LADSON, S.C.– Constructed with premium technologies including a lightweight yet rigid CI4+ body, quick response MagnumLite (MGL) rotor, and MicroModule II advanced smoothness gear, Shimano brings over a decade of engineering advancement to its new Vanford spinning reels. Winner of the ‘Best Freshwater Reel’ category in the 2020 ICAST New Product Showcase, the Vanford lineup offers 7 sizes for ultralight and ice-fishing, panfish, trout, bass and walleye, as well as inshore action for redfish, sea trout, stripers, bluefish and smaller tarpon and tuna.

“Our spinning reels with CI4+ frames have been the choice for anglers looking for the added sensitivity when finesse tactics are the key for hook-ups,” said Adam Diehl with Shimano’s product development team. “The light CI4+ body with the light rotation from the MGL rotor is the big contributing factor for success in these situations compared to Shimano’s durable, rigid frame found HAGANE body in our Stradic FL spinning reels. They are each better suited for certain fishing situations depending on the techniques and lures being used.”

With all the full series of Vanford reels, Shimano complements its cold-forged HAGANE Gear with the MGL rotor to improve performance from its lighter weight and easier rotor rotation start-up – up to 48% less rotational inertia for quick response when needed. Through Shimano’s MicroModule II gear system, the gear teeth are designed to the ideal shape to reduce vibration and noise, providing a smoother performing reel. According to Shimano’s Diehl, smoothness is taken up another level with the Vanford’s SilentDrive feature where Shimano is able to eliminate minute rattles, raps and vibration, “bringing anglers a new level of smooth rotational performance.”

In many freshwater and saltwater situations, anglers will make use of Shimano’s Long Stroke Spool to increase casting distance and allow their baits to quickly cover more water when needed (not offered in the 500-size reel). And especially for inshore use, all the Vanford reels feature X-Protect technology and water-channeling construction for exceptional water resistance and to prevent water intrusion without sacrificing light gear and rotation feel.

For ultralight and ice-fishing action, the 4.9-ounce Vanford 500 handles 105-yards of 8-pound test of regular or ICE-Tech PowerPro braid, or 100-yards of 4-pound monofilament. With a gear ratio of 5.6:1, it cranks in 27-inches per turn. The Vanford 1000, with a 5.1:1 gear ratio reeling in 25-inches per turn, holds 75-yards of 15-pound PowerPro or 160-yards of four-pound mono. At the same 5.3-ounce weight as the 1000, the Vanford C2000HG has larger spool capacity – 115-yards of 15-pound PowerPro or 105-yards of 8-pound mono, and its faster 6.1:1 gear ratio cranks in 32-inches per turn.

Targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass – and select inshore salt use, the Vanford 2500HG and C3000XG both weigh-in at 6.3-ounces and offer up to 20 pounds of max drag pressure. With more ‘finesse-use’ felt drag washers, the 2500HG holds 145-yards of 15-pound PowerPro – or 140-yards of 8-pound mono and retrieves 35-inches of line per turn. With its 2500 size body, larger spool capacity, plus more saltwater-appropriate carbon drag washer, the Vanford C3000XG offers a faster 6.4:1 gear ratio to retrieve in 37-inches of line per turn. It handles 140-yards of 20-pound PowerPro or 170 yards of 8-pound mono.

Both with carbon drag washers, 24 pounds of max drag and 6.2:1 gear ratios to reel in 40-inches of line per turn, the Vanford 4000XG holds 180-yards of 30-pound PowerPro or 160-yards of 12-pound mono, while the larger capacity, same body size C5000XG handles 235-yards of 30-pound test PowerPro or 195-yards of 12-pound mono.

“The new Vanford spinning reels bring a definitive distinction to our CI4+ body reels. Throughout our casting and spinning line-ups, we offer reels and provide proven performance features and advantages for specific techniques and situations. Got anglers looking for super-fast reels that are easy to engage, sensitive and smooth, the Vanford series has a reel that will do the job,” said Diehl.

For more information on the new Vanford spinning reels, featuring an MGL rotor, CI4+ body and MicroModule gears, visit the Shimano web site at http://fish.shimano.com where you can also buy the reels locally from your nearest dealer.

MSRP: Vanford 500, 1000, C2000HG, 2500HG - $229.99; C3000HG, 4000XG, C500XG - $239.99

Quickview – Vanford spinning reels

Sculpted from over a decade of engineering advancement, the Vanford tests the boundaries of spinning reel technology. Built upon a CI4+ body for a lightweight feel and carbon rigidity, the Vanford incorporates a new MagnumLite Rotor for up to 48% less rotational inertia than traditional rotor construction. The cold-forged HAGANE Gear combined with Silent Drive and MicroModule Gear II produce Vanford’s smooth rotational performance while the Long Stroke Spool increases casting distance. Offered in seven models – Vanford 500, 1000, C2000HG, 2500HG, C3000XG, 4000XG, and 5000XG. Suggested retail from $229.99 to $239.99.