Power: On the flip side, with the drag set so light because of the line I was using, power is not something I truly had an opportunity to test with this reel. The C3000SDHHG is a finesse tuned model, but, if you need a reel for more traditional techniques, there are at least eight other models from which to choose including several with standard depth spools. I've little doubt the Vanquish can support what you have in mind.

Line capacity precludes anything other than finesse techniques

Bail Operation: The Vanquish's bail operated without error both with manual re-engagement and from turning the handle. It folds back into open position very reassuringly. I'm pretty automatic these days closing the bail by hand, but when I did remember to test closing it with a turn of the handle, performance was what you'd expect. I tend to take this part of a spinning reel's operation for granted these days. Very seldom, if ever, do I run across a bail that has issues anymore.

A bearing supported line roller helps mitigate line twist

Line Twist: A benefit of using a braid to leader strategy on spinning gear is that inevitable issue of line twist takes longer to materialize. Braid is far more flexible than either nylon mono or fluoro and able to absorb those twisting forces for a longer period of time before becoming problematic. It can still show up in your leader, but that's easily changed once the twist becomes unrecoverable.

So does using finesse braid plus a leader of fluoro

Another way the issue can be mitigated, of course, is if the reel you are using has a bearing under the line guide helping to ease that right angle turn of the line from the rod onto the spool. But sooner or later, even with a bearing under the line guide, and all the proper protocols of closing the bail by hand, not turning the handle as line is being pulled out against the drag, twist becomes an issue. For me, with the Vanquish, and my finesse braid to leader setup, I actually had no issues of which to speak. I'm sure they're coming, at which point, I'll change my line, but so far, over the course of a few trips on the water, it's been fine, so I'm pleased with that performance.

The Vanquish's body is relatively thin

Design & Ergonomics: The Vanquish is loaded with bearings. Looking at the reel's exploded diagram, I count a total of five along the reel's primary shaft alone - one on either side of the pinion, one on either side of the point where the shaft comes through the rotor, and another at the top of the spool beneath the drag washers. I believe this is the foundation of Shimano's Infinity Drive in spinning reels - more bearings along that drive shaft for friction free performance. If the Vanquish is any indication, it works.

Testing its weight in the lab

Another thing that works with this reel is Shimano's frame and sideplate composition. The Vanquish's frame is made from a magnesium alloy, but the rotor and body plates are Ci4+. As noted in the previous generation, this assembly resulted in a hollow feel as if the Vanquish were a full on Ci4+ reel. That is no longer the case with the '23 revision - at least not with the model I fished. The Vanquish, to me, now feels like a metal reel.

I appreciate the small, standard sized knobs

I also like how Shimano has implemented the double handle on the Vanquish building it out of Ci4+. The result is a final product that is not out of balance or in the least bit heavy The distance between the knobs is baitcaster-like at 90mm and of course, the sensibly sized knobs have two bearings each.

Retail price will vary depending on the model and exchange rate, but the C3000SDHHG is a 67,500 JPY reel

Price & Applications: Now for the sobering news. The C3000SDHHG model of Shimano Japan's 2023 Vanquish line of spinning reels has a retail price tag of 67,500 JPY. Prices on the reels vary slightly depending on the model. At today's exchange rate that price translates to roughly $500, but that's only because of the very favorable rate we've had the last couple of years. The price can easily change to over $600 as global factors fluctuate. Considering the price of Stella and Exist, the Vanquish is not so bad, but $500 - $600 is still, solidly in the range of pricey.

Conclusion: I acquired the '23 Vanquish fully expecting it to have a similar, hollow feel of its predecessor. It took a half day fishing the C3000SDHH-C before I realized the sensation was no longer there. It finally feels like the magnesium reel it is. I find it quite remarkable how light this model is despite having a double handle and I really appreciate the sensibly sized knobs - I'm not a fan of t-shaped knobs.

Shimano Japan's '23 Vanquish is worthy of your enthusiasm

The more I fish this reel, the more I like it and I've come to appreciate the fact I did not have to spend Stella like money for very similar performance. That was the buzz around the previous model Vanquish, "Stella-like performance." I didn't feel that last time. With the '23 refresh, I'm beginning to understand the comparison. But honestly, with a close to $200 difference in price, and for this model, a nearly two ounce difference in weight, given the choice, I'm not sure I'd do anything different. Shimano Japan's '23 Vanquish is worthy of your enthusiasm all by itself.

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