Is there really anything else other than Shimano? How could you go wrong with a Vanford? If you can swing it, I say get the Shimano and don't look back.

 

Cardinal 4
For spinning

 

The Vanford is the nicest spinning reel I have used so far.

 

I love my Shimano. So smooth and bulletproof.

 

Go with the Vanford. Amazing reel.

 

2500 Vanford or Stradic FL. Weight savings with the Van, Stradic debatable increased durability. Both excellent reels. I like the silver paint job of the FL better.

 

Yeah, you're right about the Stradic. It's just an excellent reel. It's still my primary steelhead reel. Still, I've been wanting to try the Vanford, but may wait to buy it next season, when even more reviews are in. I suspect most to be positive reviews, anyway.

 

My wife and I have the Vanford 5000 on both of our spinning rods. The best spinning reel in my opinion is the Vanford 5000 for that price range and even more, Vanford 5000 MSRP $250.00. LIghtweight, 7.8 ounces, 40 inch retrieve for one handle rotation, 24 lbs of smooth drag, saltwater capable, and a nice comfortable handle. You also can spool 200 yards of 40 lb test Berkley X9 braid as well. I don't know of any other spinning reel out there that meets all those specifications.

 

My wife and I have the Vanford 5000 on both of our spinning rods.

OP was asking about Steelhead. If you need a 5000 for Steelhead on your river.... please take me fishing.

 

Mitchell 300.

 

If you stumble across an older one that has metal gears. I tried a new one that had problems at every turn.

 

Vanford or Stradic FL.

 

Lews anyone? Great performance and they take a beating.🇺🇸

 

Caught my first Steelhead on a Mitchell 300, one of the good made in France models with brass gears. It was a 13 pound buck that very much taxed the drag.
Shimano Stradics have been serving me well since the 1980's. It took me twenty years of guiding to finally wear one out.

 

Can’t go wrong with a vanford but I just picked up an Okuma Carbon ITX and it’s very nice.

 

Vanford 3000 for sure, very light, 6.4:1 gear ratio for 37” of line per turn of the handle. Smooth drag. I’m running 3000’s on my 2 Loomis E6X’s. Stradics are awesome reels too, but they are noticeably heavier.

 

Shimano Sedona 4000 FJ. Less than 100 bucks and you have the FJ system. I have caught steelhead and salmon on it.

 

You can order a Vanford 3000 from Digitaka for $196. Will probably be delivered quicker than your next Amazon order. I couldn’t believe how fast Japan ships.

Lots of us have had good luck ordering from Digitaka. Website is a little clunky, but they’re legit for JDM equipment!

 

Thanks for this tip! I ordered one Sunday and it got here today(Thursday). Crazy fast

 

I like the Penn battle

 

I use a Vanford 2500 for trout and bass. What a smooth reel.

 

Should be just as capable as a Vanford 3000 if you wanted to let it see heavier duty work. Appears that the only difference is about 25% more line capacity on the 3000. Otherwise, identical reels. Beautiful pieces…

 

The one your using when you land a fish
Lots of steelhead caught with this set up even though my Daiwa is probably my favorite

 

Anyone have experience with Procyon or Revo Rocket? I've heard some good things about each but could use some more info.

 

I picked up a Procyon 2500D-xh last year and absolutely love it. I’m a big diawa fan. Super high speed chit.