Vanford vs. the new Stradic

[Puggz]

Price point is pretty close, I have a couple of Stradics, incl. a Ci4 and find them all very decent. I want to try a double handle for finesse this time and the Vanford offers that. 

 

Thoughts?

[A-Jay]

Just happen to click a pic of the spinning reels today prior to giving them some TLC.

Some are a little older than others but I like them all

and fish them pretty hard.

Not a fan of double handles on spinners however.

A-Jay

[Reel]

Are you sure the Vanford comes with a double handle ?  The Spirex had a double handle but I have not seen a Vanford with one in the U.S.  or Canada.  With that being  said,  I have 2 or 3  Vanford and really like them.  They are very light and perform well.

[msgf91]

Some of the JDM models come with double handles. I think there's a SDH model on digitaka

[NorthernBasser]

2 hours ago, Puggz said:

Price point is pretty close, I have a couple of Stradics, incl. a Ci4 and find them all very decent. I want to try a double handle for finesse this time and the Vanford offers that. 

 

Thoughts?

 Are you talking about actual double handle, or the T-shaped knobs? 

[FrnkNsteen]

I have both. Really like my Vanfords. Got the Stradics last fall and haven't had a chance to fish them yet, but like how smooth they seem.

 

Never been a fan of double handles on the older reels I tried (Spirex), but may be nice with a better, smoother reel!

[Puggz]

Thanks for all the input and yes, there's a JDM double handle Vanford.  I'm looking for 2 spinners this spring, one with a double handle (paired with a P5 Flyssa) to see if I like it and one single handle.

My options are:

Vanford C3000SDH (P5 Flyssa) 0.8 Braid, 6# Floro.

23 Stradic or Vanford 3000MHG (P5 Windbuster) 1.0 Braid, 8# Floro

 

I'm likely splitting hairs on the latter but the stradic is getting some great reviews as its got the latest tech for that price point.

 

[Eric 26]

@Puggz I was gifted a spinning reel this past season by our very own @bulldog1935 with a double handle, first time I’ve ever used one and I will say it has made me a believer in the balance on the retrieve if that makes sense. It may be in my head but dang if it didn’t have a certain feel that has me wanting to look into a double handle for an older Daiwa I have (Laguna), the reel he sent me is a Tica btw.

[bulldog1935]

double and counter-balanced handles on spinning reels covered here

[WRB]

I have both Stradic and Vandord spinning reels. The differences are weight, long spool and not to over looked shorter reel stem with less finger space on Vanford reels.

Double handle may be an issues with less finger space then Stradic.

Tom

[Dogface]

I have 5 or 6 various-size Stradics and one 2500 Vanford that was new last year. I like the Vanford better and if I needed another reel I would buy another Vanford. 

[Randy Price]

I have both and to me it's a toss up.  I've been fishing with Stradic's since the FG model and I believe that came out in '98.  NEVER and issue with the numerous models I've owned.

[Puggz]

8 minutes ago, Randy Price said:

I have both and to me it's a toss up.  I've been fishing with Stradic's since the FG model and I believe that came out in '98.  NEVER and issue with the numerous models I've owned.

Thanks, just what I figured. Since the stradic is 3 yrs newer its likely equal to the Vanford for a few $$ less.

[bulldog1935]

The main differences are the mass of the Stradic rotor is greater (also stiffer), but both are composite.  The Stradic body is forged alloy, the Vanford body is composite - Vanford stem is shorter to give the composite body near-equivalent stiffness.  Everything else is the same in the 2 reels.  

If you have the 2 side-by-side you can tell slightly lower intertia in the Vanford wind.  

But with a Stradic in hand, you can't tell, and won't miss Vanford.  

 

same rotor as Vanford is used on Vanquish.  (Vanquish adds magnesium body, titanium bail, more BB, and Japan-bench parts-matching) 

[Boomstick]

I would get the Vanford. The Stradic is big, bulky and heavy. They say the 2500 is only 7.8oz but it makes my 8oz+ Daiwa BG feel light in comparison.

[FrnkNsteen]

1 hour ago, Boomstick said:

I would get the Vanford. The Stradic is big, bulky and heavy. They say the 2500 is only 7.8oz but it makes my 8oz+ Daiwa BG feel light in comparison.

Everyone perceives things differently, but I have both Stradic 2500, 3000, and a BG 2500 and I think the BG feels heavier. 

 

Don't get me wrong,... Mu BG is incredibly smooth, but feels heavy. I put it on a tip heavy Falcon Lowrider to help balance it out while I put the Stradic 2500s on a couple 6'9" Fenwick Elite Tech Bass models and they balance out perfectly.

[thunderblack]

22 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Just happen to click a pic of the spinning reels today prior to giving them some TLC.

Some are a little older than others but I like them all

and fish them pretty hard.

Not a fan of double handles on spinners however.

A-Jay

How do you like the new Avid??

 

OP, I have enjoyed the stradic. Just a bulletproof reel and has a very solid feel. The vanford is super light but not always wanting a reel that light on setups. Just depends on what you are using if for. Stradic is a great inshore/SW reel too. Double duty 

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, thunderblack said:

How do you like the new Avid??

Haven't fished it yet but it Feels great in my hand .

As a big time St Croix blank fan boy, and already having the last Avid X version,

along with several from other ST Croix lines, 

I can not imagine a scenario where I would not love the thing.

In fact after getting it I was already 'shopping' for a "M"  spinner stick and even a couple of casting rods versions. For the price it's  just very decent.

Also I am moving away from split grips and any replacements made will be full cork.

Just how I roll.

A-Jay

 

[Boomstick]

3 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Everyone perceives things differently, but I have both Stradic 2500, 3000, and a BG 2500 and I think the BG feels heavier. 

 

Don't get me wrong,... Mu BG is incredibly smooth, but feels heavy. I put it on a tip heavy Falcon Lowrider to help balance it out while I put the Stradic 2500s on a couple 6'9" Fenwick Elite Tech Bass models and they balance out perfectly.

My BG goes on a tip heavy rod and it balances well. I think it’s actually smoother than the stradic too which may have something to do with perceived weight to be honest.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

A Vanford is a better match for a Flyssa.  That lighter weight really helps sensitivity.

[Puggz]

The important thing here is the stradic I'm asking about is the 2023 model. It weighs more (dependant on model) and has 1 less bearing.

 

In this case, for the extra $25 USD on Digitaka, the Vanford is a clear winner.

But.. there's a new Twin Power (no dbl handle) and Daiwa Certate (comes with a DH), being released next month. Sure more $ than the Stradic/Vanford but both are Japanese made with features from the previous versions of Stella and Exist.  Afterall, they are going on P5 Destroyers.

 

Being from Ontario, my Bass season opens 4th Saturday in June which means I have some time.

 

BTW, as always, thanks for all the feedback/discussion.

 

Cheers!

P

[torm]

I would stick with Vanford if finesse is what your looking for. Stradic if you plan on using it on bigger species then stradic. Main difference and probably the most important you will probably feel will be weight and the initial start up for reeling the reel. It is very noticeable if you are a picky guy.