SHIMANO VANFORD reel - review of the new 2021 product and expert opinions

A little history

One of the English writers in 1651 described a kind of “winder” fixed at a distance of two feet (just over 60 cm) from the butt end of the rod. This record is considered to be the first written evidence of the existence of a fishing reel. However, in the visual arts these devices were noted much earlier. Already in 1195, the Chinese painter Ma Yuan painted his “Fisherman on a Lake in Windy Weather.”

On the rod of this character, a device similar to a small wheel and a cord wound around it is clearly visible. This painting represents the earliest evidence of the existence of such devices in those ancient times.

For centuries, the reel was used solely for storing long fishing line, and only in the nineteenth century an improved version appeared with the function of long-distance casting of bait. Experts believe that English fishermen were the first to try such a device.

Reels by American Masters

The most advanced in the 19th century were the devices of the American master George Sanders from Kentucky. His products sold well. Very soon other craftsmen in this state began to do this. Many of them were watchmakers and could produce the required parts with amazing precision. Soon, “Kentucky reels” became a desirable acquisition for any fisherman.

Soon the production of multiplier “winches” was put on stream, and they became more affordable.

On the development of spinning reels

For over a hundred years, fishermen have been using spinning reels. The American company Winans & Whistler was the first to launch their production. Despite the fact that inertia-free motors were first produced in the USA, they were most popular in Europe and England. In the states they became in demand only after the Second World War. A certain Bache Brown first imported French products from the Luxor company to the United States. Then, under an agreement with the Airex company, he established the production of Bache Brown/Airex “meat grinders”, suspiciously similar to the French Luxor.

On a note! Fishermen in the USSR began to call inertia-free meat grinders, apparently for their resemblance to manual kitchen devices for grinding meat.

Among the reels priced over five thousand rubles, the products of two Japanese giants mainly dominate, Shimano

and
Daiwa
, between which there is a constant struggle to produce the most prestigious models. True, some American companies also produce expensive models, in particular Penn, but they are not very common in our market. Perhaps the only competitor to the Japanese is the Swedish Sovereign from Abu Garsia. This reel is one of a kind and requires a separate discussion.

Daiwa was most successful in producing expensive models. It produces several series of such reels - Team Daiwa

,
Silver Creek
,
Tournament
,
Emblem
. It should be noted that Daiwa reels in the same series are divided not only by size, but also by letter index - C, X, Z. Without going into technical details, it can be noted that reels of the "Z" category use all the technical achievements mastered at the time the model was launched into production. In category “X” there will be fewer technical bells and whistles, in “C” there will be even fewer.

As a rule, coils of the same series, but of different indexes, have the same mechanisms. The main differences are in the number of bearings and the materials used. For example, on a reel of the Team Daiwa 2500

category Z, costs 12 bearings, and weighs only 185 g. The same model of category “X” has 9 bearings and weighs 215 g. The model of category “S” has only 6 bearings, and weighs 295 g.

This does not mean that in categories X and S weaker materials are used. This is excluded in expensive reels. However, identical parts made of different materials, even having the same strength, will have different weights. Category Z reels use the lightest and most durable materials. For example, the spool for the Team Daiwa 2500-Z reel, thanks to the use of titanium, weighs only 30 g.

All reels

Daiwa companies in the price range over $200 have an instant reverse stopper, and on some it is made in the form of a roller bearing operating on the principle of an overrunning clutch. The reels have a hollow (tubular) line guide with a special cone that prevents the line from tangling. On all models, the spools have an ABC system (increased diameter, reverse cone), a hard side coated with titanium nitride.

Thanks to the high quality of parts and hand assembly, and many Daiwa reels are manufactured at the factories of the famous watch company Seiko, the reels have almost the same smooth running as Shimano reels

, having a finer pitch of the main gear gears. Some expensive models use a special system that protects the coil mechanism from water ingress. In particular, on the Force model of the Tournament series, special rubber gaskets protect the attachment points of the handle (on both sides) and the place where the clutch is adjusted.

Equipped with a titanium body, 14 bearings, one roller bearing and 7 kg of thrust, the Force is one of the most advanced spinning reels available today. Its mechanism has virtually no backlash. To achieve this, the designers used a rather original solution. One of the nodes where it is impossible to eliminate backlash is the connection of the reel handle with the main gear. Traditionally, this connection is arranged as follows: in the center of the gear there is a square or hexagonal hole through which the handle axis, also having a square or hexagonal shape, passes. This is where the design provides for clearance (backlash) - otherwise the handle would have to be driven into the gear with a hammer.

Force designers took a different path. They tightly pressed a metal shaft into the main gear, ending with a thread at both ends. The reel handle is simply screwed onto this shaft until it stops, and the opposite end is closed with a special metal plug. It is curious that this method of fastening exactly repeats the mechanism used on the Orion, one of the first domestic inertia-free reels.

Force, without a doubt, would be to the taste of our anglers, but most likely this will not happen. The price of this reel with spare spool is over $1000.

Unlike Daiwa, Shimano

cannot boast of an abundance of expensive series.
In fact, there are only two of them - Stella
and
Twin Power
. Just like the expensive Daiva models, they contain the latest achievements of the technical thought of Shimano engineers. This is, first of all, the so-called “S-System”. Its essence is that the reciprocating movement of the spool is reduced by 4 times compared to other models. This certainly makes some sense. Let us recall that reels that do not have an endless screw wind the line in parallel turns (planetary winding). As a result, with a high line tension, the upper turns are pressed through the lower ones, which negatively affects the casting distance and often leads to the formation of “wigs”. In addition, even and tight winding is possible only when using the recommended line diameters. Otherwise, the turns will either be too “loose”, or, if the line is too thick, they will overlap one another.

These disadvantages are eliminated by the use of an endless screw. With cross winding, the diameter of the fishing line is no longer of fundamental importance, and the upper turns do not fall down even with high tension. However, this innovation did not have much effect on the casting distance. The fact is that the range is significantly affected by the amount of fishing line on the topmost layer (even special Long Cast spools were produced to increase it). Naturally, with cross basting this layer was significantly smaller than with parallel basting. When creating the S-system, the designers tried to combine the advantages of both methods. By maintaining cross-winding, they eliminated the line from falling through, and by reducing the spool pitch, they significantly increased the amount of line on the top layer.

This system was developed in 2002 and is now installed not only on the most expensive models, but also on Stradic

, Spheros and some others.

Another innovation used by Shimano is the A-RB bearings. As the company's specialists assure, the anti-corrosion resistance of such bearings has increased 10 times or more. If this is confirmed by practice, it will greatly please fishermen, since bearings have always been one of the most vulnerable elements of reels.

It should be noted that the use of super-durable bearings did not remain Shimano's advantage for long. The company announced their creation in 2003, and the very next year, the main competitor Daiwa announced that it was equipping its reels with new ball bearings “fully protected from the influence of aggressive environments, which are 12 times more durable than conventional ones.” What can you do - competition!

If we talk about Shimano reels in general, then they have a “velvety” ride and, of course, high reliability. Stella 2500FA

with 14 bearings and a roller, weighing only 230 g, it really competes with similar Daiva models.

Unlike Shimano

and
Daiwa
, the Swedish Sovereign (Abu Garsia), is less impressive. There are no shiny parts, even the spool does not have a rim made of titanium nitride, which is usual for expensive models. So why does it cost almost $300? Sovereign is an unusual reel in every way. It has a central brake that can be adjusted with one finger without releasing your hand. The reverse brake switch is also located under the finger. All parts are made from high quality materials using mechanical processing. The reel uses a very reliable transmission system: for example, the worm is made of high-grade stainless steel, and the gear is made of hardened bronze. In this case, each element rests on two ball bearings. When creating Sovereign, Abu Garcia designers tried to revive the former glory of this company's reels, and, perhaps, in terms of reliability, they succeeded.

If we talk about expensive reels in general, it should be noted that their fundamental difference from cheap ones is not so much in original technical solutions, but in the use of the most modern materials and careful manufacturing. They are designed to ensure that a person buying such a reel will enjoy fishing for many years, but with proper technical care. You can buy a Mercedes and crash it on our road in a few days. The same goes for coils. When fishing for Volga catfish, the same Stella is unlikely to last more than a few fishing trips. There are completely different reels for this type of fishing. We can say that the more expensive the reel, and the tackle in general, the higher the requirements for fishing culture.

Shimano as a fishing tackle manufacturer

There are few countries in the world where there are as many world-famous brands per unit area as in Japan. Today we will learn more about one of them. The company was founded in 1921. At that time, bicycle parts were produced on its premises. In this matter, the company continues to be a world leader to this day. The company began producing fishing tackle in the sixties of the last century. For this purpose, a Shimano Adachi branch was organized. Many fishermen then appreciated her spinning rods and fishing line.

Real world fame came to Shimano Adachi with the start of reel production. In 1974, the company's fishing gear conquered Europe. The company released its first “meat grinder” in 1980. Thus began the production of the famous Aero series.

Interesting! Aero Line reels are still produced in modern versions.

The popularity of Shimano fishing accessories is explained by the constant desire of its specialists to improve their designs, make them more technologically advanced, innovative, strong and durable. At the same time, the comments and desires of customers are taken into account. All innovations seem to be tested and tested on top models. An example of this is the Stella series, the standard of manufacturability and high-quality assembly.

Over time, these solutions are used in the production of budget products. Let us recall some of them that are the most interesting according to experts:

1. Hagane. This is the name given to the innovative drive. Cold forging is used here - a technology that does not require finishing of parts. Thanks to this “technique”, Shimano mechanisms are famous for their light weight and smooth running, while maintaining excellent strength.
2. X-Ship system. A drive built using a special system that ensures excellent smooth operation by increasing the diameter of the main gear gears, reducing their axial displacement and installing a bearing on the rear shaft support.
3. Protected bearings A-RB. Their service life, thanks to protection, is increased 10 times compared to conventional bearings. They perform well in sea fishing because the screens protect the balls from the harmful effects of salt water.
4. Laying and hauling of timber. The special shape of the roller and spool, developed by the company’s specialists, protects the line from tangling, facilitates long casts and ensures their amazing accuracy.

These and many other technological innovations make the company's products light, strong and durable.

Gear and bearings

Drive HAGANE Gear Cold forged, without additional processing. This provides durability, strength, lightness and power at the very heart of the reel.

X-Ship is a combination of features that work together for much greater efficiency. By arranging the gears compactly i.e. close to the center of the reel, the drive transmits more power from the handle to the rotor. The gears are also supported by two Shimano A-RB roller bearings. This creates greater stability and reliability.

Shimano A-RB sealed bearings use a shield to prevent contamination. This ultimately reduces wear, improves bearing efficiency and longevity - resulting in superior reel performance. Specially treated stainless steel bearings to significantly increase metal strength and corrosion resistance. These bearings will last 10 times longer in harsh salty environments than standard stainless steel bearings. Although these bearings are not protected like SHIMANO bearings with A-RB protection, this does not mean that they are more fragile or vulnerable.

Simply, if you actually use a SHIMANO reel with C-RB bearings in a non-aggressive environment, where the possibility of contamination with sand, salt or dust is almost eliminated, then there is simply no need for additional shielded protection. For optimal corrosion resistance and protection against dirt, sand, salt and dust, SHIMANO bearings began to use rubberized protection or protection made from sprayed steel of special alloys (depending on the size of the bearing). Shimano bearings have increased corrosion resistance than bearings made from conventional steel alloys. There can never be any rust in them.

Shimano S A-RB bearings are highly corrosion resistant. In fact, these are A-RB bearings with an additional shield to improve protection against sand, salt or dust. S A-RB bearings are used in sea fishing reels. The bearings have undergone special heat treatment, resulting in high metal strength and long-term corrosion resistance.

These bearings are guaranteed to last 10 times longer than standard stainless steel bearings, even in harsh environments. These highly protected bearings use either a rubberized gasket or a spray-on stainless steel compound (depending on the size of the bearing). This is done for maximum corrosion resistance and protection from dirt, sand, salt and dust.

Precision engineered Hypergear ensures more power is transferred from the handle to the rotor. Designed for high loads, it requires less force but returns a higher torsional torque. Also significantly reduces component wear.

Easy Maintenance - Small grease port provides direct access to lubricate the reel's internal mechanism. Some high quality Shimano reels have a lubrication channel for the line rollers.

What types of Shimano reels are there?

There are many of them and they are all different. It is very difficult to understand this diversity. To make the task easier for the buyer, the manufacturer has developed certain markers that make it easy to determine which class a particular mechanism belongs to. The entire range produced by the company can be divided into three main groups:

1. Multiplier.
2. Inertialess.
3. Inertial. They are produced in a modern design from modern materials, equipped with brake systems. Most often used by fly fishers.

On a note! Fly fishing is the most ancient type of fishing using special equipment: light artificial bait “flies”, heavy cord and a spinning reel.

A favorite type of fishing for members of the British royal family, US presidents, Hollywood celebrities and simply lovers of this type of water recreation.

The photo shows the modern “inertia” Shimanoo Asquith

Each group has an internal division.

Multiplier

They are divided into “barrels” and “soap boxes” due to the characteristic appearance of the mechanism body.

Barrels are the most powerful “winches”. The mechanism is hidden in a case of increased shock resistance. Used for catching large and very large fish. Particularly effective in sea trolling.

Soap dishes are elegant and compact devices. They weigh little, but are significantly more powerful than “meat grinders” of the same weight and size.

Inertialess

The largest group, including products for different types of fishing

• feeder;
• carp;
• spinning;
• trolling.

Fishing methods differ in the weight of the bait, casting distance, rod test, its length, and design (telescope or two/three-legged whip). And each of the above conditions requires careful selection of the device.

Some fishermen specialize in catching large predatory fish, and in difficult conditions, they will give preference to the TwinPower series, which is powerful, technologically advanced, and expensive.

On a note! TwinPower, translated as “double power”. A short and precise description of this model range of Shimano mechanisms.

These products compete with the top Shimano Stella series.

For some time now, fans of power fishing can choose not only between Stella and TwinPower. Wedged between these two leaders is a new product - Vanquish, an organic fusion of elegance and reliability.

These three series occupy the top lines of the company’s model range and not everyone can afford them. Those who are not ready to shell out a tidy sum for such a thing should pay attention to more affordable Shimano products:

1. Sustain.
2. Ultegra.
3. Cardiff.
4. Nasci.

This is not a complete list of products produced by the company. It should be noted that by purchasing Shimano products at affordable prices, buyers receive products of no less quality than products of the top category. The difference in price means differences in size and weight, nothing more. The company does not produce low-quality goods.

Popular series

When choosing a Shimano reel, you should pay attention to the letter prefix after the name of the series - it is this that indicates the generation to which the product belongs. The evolution of the series is indicated by the next letter of the Latin alphabet. For example, reels from the Shimano Stradic FB line are of an older generation than reels from the Shimano Stradic FC series, and those, in turn, are older than products from the Shimano Stradic FD line.

• Shimano Catana
  is one of the most popular budget Shimano reel series, which has proven itself even in the most difficult conditions. The products in this line are universal and suitable for both fishing in calm water and extreme fishing in strong currents. All Catana models feature a lightweight, durable aluminum alloy spool that can be used with regular or braided line, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings. Super Stopper technology ensures extremely precise operation of the braking mechanism and high reliability of the design, and the Dyna Balance system ensures a smooth ride for the reels.
• Shimano Alivio
  is a series of inexpensive reels that stand out for their premium appearance. All models in the series have an attractive matte black body, decorated with polished metal inserts. The line includes reels with both front and rear drag. All reels have a soft and smooth ride and are of excellent build quality, so that even after several years of intensive use, no backlash or other defects appear. Their braking mechanism is reliable and provides precise adjustment, and the spool, equipped with a V-shaped “lip”, provides greater casting distance due to the line coming off with smaller loops.
• Shimano Exage
  is a series of spinning reels in the mid-price range. They feature a cold-forged aluminum spool that is lightweight and durable, and four bearings that, along with the Dyna Balance system, ensure neat line winding, smooth running and virtually silent operation. All models in the Exage line are equipped with a modern Super Stopper II locking system and a durable aluminum handle.
• Shimano TwinPower
  is a premium series whose products are distinguished by the highest quality materials, excellent assembly, excellent performance and interesting design. The line guide bracket of the models in this line has no joints and is solid, which ensures perfectly even laying of the line, and the proprietary Power Roller prevents twisting of the line after casting the equipment. The spool has a special oscillation system, the peculiarity of which is different speeds of forward and return movements, due to which the fishing line is laid as tightly as possible. The reel body of this series is made of a special combination of aluminum and XT7 graphite.
• Shimano Fireblood
  - this elite series is especially popular among sports fishermen, despite the high cost of the products. The reels of the Fireblood line boast excellent balancing and precise clutch operation. They have 9+1 bearings, which gives them an incredibly smooth and soft ride. All internal and external elements of the coils are reliably protected from corrosion, so that even after several years all the performance characteristics of the product remain unchanged even with the most intensive use.

Coil selection criteria

There are quite a lot of them, and choosing the right model is not so easy.

Multiplier or inertialess

We will not consider inertial mechanisms. A professional does not need our tips, but a beginner needs the help of an experienced mentor to master this casting technique. What remains are “cartoons” and inertia-free ones. Let's look at them in more detail.

Multiplier reels

A distinctive feature of these mechanisms is increased power when retrieving and fishing for large and especially large trophies, and the ability to cast heavy bait over long distances. Most of all, they are suitable for catching large predators:

• perch;
• pike;
• pike perch.

According to their appearance and design, “cartoons” are divided into “soap dishes” and “barrels”.

Soap box

It is distinguished by a small angle of line descent, correspondingly less friction from the ring and a longer cast. It is small in size and weight, no more than 200 g, but surpasses heavier “meat grinders” in power. Can work with light baits and thin line.

Barrel

This device is heavier and more round in shape. With it you can “drag” large and strong specimens on rapids. With a mass of no more than 300 g, it will throw bait weighing up to 60 g over considerable distances. A “meat grinder” of similar power will be much heavier, about 500 g.

How to choose a spinning reel

In order not to make mistakes when choosing a “meat grinder”, it is useful to know their technical characteristics. Let's look at the most important of them.

Bobbin capacity and size

This parameter is applied to the mechanism body. It looks like a number that is a multiple of a thousand. This number also encodes the length of the fishing line wound on the spool and its cross-section. For example, the number 5000 could mean:

• on a drum 100 m of fishing line, cross section 0.5 mm;
• on the drum 200 m of fishing line, cross-section 0.25 mm;
• on a spool there are 250 m of line, with a cross section of 0.2 mm.

Friction brake

The most important part of the mechanism. The caught fish resists landing and can break the fishing line or even break the rod. To prevent this from happening, the mechanism is equipped with a brake adjusted to a certain force. As soon as the jerks exceed this force, the brake does not hold the line, it is released a little and “gives slack.” The fisherman immediately reels in the fish, winding the fished area back onto the spool. Thus, the resisting fish becomes exhausted and “gives up.” The friction clutch can be located on the front or back of the product. A mechanism with a front clutch is more often used with a spinning rod, and a rear one with a feeder.

Forester

There are two types of line laying mechanism: with an endless screw or a connecting rod. Which one is better is a matter of taste. If the mechanism is well-worked, these differences are not particularly important. What you really need to pay attention to is the way the line is laid on the spool. With direct (with a connecting rod) winding, more fishing line will fit on the spool, but there is also a much greater chance of tangling it. In this regard, it is better to choose a mechanism with an endless screw and cross-laying, because there is little chance of tangling it. But the capacity of the spool with such line laying decreases.

How to choose a reel by weight

To ensure the ideal balance of the rod, the weight of the “winch” is selected so that it is placed in the place of the form where it is more convenient to grip. If the balancing is done so that the mechanism is closer to the top, the rod will constantly “peck”, and the owner will have to constantly strain his hand to hold it. Such fishing will not bring pleasure and will turn into torture.

On a note! “Blank”, “Whip”, “Stick” - this is what fishermen call the rod.

With ideal balance, the fisherman holds the blank so that the leg of the reel is located between the middle and index fingers closer to the butt, without dropping the thin end down (without load).

The best manufacturers

Among Asian manufacturers, Shimano has quite serious competitors:

Ryobi

Japanese manufacturer of high quality fishing tackle. Its popular models are in high demand among fishermen.

Daiwa

Another company from the land of the rising sun. The constant search for innovative solutions, high-quality materials and assembly - these are the three pillars on which the strategy of this manufacturer is based.

Banax

Manufacturer from South Korea. His strategy is high-quality fishing gear at an affordable price.

Dam and Balzer

Among European companies, two companies from Germany are very famous. Both manufacturers were founded after the Second World War. The popularity of their models is based on traditional German quality, careful selection of materials, precision in the manufacture and assembly of products.

Aby Garcia

No less in demand among professional fishermen are multiplier “winches” from Ambassadeur, a famous Swedish company.

Shimano products are distinguished by high quality, novelty of technical solutions and build quality, even against the backdrop of such recognized authorities in the production of fishing tackle. A flexible pricing policy allows customers with any income to count on purchasing products from Shimano that are of consistently high quality and meet all their requirements.

Before you go to the store. It is worth listening to the advice and recommendations of experienced users who are familiar with the company’s products first-hand. It doesn’t hurt to study the technical characteristics and description of the product, find out how much this or that model costs and make a choice.

Where can I buy

Any city must have a specialized store selling equipment for hunters, fishermen and tourists. Here you can always find mechanisms from different manufacturers, including those from Shimano.

You can visit the company's official website www.shimano.com. On the main page there is a product catalog where you can choose any “meat grinder”, “soap dish” or keg you are interested in, find out how much it costs and order online. The same can be done on the pages of specialized online stores: Shimano-pro.ru and Shimanocom.ru. Here you can find designs for different types and conditions of fishing, very expensive top-end and inexpensive, but no less high-quality and reliable mechanisms for any wallet size.

Rating of quality fishing reels from Shimano

Visitors are offered a short overview of popular products, in the hope that this will help beginners decide which one is best to buy.

Multiplier reels

5.Shimano Corvalus 400

The universal “cartoon” is the embodiment of the best technical solutions of Shimano specialists. Case material – anodized aluminum, lightweight and durable, cold forged. The rotation of the spool is blocked by a lever located so conveniently that its operation can be controlled with one finger. The fishing line is automatically aligned when winding. The VBS variable braking system makes casting easier.

The mechanism, weighing 335 g, with a gear ratio of 5.2:1, operates on three bearings according to the 3+1 scheme. The spool drum holds 200 m of fishing line with a cross section of 0.4 mm. The average price is 8,500 rubles.

Shimano Corvalus 400

Advantages:

• simple and reliable design;
• easy to control;
• sensitive to bites;
• showed itself well in sea fishing.

Flaws:

• heavy weight.

4.Shimano Cardiff CDF401A

A barrel developed by the company’s specialists for fishermen chasing salmon and trout along rivers and lakes. However, with the help of Cardiff models you can safely go after any predatory fish. The devices are very popular among trolling enthusiasts. Gearbox with gear ratio 5.2:1, bearings, number 4+1, weighing 333 grams. The spool holds 150 meters of fishing line with a cross section of 0.37 mm.

The device is durable, instantly responds to any action of the fisherman, and is easy to operate. The frame is die-cast aluminum. The spool material is cold forged aluminum. The popularity of the model is that the reverse motion of the drum is blocked by the Super Stopper system. For complete casting control, the Variable Brake System is used. The average cost of a product is 12,400 rubles.

.Shimano Cardiff CDF401A

Advantages:

• large gear ratio;
• cold forged aluminum spool;
• VBS variable braking system;
• Super Stopper system.

Flaws:

• heavy;
• high price.

3.Shimano Curado DC 151

New for the season. The Soapbox is equipped with an I-DC4 braking system, which ensures precise casting and helps reduce backlash. Soft running is ensured by 6+1 bearings (six ball bearings + one roller reverse stopper). In addition, MicroModule technology is used to ensure a smooth ride. In combination with the magnesium coating and the already mentioned I-DC4 braking system, it is possible to cast long distances with light baits on freshwater predators, pike or perch. Works great with a crankbait.

On a note! Crankbait is a small, lightweight wobbler (artificial bait).

The average cost of the model is 25,700 rubles.

Shimano Curado DC 151

Advantages:

• excellent smoothness;
• long and accurate casts;
• powerful functionality.

Flaws:

• high price.

2.Shimano Chronarch MLG 151 A

New among the Chronarch models, it has an aggressive character. Its weight does not exceed 185 grams. The gearbox with a gear ratio of 6.2:1 operates on eight ball and one roller bearings. The model has managed to prove itself on the positive side in the most extreme fishing conditions. Works flawlessly with spinning rods and float rods. An excellent choice for professionals. The average price is 26,000 rubles.

Shimano Chronarch MLG 151 A

Advantages:

• large gear ratio;
• spacious spool;
• reliable and powerful gearbox.

Flaws:

• Expensive.

1.Shimano Bantam MGL 151

Another “soap box”, weighing 225 grams, with a gear ratio of 8.1:1. Set of bearings of 9 pieces (8+1). Add here the SVS braking system and a low-inertia spool and you get a universal baitcasting reel with which you can cast light baits, wobblers and minijigs far and accurately. It has enough power to throw medium-weight weights, a regular jig or a jerkbait.

The Coresolid body provides strength and rigidity to the entire structure. The Bantam MGL 151 is a great option for light to medium whips. With such a device you can go fishing for pike, perch and pike perch. With the main gear assembled using MicroModule technology, the mechanism operates very smoothly. The average cost of the model will be 37,000 rubles.

Shimano Bantam MGL 151

Advantages:

• compact and lightweight;
• smooth ride;
• working with light and medium weight baits.

Flaws:

• expensive.

Spinning reels

5.Shimano Catana 4000 FD

Budget products in this series have been the company's best-selling products for many years. The Catana 4000FD went on sale in 2021, but is still in high demand among fishermen. Compared to the previous model, it has increased power. With it you can “compete” with the larger predators that inhabit our water bodies. It showed excellent performance when combined with feeders and pickers, although it was developed for spinning rods. Having its own weight of 260 g, the mechanism is equipped with a gearbox with a gear ratio of 5.2:1 and operates on only three bearings (2+1). The maximum force that the front clutch holds is 8.5 kg. It is recommended to equip it with a spinning rod or float rod. The average price is 4,700 rubles.

Shimano Catana 4000 FD

Advantages:

• light and compact;
• stylish design;
• with a spacious spool;
• simple and reliable gearbox;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• Does not come with a spare spool.

4.Shimano Sahara 2500 RD

Let's diversify our review with a model with a rear clutch. Sahara catches the eye with its color scheme. The golden spool made of cold-forged aluminum in a black body with a nickel-plated handle looks stylish and rich. The gearbox with a gear ratio of 5.2:1 is assembled on four sealed stainless bearings (3+1). The spool holds 290 meters of fishing line, size 0.18. The structure weighs 275 grams. The double handle option is popular among match fishing fans. On a note! Match fishing is called fishing with a three-legged float rod for large fish that do not come close to the shore. The minimum casting range in this type of fishing is 60-70 meters. After casting, the line is immersed in water. The average cost of the model is 6,500 rubles.

Shimano Sahara 2500 RD

Advantages:

• reliable gearbox;
• stylish design;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• heavy.

3.Twin Power XD C3000 HG

The “Double Power” meat grinder is designed for fishing for large and strong fish in difficult conditions using a sea spinning rod. The parts of its mechanism are protected from salt water by the X-Protect system. The product is equipped with an MGL rotor made of lightweight alloy, so the mechanism, despite all its power, is relatively light in weight and allows for precise casting of small and medium-sized baits. The model is equipped with a gearbox with a gear ratio of 6.0:1, and works perfectly in conjunction with a spinning rod on our rivers. The spool holds 210 meters of fishing line with a cross-section of 0.25 mm. The mechanism is assembled on 10 bearings (9 + 1). The friction brake can withstand a force of 9 kg. The average price of this model is 40,900 rubles.

Twin Power XD C3000 HG

Advantages:

• powerful traction force;
• salt water protection system;
• versatility.

Flaws:

• very high price.

2.Shimano Vanquish 2500 FB

The top model, launched into production in 2021, receives the best reviews from experts. The product is light in weight, rotates easily and is sensitive to the slightest bite. The rotor has a unique Magnumlite design, which ensures low inertia of the mechanism, and therefore easy rotation. The high sensitivity effect is achieved by combining Silent Drive with the special MicroModule Gear II gear design. Ideal for casting light and ultra-light bait with a light spinning rod.

The device weighs only 165 grams. A gearbox with a gear ratio of 5.3:1 allows you to wind 78 cm of fishing line onto the spool in one turn. The capacity of the spool is 120 meters of line, with a cross-section of 0.18. The average price of the model is 51,000 rubles.

Shimano Vanquish 2500 FB

Advantages:

• lightweight design;
• spacious spool;
• very smooth ride;
• stylish design.

Flaws:

• very expensive.

Materials

Shimano uses magnesium alloy on some ultra-high quality reels where weight savings are essential. The use of magnesium provides savings of up to 10% compared to aluminum.

Shimano uses aluminum in a variety of ways. Cast aluminum is used for many types of reels and is most common on reel bodies and rotors. Cold forged aluminum is used for some baitcasting reel bodies and also for many types of spools. Made from one piece of aluminum by cold forging, which gives greater reliability and durability. Cold forged aluminum is also used for the very best baitcasting reels where precision, strength and lightness are very important.

CI4+ is an improved version of the original CI4. This high-tech material is 2.5 times stiffer than CI4 and is used on many high-end Shimano reels to save weight. The use of CI4+ for the reel body and rotor also provides excellent rigidity for better performance of the mechanism.

Shimano Ci4+ is an exclusive ultra-light carbon material used in the manufacture of the Magnumlite reel body and rotor. Offering weight savings of up to 25%, combined with excellent stiffness and strength, the Ci4+ is used in all weight reel series, as well as other models where weight is of the essence.

CI4 is an exclusive material created by combining carbon and polyamide. It's almost as durable as metal with the lightness of composite. CI4 is used for the body and rotor on many Shimano reels.

XGT-7 is an improved version of the tried and true Shimano XT-7 composite material. Used on some new mid-price reels. The XGT-7 is lightweight and durable.

XT-7 is the original composite material in Shimano reels. Used on medium and budget reels. The XT-7 is reliable, durable and lightweight.