Ergonomics: With Shimano’s spinning reels now split between Magnumlite and CoreSolid designs, the Vanford FA feels deliberately optimized for finesse applications. Its lightweight body and reduced start-up inertia make it an ideal choice for techniques requiring precision and quick rod response. While the Vanford holds its own when battling bass, it doesn’t feel as powerful or as smooth under heavy loads as more rigid aluminum-bodied reels like the Stradic or TwinPower. These CoreSolid reels offer a more connected, solid feel, with better-isolated gearing that maximizes the benefits of technologies like X-Ship and SilentDrive, reducing energy loss caused by flex or wobble.

When it comes to rigidity and power under load the Stella still rules

By design and material selection, Magnumlite reels like the Vanford FA are naturally better suited for lightweight rods and finesse techniques. I found it to be an excellent match for drop shot and worming rods. The new Vanford FA feels more refined than the original, yet it remains virtually the same weight. However, the updated lineup now includes more size options, allowing anglers to dial in their setups. For those seeking an ultralight finesse reel, the Vanford FA 500 weighs just 4.9 ounces, while the 2000 size comes in at 5.5 ounces.

The new reel features sleeker lines and a more modern overall look and feel

While I feel like Shimano could possibly have trimmed a bit more weight by aggressively porting the spool, the current design strikes a good balance between styling, ergonomics, and performance. The reel never feels heavy in hand, making it a great tool for finesse-focused anglers.

The Vanford is an excellent reel for use with Live Sonar techniques as it helps impart subtle action on finesse lures

Price and Applications: The Vanford FA is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from the ultra-light 500 to the high-capacity 5000 series reels. All models are priced at $249.99, which is 20 dollars more than the previous generation. With its focus on precise lure control, the Vanford shines in techniques that require frequent starts and stops, making it a great choice for vertical presentations, scope and rope fishing, soft-bodied swimbaits, and a variety of finesse tactics.

Though the reel places an emphasis on finesse it still has the power to turn big fish

In Shimano’s current spinning reel lineup, the Stella stands as the most refined option, but I believe the Vanford, Stradic, and TwinPower offer the best balance of performance and value for most anglers. For applications that require more power, the Stradic and TwinPower are hard to beat. If I had to choose between the two, the TwinPower would be my pick for its more refined feel. When you close your eyes and turn the handle, the TwinPower feels surprisingly close to the Stella in terms of power and friction-free cranking.

After fishing the new Vanford for months I found the new reel not only feels more refined but holds up better over time as well. I even prefer it over some of Shimano's more expensive Magnumlite reels like the Sustain

For those seeking a lightweight, carbon-based reel that offers quick response and excels with lighter baits, the Vanford is the sweet spot in Shimano’s lineup. While it may not have the flashy appeal of the Stella or TwinPower, I love how the Vanford pairs with lighter rods from Shimano and G.Loomis. It’s perfectly balanced with rods like the Shimano Expride, Adrena, or G.Loomis GLX and NRX+, making it a natural fit for anglers who value sensitivity and responsiveness, and are willing to pay for it.

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: In the last two seasons I feel like Shimano, and G.Loomis, has gotten back to what makes the brand so popular among anglers. Products like the Vanford, and retro styled G.Loomis GLX, put an emphasis on how the product feels in hand, and how they handle precise, deliberate movements. The Vanford FA delivers a quality design and refinement that distinguishes Shimano from manufacturers, particularly those that lack the capability to design and manufacture their products in-house.

The Vanford FA is the new sweet spot in Shimano's Magnumlite lineup. Yes the Exsence is a better reel but the Vanford is a great reel for the money

Reels like the Vanford FA are also clearly benefiting from Shimano’s trickle-down technology strategy, where features first introduced on flagship reels filter down to more mainstream models. In the Vanford, features such as the S-Compact Body design, Cross Carbon Drag, and Anti-Twist Fin are all elements that have been proven on higher-end reels, now made standard on this redesigned model.

I particularly liked the new Vanford with Shimano's redesigned GLX rods

The Vanford FA series is a natural progression of Shimano’s Magnumlite design philosophy, specifically tailored for lighter lures and techniques that demand precision. If you’re after a Shimano reel with solid power, smooth performance, and durability, you should look at the Stradic or, my personal favorite, the TwinPower. However, for a finesse reel that pairs seamlessly with light, sensitive rods, the new Vanford FA offers the best balance of price and performance in Shimano’s current spinning reel lineup - and I would even recommend it over the more expensive Sustain. Sleek, lightweight, and responsive, the Vanford FA builds on the strengths of the original while adding refinements that make it a very compelling choice for finesse and today’s modern live sonar enabled techniques, and is the first reel this year to be recognized with our Editor’s Choice Award.

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