Shimano Vanford vs Stradic FL : Which one is Better

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Undoubtedly, Shimano reels are the best fishing reels you will find in the market today. Whether you are looking for spinning reels, baitcasting reels, or conventional reels, you can always rely on them. They are built with the angler’s needs and always ensure maximum performance and durability.

Shimano Vanford and Shimano Stradic FL reels are some of the best Shimano reels, and they will leave you yearning for the next fishing adventure. With them, you can engage in a wide range of fishing applications in saltwater and freshwater. Here we will be differentiating the two reels. So, whether you are a beginner or pro angler, you will have an easy time making your purchase.

Shimano Vanford vs. Stradic: Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Vanford
Shimano Vanford
Stardic FL
Shimano Stradic FL
Product
Price
Price
It’s more expensive
Stradic is a little affordable
Ball Bearings
Ball Bearings
7
7
Gear Ratio
Gear Ratio
5.1:1 - 6.4:1
5.1:1 - 6.4:1
Material
Material
Graphite
Aluminum and Magnesium
Gear
Gear
Micro Module II
Micro Module II
Technologies
Technologies
HAGANE Body, MGL rotor, X-protect, Long Stroke Spool, One piece bail, G-free body AR_C spool
Aero wrap II, cross carbon drag, one piece bail, Free body, micro module II
Weight
Weight
140 - 220 grams
185 - 285 grams
Models And Sizes
Models And Sizes
Six sizes and 14 models
Six sizes and 17 models
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More About Shimano Vanford

Shimano Vanford reel is the ideal finesse fishing reel. Its construction and performance set it aside from other finesse fishing reels. The carbon material ensures its rigidity and comes with a C14+ technology that gives the reel a lightweight feel. Additionally, it comes with a MagnumLite Rotor that reduces the reel’s weight up to 48% compared to other reel with a standard rotor design.

You can also enjoy X-Protection technology that maintains the reel’s durability while enhancing water resistance. The Micro module gear II system, on the other hand, helps reduce noise while fishing and maintains a smooth feel.

Anglers who have used the Stradic Vanford reels can also attest to the perfect alignment of the different parts owing to the silent drive technology. In addition, you are assured of smooth and long casts due to the newly improved Long Stroke spool design.

Models and Sizes           

With Shimano Sanford, you have a wide range of sizes and models to choose from. Therefore, anglers have a variety of choices. There are six sizes: 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000 and 5000. The models are 14 and come in different hand orientations, sizes, and specifications.

Pros

  • Rigid and super light
  • High gear ratio ranging between 5.1:1 to 6.4:1
  • Long and precise casts
  • Powerful Micro Module II gear system

Cons

  • They are a little expensive

More About Shimano Stradic FL

Shimano Stradic FL fishing reel will amaze you with its high quality and superior performance. It excels in a wide range of fishing applications, with its newly improved features giving you an upper hand when dealing with different species.

The HAGANE body is rigid and eliminates flex, thereby increasing your cranking power. The HAGANE gear, on the other hand, offers unmatched smoothness while maintaining its durability and strength. In addition, you can fish for long hours without experiencing fatigue or feeling the weight of your reel owing to the G-Free body that shifts the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod.

One thing is for sure, the manufactures of this reel had the angler’s needs in mind. The Micromodule gear II system and X-Ship technology are also meant to improve the durability of the gears. You will use this product for years without experiencing any hitches.

The 6+1 ball bearings are shielded and ensure smooth casts while eliminating backlash and bird nests. The long spool stroke technology also ensures longer casts for techniques that require long casts. Not forgetting the super smooth and powerful drag that gives you enough leverage even when dealing with the largest species.

Models and Sizes

With Shimano Stradic FL, you have a wide range of models and sizes to choose from. This opens up the possibility of dealing with all sizes of fish as the bigger reels will handle bigger species while smaller reels will handle smaller and less fighting species. There are six different sizes 1000, 2000,2500, 3000, 4000, and 5000.

On the other hand, the models include ST1000 HGFL, ST2500HGFL, ST4000XGL, STLC3000XGFI, and STC5000 GFL, among others. In total, the models are 17 with varying weights and gear ratios.

Pros

  • Long and smooth casts
  • Sturdy construction
  • Reduced fatigue
  • Increased durability

Cons

  • No mentionable cons found

Shimano Vanford vs. Stradic: What’s the Difference?

Price

Shimano Vanford and Shimano Stradic reels differ in their prices. Shimano Vanford is a little expensive compared to Shimano  Stradic, FL.

Technologies

Shimano reels have different technological advancements. For example, Shimano Vanford comes with C14+, a new MGL rotor, long stroke spool, Silent Drive, and the Micro Module gear II. On the other hand, Shimano Stradic comes with a G Free body,  X-Ship technology, X-Protect, and Micro module gear II.

Weight

The weights of the two reels vary slightly. Shimano Vanford is lighter as it comes with a new MGL rotor making the reel 48% lighter. Shimano Stradic FL, on the other hand, comes with the standard rotor design making it a little heavier.

Construction

Shimano Stradic FLs have a HAGANE body. The HAGANE Body is a mixture of aluminum and magnesium materials. In contrast, Shimano Stradic reels are made of a carbon-reinforced material.

Final Impression: Which one is Better

Shimano brand keeps on surprising anglers. Their technologies and reel advancements are incredible and worth every coin. Shimano Stradic FL and Shimano Vanford are some of the best products from Shimano.

Most anglers have a hard time choosing which of the two is better since they are versatile reels and will be used for a wide variety of applications. I’ve used the two reels. I would go for the Shimano Vanford reel. Sanford is lighter, and hence it’s easier to handle. Also, it features an X-Protect, so you are assured that the reel’s internal parts are protected.

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