How I Came Across The Shimano Vanquish
The Vanquish is a reel that originally would’ve been way out of my comfort zone. 400 odd quid? Blimey, the most money I’d ever spent on a fishing reel before was probably about £150. But on the other hand, my fishing buddy had 3 versions of the Shimano Vanquish. A 5000, a 4000 and a 2500 that would later end up in my tackle collection.
The Shimano Stradic
I used to have a Stradic 3000 and absolutely loved it. Yes, maybe the odd wind knot fishing at nighttime in the dark, but I can hardly blame the reel for that, so apart from that – brilliant.. So, an upgrade opportunity came along and I sold the Stradic and paid £200 for the Shimano Vanquish C2500S what a result.
My First Initial Thought
What had blown me away about this cracking little reel was how light it was. This reel was so light it didn’t seem possible; you would think it would be fragile and break easily. Being so light is never a problem because the materials used in the manufacture are very tough.
First Experience Fishing With The Shimano Vanquish
So it was a relatively poor night as far as conditions go, but we just had to have a go. And yours truly had a new toy to experiment with. Great conditions for us around the South East can sometimes be tough. You have to wait for that window of opportunity. But this is not a weather forecast, this is about the Vanquish.
High Tech Lure Rods
Paired with a Tailwalk High Tides (a fairly high-end rod), it felt strange because of the extreme lightness of the pair. When I cast it felt odd because this was so light. I’d also experienced the same with my Shimano Luminis 9/6 (Which snapped, hence getting the Tailwalk), but after a while of getting used to it, the lures started flying out there. Reminded me a bit like golf – the harder you try and hit it, the worse the outcome, unless you’re a pro, of course.
I could go through all the specs for this reel, and I will. But if you’re anything like me, you wouldn’t have a clue anyway. Remember, there are different models with slightly different gear ratios and other slight differences. But really? Anyway, for all those techs who do understand the spec, let’s have a look.
Great reel – but was the 2500 a bit small?
The only thing that seemed to be a problem for me was the amount of line this amazing reel held. Remember, this is the 2500 size. The reality is I should’ve gone for the 4000. The line I had on this reel was probably 25lb braid, which is a bit thick. But because of the rocky conditions where we fish I went with it.
But fishing over the high is where we’d be less likely to lose lures because of the deeper water and being higher out of the water. With some of the lure that fly out there (like the IMA Hound 125f Glide), I was clearing the spool virtually to the end. This is all well and good, but if you hooked into a bass that took off like a train, you are going to be stuffed. You’d get spooled in seconds.
So I decided to go lighter down to 18lb J-Braid. Now, the problem was if I was using a jighead with a soft plastic, I found the line would snap if I hit a snag.
Ultimately, you could just get a deeper spool, but my advice would be just get the 4000 model. Job done.
What Makes the Vanquish Special?
Shimano designed the Vanquish for fishermen who want a mega lightweight reel without sacrificing strength or performance. It’s part of Shimano’s JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) range, so you’re getting tech that’s typically a level above what’s sold in Europe.
A few standout features:
- Magnesium HAGANE body – ultra-light yet tough
- MGL Rotor – reduces start-up inertia, making it ideal for subtle, finesse presentations
- SilentDrive – internal micromesh gearing for ultra-smooth winding
- Long Stroke Spool – for improved casting distance and line lay
- X-Protect – water resistance in key areas without adding drag
Magnesium HAGANE Body?
I had to look this up because it sounds like something out of a sci-fi film. Basically, it means the reel is made from magnesium, which is a super-light metal, but still really strong. Shimano uses it to make the reel tough without making it heavy. The “HAGANE” bit is just their fancy name for how they design the frame to be extra solid and resistant to twisting when you’re fighting a fish.
MGL Rotor
Another bit of jargon I had to dig into. The MGL Rotor is basically a lighter version of the normal reel rotor. It means the reel starts spinning quicker and smoother when you turn the handle, which helps when you’re using lighter lures. Less effort, more control, that’s the idea behind it.
SilentDrive
This one sounded fancy, but it’s actually pretty simple. Shimano have tightened everything up inside the reel, the gears, the shaft, all the little bits, so there’s no extra play or wobble when you turn the handle. It just feels smoother and quieter, like everything’s locked in properly.
Long Stroke Spool
This one’s all about getting longer casts. Shimano made the spool a bit taller, so the line comes off in bigger loops when you cast. It sounds simple, but it actually helps you cast further and makes the line lay back down on the spool more evenly.
X-Protect
This is Shimano’s way of making the reel more water-resistant without messing up how smooth it feels. They use special coatings and clever seals in places like around the roller and the body. It’s not fully waterproof, but it helps stop saltwater and grit getting inside and wrecking the reel.
Before You Buy
If you’re thinking about getting a Shimano Vanquish, there are a couple of things worth keeping in mind. First, think about the size you need. If you’re mainly fishing heavier braid or lures that cast a mile, the 4000 might suit you better than the 2500. The other thing is price — it’s not a cheap reel. But if you look after it, it’s one of those bits of kit that’ll stay with you for years. Also, make sure to match it with a light, responsive rod to get the best out of it. Stick it on a heavy lump and it’ll just feel weird.
🛒 👉 Check out the Shimano Vanquish on Amazon👈
🧠 FAQ
Is the Shimano Vanquish worth the money?
If you want a super-light, super-smooth reel that’s built like a tank, then yes. It’s not a beginner’s reel, but if you fish a lot and want quality, it’s hard to beat.
Can the Shimano Vanquish handle saltwater fishing?
It’s not fully waterproof, but the X-Protect system gives it a decent level of protection. After every saltwater session, just rinse it with fresh water, and you’ll be fine.
What size Vanquish should I buy?
If you’re fishing rocky areas with heavier braid, you might find the 4000 size a better bet. For lighter setups or finesse fishing, the 2500 is a dream to use.
How does it compare to the Stradic?
The Stradic is a brilliant reel for the money, no doubt. But the Shimano Vanquish takes it up a level — lighter, smoother, and just a bit more refined in pretty much every way.
Closing Thoughts
The Shimano Vanquish might not be cheap, but once you use one, it’s easy to see why people rate it so highly. It’s ridiculously light, tough as old boots, and about as smooth as you could ever want. If you fish regularly and you like your gear to be spot on, this is a reel that’ll put a big smile on your face every time you pick it up. Just make sure you pick the right size for the fishing you’re doing — and you’ll wonder how you ever fished without it.
