros.   

Spheros starts at this 3/5000 frame size, and goes up from here - in a hurry, to 20,000 size.  

I've always considered big drag numbers on paper to be just that.  Seven pounds is plenty for near-offshore fishing, until you move up to those 10,000+ sizes and intended offshore targets.  

[NavyToad]

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

 

If you give credence to Alan Tani, he didn't like Spheros.   

Alan Hawk’s opinion is 180 out from Tani’s opinion. I have both the Saragosa and Spheros. Spheros is worth every nickel and more IMO.

[garroyo130]

Also important to note that there are 2 Spheros. The SW (which from what I've seen gets some hate)

 

 

and SWA which is actually the one Ive been mistakingly referring to as SW (which some claim is an older Stradic, just recolored)

 

[mrpao]

I have two of the 19 Vanquish 2000s and they have been great reels. The stop and go retrieve is what makes these reels shine.

I'm waiting for the new 23 Vanquish 2000s model to become available. If it's as good as you said, I may pick up an extra one also.

[ironbjorn]

5 hours ago, Bigassbass said:

I love Shimano spinning reels, I have to say the Miravel is a total disappointment but I knew for the price it couldn't be much.  It's an entry level reel better than some but you need to spend some money and buy a nice reel, like a Vanquish for sure. 

Meh they're spinning reels. Something as cheap as a Pflueger Trion does a good enough job. 

[bulldog1935]

for how long - these are finesse catches on Stradic 1000, 2000 and Vanquish 2000

 

Educated guess, 400 like these over 4 years (all male schoolie speckled trout)

There's also a point where better threadline management improves fishing.  

@FishTank's point about cast distance (wind knots, etc.) is spot on.  

Rhetorical - have you noticed there's never been a thread complaining about line lay on a post-18 Shimano worm drive - pick a different brand, and you'll probably find one.  

If you want to know the difference between the pre-'18 and post-'18 Shimano worm drive (Stradic FK v. FL), it's here.  Improved spool pitch, improved drive (with larger-diameter, finer-teeth gears), improved spindle stiffness, improved A/R clutch, labyrinth seals.  

 

[FishTank]

4 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

for how long - these are finesse catches on Stradic 1000, 2000 and Vanquish 2000

 

Educated guess, 400 like these over 4 years (all males)

There's also a point where better threadline management improves fishing.  

@FishTank's point about cast distance (wind knots, etc.) is spot on.  

Rhetorical - have you noticed there's never been a thread complaining about line lay on a post-18 Shimano worm drive - pick a different brand, and you'll probably find one.  

If you want to know the difference between the pre-'18 and post-'18 Shimano worm drive, it's here.  Improved spool pitch, improved drive (with larger-diameter, finer-teeth gears), improved spindle stiffness, improved A/R clutch, labyrinth seals.  

 

Well it's not all rainbows and butterflies.

 

I got hung up in a tree. I pulled on it a few times and my ned rig came flying back at me and this was the end result.  The line is in every crevice of the reel, from the bottom side of the rotor to the tiny gap between the bail and the line roller. With the 30mph winds I was fishing in, it could have been a lot worse.  It did all cut out and the reel is fine. My blood pressure is not.

 

 

9 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

too often and too divisive on BR Gear forum, and even off-topic.  

if others spending their money how they choose bothers you, better to not post, or OP a topic that interests you.  

 

I'll add @Bigassbass Stradic is the entry-level workhorse worm-drive Shimano.  

 

If you plan ahead, maybe do the math, saving for one good reel that lasts twice+ as long (keeps its on-spec performance 3 or 4 times as long) may be the long-term frugal choice.  

@FishTank - that start/stop thing makes a touch difference fishing big fish that are sipping tiny bait. 

 

I caught a couple of these guys sipping on a 3in Dolive Craw on the same Ned Rig. The reel did make a difference.

 

[msgf91]

What's the difference between the Stella and vanquish? Is it like the stradic and vanford 

[mrpao]

17 minutes ago, msgf91 said:

What's the difference between the Stella and vanquish? Is it like the stradic and vanford 

Stella is more heavy duty. Better at straight retreive lures.

Vanquish is made for more finesse applications. Better at stop and go retreive lures.

Both are awesome reels.

[bulldog1935]

@msgf91

There's not much difference between Stella and Vanquish - Stella has stainless gears (expensive to broach and wear-proof) and forged magnesium rotor (expensive to form)- Vanquish has wear-coated alloy gears and CI4+ rotor - the rest is the same, including forged magnesium body, titanium bail.  

Vanquish is notably lighter weight than Stella - an ounce.  

Just the facts, ma'am.  

https://www.jpfishingtacklenews.com/shimano-vanquish-2019/ 

https://www.jpfishingtacklenews.com/new-shimano-stella-18/

All the Shimano '18-22 worm drive (except New Stella) interchange parts - and are the same reel design using different MOC and number of ball bearings - '18 Stella, '19 Stradic, '19 Vanquish, '20 Vanford, '21 Twin Power, etc.)  Stella has the stainles gears and forged magnesium body and rotor.  The rest use wear-treated alloy gears and body/rotor MOC that are cheaper-to-make.  Stradic and Vanford are made on Malaysia assembly line - the rest are made on Japan bench with parts-matching for added smoothness.  But they all have the same design improvements of '18 Stella.  

 

@FishTank's '23 Vanquish, built off '22 Stella, has slightly longer spool stroke, and added spindle stiffness to go with it.  

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 5/6/2023 at 10:51 AM, garroyo130 said:

 

I've seen you post this several times. Is there a difference between the Spheros SW worm drive and Stradic worm drive design? 

Ive got the SW. (smaller Spheros only available in 3 and 4k)  Its an outstanding reel for the money.  Its essentially a Stradic FK.  If I were blind folded I really dont think I would be able to if I was fishing a Spheros SW or FL.  

[drpower]

Has anyone compared 23 Stradic and 23 Vanquish or are they so far apart that is pointless to do so? I am in the market for C2500S and having trouble with the price difference of these two iconic offerings.

[bulldog1935]

I have '19 Vanquish and '19 Stradic - the differences w/ '23 are slightly longer spool pitch and the spindle to go with it.  

Stradic is forged aluminum body and composite rotor, built on Malaysia line.  

Vanquish is magnesium body, lightened composite rotor, titanium bail, more BB, and bench-built in Japan with parts matching for extra smoothness.  

You wouldn't notice the difference until you have them side-by-side, but then Vanquish low-inertia drive becomes apparent.  The reel starts when you start, stops when you stop, and never pushes against your hand.  Vanquish was designed to be the best finesse spinning reel ever, and Shimano succeeded.  

 

[Elezen]

On 5/5/2023 at 10:10 PM, FishTank said:

I have been fishing for a few hours each day this week with my new Vanquish C2500S and so far it is amazing. It might be the best spinning reel I have ever used. I knew it would be good but the casting and smoothness are unlike any other reel I have owned or played with, including the new Stella and maybe the Exist.  Only time will tell but Shimano hit out of the park with this reel. I have the same overall impression for the Daiwa Zillion SV. It's a game changer for me. I have paired it with a G. Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR. I wasn't sure about this rod as I had it paired with a Daiwa Emeraldas Air FC LT. Even though I like the Emeraldas, the combo just felt off to me but with the new Vanquish C2500S, it's perfect.

 

There are a couple of things that are noticeably different about this reel outside the smoothness and how light weight it is. One is the drag. It has a slow start up and then it tightens down quick so fighting a fish is just different from other spinning reels. Second is the super slow oscillation of the rotor. Next is this little gizmo below the line roller.

 

 

It is supposed to help with line lay and wind knots. The reel comes with an extra one and is adjustable somehow. I haven't moved mine as it lays the line perfectly out of the box and also, not a single wind knot yet. I am truly amazed at how a simple thing can make my fishing experience that much better.  

 

I do have to comment on the line I used as well.... It's YGK Xbraid Ohdragon X4 Sinking Braid in 13lb #0.8.  I have never used sinking braid before but supposedly it has a higher specific gravity than regular braid and has a fluorocarbon core. In any case, it too is a game changer for me. It is unlike any other line I have used. It behaves differently than braid but yet it's definitely not anything like FC.  It will cut through wind pretty well and sinks as soon as it hits the water, eliminating loose line sitting on top which means feeling that bite on the fall immediately.  It also has the same sensitivity as regular braid. Now for the part that blows me away about this line..... with a 1/16oz ned rig head and a 3in finesse TRD I am getting 120-130'+  casts easily. I can't explain it but the line just explodes off of the spool.  I have often shared my displeasure with braid but not with this line. I really like it so far. I might try a thicker version for a BFS baitcaster in the future. 

 

I have caught 20+ fish this week (all small ones, 14in and under) and this combo of line, reel, and rod have gone well beyond my expectations. I can't put in words how fun it is to fish. I am just dumbfounded and amazed with this one. 

 

 

Nice review but by chance do you know what is the material/design they used on the handle? 
I took a picture of mine and at first i thought it was dirty lol 

[FishTank]

18 minutes ago, Elezen said:

Nice review but by chance do you know what is the material/design they used on the handle? 
I took a picture of mine and at first i thought it was dirty lol 

I'm not sure. I was so wowed by the reel itself, I never really thought about it.  It is cool though. 

[bulldog1935]

Vanquish stock handle is definitely magnesium (so is the spool) - you can verify this by comparing parts prices on https://www.plat.co.jp/

adding a ps - both Shimano and Daiwa formed magnesium parts are so fine-grained (clean) and heavily anodized (they feel soapy) that both can rate their magnesium reels salt-safe (not true for die-cast magnesium parts).  

[Aguilab1]

Is anyone using the Vanquish for smallmouth? I’ve been using a Vanquish c3000XG exclusively on my Expride M 7’ rod. I had it on a Curado 76L, but I use my Expride more. I recently picked up a Twin Power FE c3000MHG and I’m enjoying the cranking power. Makes me wonder if the Vanquish is too finesse for my fishing? I’m fishing in larger creeks, where smallmouth max out at 3.5 lbs, 4lbs of the stars are right. Somebody commented on another platform that Vanquish is terrible under load. Thoughts?

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, Aguilab1 said:

Is anyone using the Vanquish for smallmouth? I’ve been using a Vanquish c3000XG exclusively on my Expride M 7’ rod. I had it on a Curado 76L, but I use my Expride more. I recently picked up a Twin Power FE c3000MHG and I’m enjoying the cranking power. Makes me wonder if the Vanquish is too finesse for my fishing? I’m fishing in larger creeks, where smallmouth max out at 3.5 lbs, 4lbs of the stars are right. Somebody commented on another platform that Vanquish is terrible under load. Thoughts?

 

I have the new version and the previous Vanquish and I have fished them both for smallmouth on multiple occasions. 

 

I would say the opposite when talking about the reels being under load. The Vanquish to me has the best and smoothest drag out there for smallmouth. While I would not hesitate to buy another 24 Twin Power, the drag on it is smooth but it's really slow to start and is almost too strong from the on set. I have had a few break offs and a few fish pop off when not paying attention to the drag.  I will say the 2000 Twin Power I have is a pleasure to fish. In a way, it might feel smoother on a normal retrieve (no fish on) than the Vanquish.