Shimano has long been a household name in the world of fishing reels, and with the release of the Vanford FA series, it has once again set the benchmark for performance and innovation, especially for finesse anglers. This new series has already made waves in the Australian market, with the Vanford 2000 and 2500 sizes becoming firm favourites in the fleets of light tackle enthusiasts targeting species such as bream, bass and estuary perch.
When the Vanford was first released in 2020 it quickly established itself as the successor to the popular Stradic Ci4+, but with an upgraded design and advanced features. One of the most talked-about things was the name itself. What does ‘Vanford’ even mean? To be honest, it’s just a name, but it signified a shift in Shimano’s thinking. Rather than continuing with the Stradic name, which had both metal and Ci4+ versions, Shimano opted for something fresh. The idea was simple: create a reel that pushed the boundaries of lightweight finesse fishing while maintaining the reliability and performance Shimano reels are known for. The Vanford was born, and it quickly gained a following, offering a reel that anglers could trust across a variety of species and fishing styles. We tested the original Vanford 4000 over the past four seasons, primarily for snapper fishing, and been thoroughly impressed with its ability to handle tough conditions without any failure. I then went and bought the 1000 for trout and the 2500 for flathead and have loved using them, paired with Shimano Expride rods

Vanford FA
The new Vanford FA series brings Shimano’s Ci4+ material to the forefront once again. This high-density carbon material is the key to the reel’s light weight and impressive strength, making it the ideal choice for those who need a reel that doesn’t sacrifice power for sensitivity.
I recently got the chance to test the new Vanford FA on bream and estuary perch in Bemm River, where I used both the 2000 and 2500 sizes. The 2000 size quickly became my go-to for the estuary fishing I was doing, and it didn’t disappoint. Whether I was casting light plastics into the snags or drifting over deeper channels, the Vanford 2000 was smooth, comfortable and incredibly responsive.
One of the most notable upgrades in the Vanford FA series is the new Duracross drag system, which Shimano has set at a modest 3kg on the 2000 model. This may seem conservative compared with the 9kg drag on the 2500, but I really appreciated the more controlled drag range on the 2000 size, particularly when targeting smaller species such as bream and perch. Having that level of control over the drag meant I could finesse my way through the fight, especially when dealing with tricky snags or aggressive fish. Shimano’s decision to fine-tune the drag performance on the 2000 size makes it a great choice for anglers who prefer a bit more control, especially when fishing light tackle.
On my first few outings, I caught a couple of small bream, but the real test came when I hooked into a 44cm estuary perch. This fish ran straight into the thick structure, and I was thankful for the smooth and consistent Duracross drag that offered measured resistance throughout the fight, even as the perch tried to pull me back into the snags. It’s a high-performance drag system that performs well across the entire fight, and I managed to bring the perch to the boat without any issues.

Casting and Retrieving
When you’re fishing in the estuary or targeting light tackle species, smoothness and sensitivity are essential – and the Vanford FA doesn’t disappoint. Shimano has fine-tuned the reel to ensure buttery-smooth operation, making it ideal for long casting sessions or fine-tuning your presentation. The 2000 size, in particular, is a joy to fish with. The reel feels almost weightless in your hand, which is a huge advantage when you’re casting repeatedly for hours at a time.
For the test the reel was paired with the new T Curve 6ft 6in 1-3kg rod (which I was also testing), and the combination of the two was exceptional. The rod offers a medium action that’s forgiving, yet still has plenty of backbone for fighting fish. Its taper is just right – not too fast and not too slow – giving the perfect balance of casting accuracy and power for hook-setting. The Vanford FA, with its lightweight and smooth performance, paired perfectly with the T Curve rod, making it feel like an extension of my arm. Whether casting into the wind or precisely placing a light plastic in tight spots, the Vanford offered the sensitivity and control I needed.
I loved the fast gear ratio on both reels: 6:1 on the smaller 2000 and 5.8:1 on the 2500. When working plastics, surface lures and jerkbaits this fast gear ratio is greatly appreciated as you need to quickly pick up slack line to impart action on the lure and achieve a nice rhythmic cadence in your retrieve. Shimano’s Micro Module II gearing is exceptional and provides silent and smooth performance through the gears.
Anti-Twist Fin
One of the standout features of the Vanford FA is the Anti-Twist Fin – a small yet incredibly effective addition that has completely changed how I think about line management. This little rubber fin sits below the line roller and prevents line slipping off the spool. After three days of hard fishing – casting into the wind, working light plastics, and trying to get the perfect presentation – I didn’t experience a single wind knot or tangle. This is an absolute game-changer for anglers who spend long days on the water casting repeatedly. The Anti-Twist Fin brings line management to a whole new level, allowing more time spent fishing rather than untangling knots.

It’s details like this that show Shimano’s commitment to pushing the envelope with its design and technology. The new Vanford FA offers exceptional line management and smoother operation than I’ve experienced in previous models of Vanford and Stradic Ci4+ reels. It’s a reel that not only delivers on the basics but also addresses some of the finer points that make a big difference during a long day on the water.
Price and Performance
While the Vanford FA series is loaded with innovative features, it remains an accessible option for anglers. Shimano has managed to pack all this advanced technology into a reel that offers outstanding value for money with the 500, 2000 and 2500 priced at $399.
If you’re in the market for a reel that performs exceptionally well with light tackle, offers superb line management, and provides smooth drag performance (all with a 10-year warranty) the Vanford FA is tough to beat. Whether you’re chasing bream in the estuaries, flicking plastics for perch, or targeting any number of light tackle species, the Vanford is a reel you’ll find hard to put down.
Words: Kosta Linardos Images: Craig ‘Chips’ Pringle