Drag: Quality gearing isn't enough to win the battle and the Stradic CI4 Series has continued to improve their drag with each generation and the original 2500 CI4 delivered 15.2lbs. of drag pressure in our tests, the most recent CI4+ delivered just over 20lbs. of pressure. When we measured the Vanford on the Machine it delivered 20.2lbs. of pressure under full lockdown, which is identical to the Stradic CI4+ in terms of total pressure, and more than enough for bass applications.

The Vanford makes use of a large drag stack that is both powerful and smooth

The Vanford's drag not only delivers fade free performance on extended runs and achieves this with a lot of variation in their drag stack. The system alternates between felt and steel washers, and locks them in place with a housing in the center, so it is essentially two stacks sandwiched against each other on top, and another washer under the spool, all adding up to a lot of surface area. The result is one very good drag system that provides a wide range of micro-adjustment, and holds up well to big fish. 

The Vanford features a sleek compact body and eliminates a reverse switch

Ergonomics: The Vanford features a very compact body design and even though the Long Stroke Spool has minimal porting it does feature a thin wall design for weight savings. The MGL rotor is also ported for weight reduction and balance and the overall reel feels lightweight at only 6.3 ounces. This is .4oz. less than the already lightweight Stradic CI4+ 2500 model, and a massive 1.6oz. lighter than the Stradic FL and much more expensive Sustain FI. It is only after switching back and forth between these reels that you really appreciate just how lightweight the Vanford feels, and I love how it pairs with Medium-Light rods.

A small barrel knob, effective, comfortable and a lot better than a T-knob

I also really like Shimano's decision to use the small barrel knob on the 2500 reel versus a T-knob, which I personally never really like on a small bass reel. The compact barrel grip provides plenty of tactile surface, and helps minimize weight. In an effort to further reduce weight, and improve resistance from the elements, the Vanford eliminates the reverse switch. I've become accustomed to reel manufacturers moving away from this feature, at least on lighter spinning applications. If you are an angler that uses this feature frequently this is something to be mindful of.

The more I fished the Vanford the more I appreciated how smooth and refined the reel is. I particularly liked how good the reel is for finesse fishing

Price & Applications: The Vanford 2500 retails for $229 dollars which is exactly the MSRP that Stradic CI4+ that it replaces sold for. At the same price anglers get a reel that not only has more features but performs as well, or better, in every category. The Vanford casts better (by a small margin), it is smoother, comes loaded with a more refined drag, and even has a lighter more ergonomic overall footprint.

The Vanford is made in Shimano's Malaysia plant

While the Stradic FL is a great workhorse reel the Vanford is geared more towards finesse applications where lighter overall weight, quick startups, and improved casting of lightweight rigs are all advantages. That being said after fishing the Vanford for the last few months I really feel that it is quite well rounded. I found it just as good as the Stradic for fishing hardbaits, and I personally like the light overall weight. If you are like me and don't mind that composite feel then don't hesitate to opt for the Vanford over the Stradic FL, and I definitely feel the Vanford is the better overall reel, and value, than Sustain FI.

The Vanford is great for finesse but can easily be used as an everyday multipurpose reel, and because the frame will not corrode it is a good option for brackish and inshore use. To this same point, the Vanford really is a continuation of what the prior CI4+ was. Situations where anglers already liked to use their Stradic CI4+ reels for will find a very similar experience when using a Vanford in those same applications.

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: The Vanford draws from Shimano's vast playbook of technologies and adds some new features to forge a unique identity for the new series. I have gotten used to the reel's more muted colors, and while I still don't think it looks as distinct as the Stradic CI4+ it looks like a good match on a new Zodias roda, and it does deliver in the areas that count.

While the casting improvements are a bit hard to perceive that doesn't change the fact that the Vanford casts as well, or slightly better, than the Stradic CI4+. Where the reel is obviously better is in overall tolerances and smoothness. The Vanford feels lighter in hand, is smoother, and comes with an excellent drag system. Simply put, the Vanford is a more refined, better overall offering, than the reel it replaces.

This Vanford raises the ante for Shimano's CI4+ based spinning reels and is great for finesse applications but capable of being an everyday workhorse spinning reel

With the Vanford Shimano delivers a strong introduction in the mainstream segment, and offers their most feature rich and refined reel yet at the $229 dollar price point. Whether you are finesse fishing for bass, tossing spoons for trout, putting jigs through the ice, or fishing the inshore the Vanford F is a finesse weapon than can easily be your everyday spinning reel. This Editor's Choice Award winner represents the new sweet spot in the Shimano spinning lineup. Now if I can just get used to the name. 

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