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I can easily say that one of the best upgrades I’ve made this season was my lure fishing reel. I’ve used a fair few reels over the years, ranging from budget-friendly to the mid-to-upper end, and it’s fair to say they’re not all created equal.
Something that’s always bugged me with a lot of reels I’ve used previously is the play in the handle during retrieves. You know that feeling when you turn the handle a quarter turn, but you’re not quite sure how much your lure actually moved? It sounds obvious, but it really makes a difference and I’d bet many anglers don’t think about it as much as they should.
Back in January, I got to spend a couple of days using the Shimano 24 Vanford FA 2500HG, and honestly, after that, my old reels just weren’t cutting the mustard anymore. They felt dull, and that handle play really started to annoy me. Since switching to the Vanford FA 2500HG – bought from Todbar Manor, it’s been a total game changer. I genuinely believe it’s helped me catch more fish.
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the Shimano 24 Vanford FA 2500HG looks the business. It’s sleek, modern, and oozes quality. Shimano has kept that signature black and red colour scheme that just screams “lure angler.” It feels ultra-light thanks to the CI4+ body and rotor, but still solid and dependable, not flimsy like some lightweight reels can be.
On the Water
I opted for the 2500HG (High Gear) version, and that decision has paid off big time. The faster retrieve is perfect for situations where I’m working crankbaits or swimbaits that perch or pike are chasing down. But what really surprised me was how versatile this reel is, even for slower fishing styles like Ned rigs and dropshotting, which I do a lot of.
With a 6.0:1 gear ratio, it picks up line quickly, around 89cm per handle turn but because there’s zero play in the handle, I know exactly how much my lure moves with a quarter or half turn. That precision gives me huge confidence when I’m fishing tight to structure or working a lure slowly along the riverbed.
When you engage the handle, the line and lure respond instantly. No lag, no slop – just direct, crisp feedback. That, for me, has been the biggest difference and probably the reason I’ve been more consistent this season.
Setup and Balance
I’ve paired my Shimano Vanford FA 2500HG with both a Westin T&C rod and a Westin Dropshot rod, and it’s felt like a great match on both. Despite being a 2500 size, it’s light enough to balance beautifully on a finesse setup.
I actually bought two identical reels so I could swap between rods without needing to re-learn the feel or balance, it just makes things easier and keeps me focused when I’m on the bank.
Build Quality and Smoothness
The Vanford’s Micromodule II gearing and Hagane construction are what make this reel so buttery smooth. The retrieve feels effortless and silent, even under pressure. The Long Stroke Spool and AR-C design give excellent line lay and casting distance, even with light braids, and the X-Protect sealing has kept everything running smoothly despite a few wet sessions.
After months of use, there’s no sign of wear or play, it still feels box-fresh. That’s exactly what you want when you’re spending over £200 on a reel.
Why I Chose the 2500HG
The 2500HG version sits perfectly in that middle ground between finesse and power. The smaller C2000 is great for ultralight setups, but I wanted something with a bit more flexibility, something I could use for perch one day and pike the next. The larger 3000 is a bit too bulky for my liking, especially when fishing all day.
The 2500HG gives me the best of both worlds:
- The speed for active styles like crankbaiting or twitching soft plastics.
- The control and precision for slower, bottom-contact techniques like ned or dropshot fishing.
Pros
✅ Ultra-smooth retrieve, seriously satisfying to use.
✅ Lightweight CI4+ construction, great balance on most rods.
✅ Zero handle play, instant engagement and full control of your lure.
✅ High gear ratio offers fast line pickup when you need it.
✅ Excellent line lay and drag system.
✅ Stylish and durable, it just looks and feels premium.
Cons
❌ Pricey, though not outrageous for the performance.
Final Thoughts
It’s an expensive reel, but by no means the most expensive out there. I’d imagine most lure anglers, especially those looking to upgrade from a low-to-mid-range reel, will find the Shimano 24 Vanford FA 2500HG a superb choice.
It’s light, smooth, precise, and versatile enough to handle most styles of lure fishing we do here in the UK. The confidence it’s given me on the water has been massive, knowing exactly what my lure is doing, every single turn of the handle.
And let’s be honest it looks fantastic. Who doesn’t like red and black?
