After reading/watching several reviews, I decided just to pick up a couple of Stradic ci4's. FWIW.. There wasn't much difference. Maybe one more bearing, and a touch lighter. Less cool looking too :wink:

 

Why does Shimano take an amazing product and discontinue it?? I suppose that's the sign of the times. That's why when I find a reel I really like I buy duplicates.

 

Lighter, a bit more refined, and does casts farther. I have both in 3000 size.

 

I have the Vanford 5000 which I purchased about a month ago. Its light, smooth, and has a fast retrieve, 40 inches per turn. It seems with this reel I have very few tangles as it cast beautifully with Berkley X9 Braid 40 lb test. I spooled up and estimate I put on 200 yards of line on the spool.

I been fishing for over 60 years and I'm 70 now. In my opinion this is the best spinning reel I have ever owned. I also have the 4000 model Stradic CI4+ which I thought was great. The Vanford is a big leap in improvement over the CI4+, and its worth every penny and remarkably is the same price as the CI4 + was. If I could give the Vanford 6 Stars I would....

 

I have the Vanford 5000 which I purchased about a month ago. Its light, smooth, and has a fast retrieve, 40 inches per turn. It seems with this reel I have very few tangles as it cast beautifully with Berkley X9 Braid 40 lb test. I spooled up and estimate I put on 200 yards of line on the spool.

I been fishing for over 60 years and I'm 70 now. In my opinion this is the best spinning reel I have ever owned. I also have the 4000 model Stradic CI4+ which I thought was great. The Vanford is a big leap in improvement over the CI4+, and its worth every penny and remarkably is the same price as the CI4 + was. If I could give the Vanford 6 Stars I would....

Just picked up a Vanford 4000, seems pretty legit & am excited to give it a whirl!

 

That's good to hear because the Ci4 is for the money the best spinning reel to come out on the market ,maybe that I ever fished. So Alfon I want to thank you ,for inspiring me to spend more money on tackle I don't need :doh:

 

I believe you will be more than pleased with the Vanford, also, just to let you know, I have no interest or connection with Shimano

 

Has anyone ever fished a Shimano Twin Power? Just wondering if it's worth the extra money.

 

Yes, I have a 5000 that I've used since they first came out and am still very happy with it. Caught plenty of tuna and dorado on it and even use it fairly often for jigging bottom fish or chucking swimbaits into coho schools in the ocean. It's definitely a legit big game saltwater spinning reel that, in my experience, is pretty much on par with the Stella but comes at a much more reasonable price. It's total overkill for salmon and steelhead or any kind of fresh water fishing in my opinion but makes for a great saltwater reel.

As for Vanford, my understanding is it's basically the new version of the stradic ci4. I got a 3000 earlier this year and used it a little towards the end of winter steelhead season and have been happy with it so far, but with only limited use to date. I really wasn't able to notice a difference between it and the ci4's so I assume it's going to be a perfectly suitable replacement for that product line which used to be my go-to salmon and steelhead spinning reels.

 

The Vanford is just the revamped Ci4+ that got a name change. So if you're fond of the old Ci4 Stradics, then you'll like the Vanford.

Twin Power is a more well-built reel than the Vanford. Its got less carbon based material in the frame and more metal which will keep the reel smoother and give it a longer lifespan. It weighs a bit more but the difference when fished on a steelhead rod is negligible imo.

 

I have the 2500. Spooled with 10# braid. What a smooth reel. I got it for drop shot and Ned rig on a Dobyns Sierra ML. Just used it on Donner Lake from my kayak. Was a nice casting rig with light Rooster Tail style lure. Fishing was good, catching was not so good.