Reviews: Key Opinions on the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF Saltwater Fishing Reel
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is a high-performance saltwater reel that consistently impresses anglers with its smooth operation, lightweight design, and powerful drag system.
It’s a versatile reel that excels in various fishing situations, from battling strong fish to casting for hours on end. The Vanford’s sleek, modern design adds to its appeal, and its exceptional build quality ensures long-lasting performance.
While it’s a premium reel with a higher price tag, its exceptional features and capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for anglers who demand the best.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line saltwater reel that delivers unparalleled smoothness, lightness, and power, the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is an excellent choice.
Dive deep into our comprehensive review of the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF saltwater fishing reel. We dissect user reviews and deliver an in-depth analysis of its specs, strengths, and weaknesses to empower you with the knowledge needed to make a confident purchase decision.
Editorial Review: Our Opinion on the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF Saltwater Fishing Reel
Product Type / Mono Line Capacity / Gear Ratio
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is a saltwater fishing reel with a line capacity of 175 m / 0.35 mm and a gear ratio of 6.2:1. This puts it in the upper-mid range for gear ratio and in the mid-range for line capacity among the reels we’ve discussed.
A higher gear ratio facilitates faster line retrieval, which is particularly useful for techniques like spinning and float fishing. The saltwater fishing reels we’ve reviewed have gear ratios that range from 4.6:1 to 7.0:1. If you need the fastest retrieval, the Penn Battle IV 4000 HS offers a 7.0:1 gear ratio.
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF has a line capacity of 175 m / 0.35 mm, placing it comfortably in the middle of our comparison. This capacity should be suitable for most saltwater fishing applications.
However, anglers targeting larger species or needing more line may still prefer a reel with higher capacity, such as the Penn Battle IV 4000 HS with its 206 m / 0.35 mm capacity.
To ensure accurate comparisons, we’ve used a line calculator to convert line capacities that weren’t originally specified for the 0.35 mm line size.
Number of Ball Bearings / Type of Brake / Drag Force
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is equipped with 8 ball bearings, a front drag system, and a maximum drag force of 24.3 lbs (11 kg).
The saltwater fishing reels in our comparison feature anywhere from 4 to 8 ball bearings. A higher number of ball bearings typically contributes to smoother reel operation. With 8 ball bearings, the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF sits at the top of our comparison in terms of bearing count.
This should provide exceptionally smooth operation. A robust drag system is crucial when fighting strong saltwater fish to prevent line breakage and ensure a successful catch. Front drag systems are generally recommended as they offer larger brake discs at the front of the spool, resulting in increased drag power.
The drag force of the reels in our comparison ranges from 6 to 11 kg. With a drag force of 24.3 lbs (11 kg), the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF sits at the top end of the drag force spectrum in our comparison.
This drag force provides ample power for handling a wide variety of saltwater species, even larger and more powerful ones.
Weight / Material
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is constructed from Shimano’s CI4+ material and weighs 220 g.
While reel weight might be less critical for bottom fishing, it becomes more significant for active fishing styles like spinning where the rod is held for extended periods. The weights of the saltwater fishing reels we evaluated range from 220 g to 405 g.
At 220 g, the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is the lightest reel in our comparison. Next in line is the Shimano Stradic 4000 XG FK, with a weight of 275 g.
Shimano utilizes their proprietary CI4+ material in the construction of the Vanford VFC5000XGF. CI4+ is a lightweight carbon material that offers excellent strength and rigidity.
It’s a popular choice for Shimano in their mid-priced reels due to its ability to reduce weight without sacrificing performance. This model is the only saltwater reel in our comparison that is constructed from CI4+.
Saltwater Resistance / Baitrunner
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is specifically designed for saltwater fishing and does not include a baitrunner function.
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is built with saltwater resistance in mind. It’s a good idea to rinse it with fresh water after each use to maximize its lifespan. Like most saltwater fishing reels, the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF does not have a baitrunner function.
This is because saltwater fish tend to be more aggressive biters, making a baitrunner less necessary.
However, if you’re an angler who prefers a baitrunner function for specific saltwater fishing techniques or species, we recommend the Okuma Avenger ABF 6000 Baitrunner Reel, which offers this feature along with saltwater resistance.
You can explore more saltwater-resistant reels equipped with a baitrunner function in our dedicated baitrunner reel comparison.
Customer Reviews: Summary of Feedback from Product Owners
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF has quickly become a favorite among anglers, earning an impressive 4.5-star rating on Amazon from over 110 reviews. This enthusiastic response underscores its exceptional performance and dependability on the water.
Let’s take a closer look at what users are saying about this highly-regarded reel:
- Very smooth
- It’s a Shimano
- Great reel made in Malaysia
Reviews from other countries
Anglers are clearly impressed with the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF. They frequently highlight its incredibly smooth operation, with some even describing it as “quiet.” This smooth reeling experience is likely a key factor contributing to its popularity.
Users also emphasize its lightweight design, which enhances comfort and reduces fatigue during long fishing trips. The reel’s versatility is another strong point, as evidenced by an angler who successfully uses it with a surf rod.
The powerful drag system has also received praise, although one user humorously recounts losing a battle with a particularly strong ray.
While the price point might be a consideration for some, the overall consensus is that the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF delivers exceptional quality and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers.
The Shimano Vanford features a futuristic, almost aggressive design with a matte black finish accented by silver highlights. This gives it a dynamic and high-quality look that appeals to many anglers.
It stands out in our comparison with its silky-smooth operation, incredibly light weight, and exceptionally high drag force. We recommend it to anglers seeking a high-performance reel for active fishing techniques.
Pros and Cons of the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF Saltwater Fishing Reel
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is a high-performance saltwater reel that’s incredibly smooth and lightweight. It boasts the most ball bearings in our comparison and ties for the highest drag force, making it ideal for anglers who value responsiveness and power.
While it’s one of the more expensive reels we reviewed, its premium features and exceptional performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers.
Pros
- Reviewed by over 110 customers (4.5 of 5) on Amazon
- Lightest reel in our comparison
- Highest drag force in our comparison, tied with the Shimano Sedona 4000 XG
- Highest number of ball bearings (8) in our comparison
Cons
- Second most expensive reel in our comparison
The Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is a top-performing saltwater reel that excels in several key areas. It boasts the highest number of ball bearings (8) in our comparison, ensuring exceptionally smooth operation that anglers will appreciate.
Furthermore, it claims the title of lightest reel in our lineup, making it a joy to use, especially for techniques that involve a lot of casting and retrieving.
With a drag force that matches the highest in our comparison (tied with the Shimano Sedona 4000 XG), the Vanford VFC5000XGF is more than capable of handling powerful fish. This combination of lightweight design, smooth operation, and high drag force makes it a true standout.
However, this level of performance comes at a cost. The Vanford VFC5000XGF is the second most expensive reel in our comparison. Anglers on a tight budget might need to consider whether the premium features justify the higher price tag.
Overall, the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance saltwater reel that delivers exceptional smoothness, lightness, and drag power. If you’re willing to invest in top-tier quality, the Vanford VFC5000XGF is a reel that won’t disappoint.
FAQ: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF Saltwater Fishing Reel
Which size is suitable for king salmon?
For this purpose, we would recommend at least the 4000 model. The 5000 size model would also be suitable if you plan on using a heavier line or desire a larger line capacity.
Is the retrieve of the reel reversible between right and left handed?
Yes, the retrieve on the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF is reversible. You can easily switch it from right-hand retrieve to left-hand retrieve (and vice versa) to suit your preference.
Is the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF suitable for fishing in saltwater?
Shimano uses its X-Protect technology in this reel to provide excellent water resistance and prevent saltwater intrusion. This means you can confidently use it in harsh saltwater environments without worrying about corrosion or damage.
- Amazon
- Own experience