[ICAST 2024] Shimano Vanford FA – Best in Category

Shimano has hit it out of the park with the new Vanford FA spinning reel, winning Best in Category Freshwater Reel in the ICAST 2024 New Product Showcase. The new Vanford FA continues Shimano’s work with low start-up inertia and increased sensitivity in the MagnumLite series of reels. Though now the Vanford FA includes technology passed down to it from some of the flagship Shimano reels. This includes Hagane parts, INFINITYXROSS,  INFINITYDRIVE, Dura Cross Drag, X-Protect, and many more. All of this together makes for a reel line that is light, and incredibly responsive, but still powerful. So whether you want to go super technical and finesse with your presentation or throw heavier jigs and lures from shore this reel has you covered.

The Shimano Vanford FA is available in six sizes. Starting at the small finesse-sized 500A and going on up the big game landing 5000A sized reels. MSRP for these reels starts at $249.99 and goes up to $259.99 for the largest model. The new Vanford will be available for purchase in Q4 of this year.

Features – Shimano Vanford FA

• Infinity Drive – Drastically reduces rotational torque, constructing a reel that can actively wind under heavy loads.
• X-Protect – By combining a water-repellent coating and a specially designed water-channeling labyrinth construction, X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without adding weight or sacrificing light rotor rotation.
• Dura Cross Drag – Utilizes cutting-edge materials woven into a unique pattern over the standard drag washer. This drag has felt like smoothness, with ten times the durability to counter blistering, high-velocity runs for seasons to come.
• Hagane Body – A reel body with high rigidity, which virtually eliminates body flexing due to its stiffness and impact resistance. It’s efficiency through strength.
• Hagane Gearing – Cold-forged gearing for exceptional strength and durability, ensuring smooth performance from first use to long-term enjoyment.
• InfinityXross – The load on the gear teeth themselves is spread apart horizontally on a larger surface area, creating more efficiency, mitigating potential stress points, and improving overall gear durability.
• MGL Rotor – The Magnumlight Rotor is 25% lighter and allows for better balance and requires 22% less inertia, which makes it easier to start and stop the retrieve for a smoother feel.
• Aero Wrap II – Utilizing a patented worm gear design, this two-speed oscillation system lays the line onto the spool in an X pattern that reduces line-on-line friction and helps to increase casting distance.
• Long Stroke Spool
  
• One Piece Bail
• S A-RB Bearings
• Amti-Twist Fin
• G-Free Body
• Sizes – 500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000
• MSRP – $249.99 – $259.99
• Available – Q4 2024

Special thanks to the Shimano staff here at ICAST 2024, and stick around for more ICAST coverage. Also, let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we appreciate your feedback.

Eugene L.

Writer for AllOutdoor.com and OutdoorHub.com A lifelong angler that chases after anything with fins, I also am firearms enthusiast and try my best when it comes to hunting. Instagram - mrfish49