Shimano VFC3000XGF Vanford Spinning Reel

Shimano VFC3000XGF Vanford Spinning Reel

ICAST 2020 Best Freshwater Reel Winner!

Price: $259.99
Model
TD Code
Gear RatioLine Retrieve Per CrankBearingsMono Capacity
(lb test/yds)
Braid Capacity
(lb test/yds)
Max DragWeightPrice
VFC3000XGF
SHM-4068
6.4:137in7+16/230
8/170
10/140
10/200
20/140
40/105
20lb6.3oz$259.99 USD

Born from Shimano's long cultivation of advanced engineering and design, the Shimano Vanford Spinning Reels are here to test the boundaries of spinning reel technology. Aiming to be the ultimate lightweight, precision spinning reel, the Vanford is built on the renowned CI4+ body and is equipped with a MagnumLite (MGL) Rotor to provide a feather-light feel with dependable rigidity. By having 48% less rotational inertia than traditionally constructed rotors, the MGL Rotor allows for extremely responsive operability in critical situations. The Vanford features Shimano's cold forged HAGANE Gear with MicroModule II Technology for an exceptionally smooth retrieve that remains so throughout the life of the reel. Borrowing features like SilentDrive from flagship level reels like the Stella FJ, the Vanford offers and extremely fine-tuned, low tolerance feel that makes any fishing experience that much more enjoyable. Anglers can expect line management that is second to none thanks to the Long Stroke Spool that allows for a more efficient line lay, resulting in smoother, longer casts. To protect this precision fishing machine from the elements, the X-Protect water-repellent coating and water-channeling construction solidify the Vanford as approved for saltwater inshore environments. With a size range that covers applications ranging from ultra-light and ice fishing to freshwater bass and inshore flats fishing, the Vanford leaves little to be desired for even the most discerning tackle enthusiast.


Shimano Technology Found In Vanford Spinning Reels:

  • CI4+ Body - An enhanced version of the original CI4 material, this highly technical carbon material is 2.5 times stiffer than the original and is used to create weight savings on the reel.
  • MGL Rotor - The Magnumlight Rotor is 25% lighter and allows for better balance and requires 22% less inertia, which makes it easier to start and stop the retrieve for a smoother feel.
  • Hagane Gear - Boasting amazing strength and durability, Hagane Gear is a process in which the gearing is calculated in minute detail and cold forged instead of being cut. This application of state-of-the-art technologies gives the angler reel smoothness from the first use through years of enjoyment.
  • Micro Module II Gear - State-of-the-art gear design makes use of smaller gear teeth and more of them, which results in a more efficient gear train and much smoother retrieve.
  • SilentDrive - A long list of fine-tuned internal micro adjustments and enhancements that reduce any handle play and noise from moving parts.
  • X-Protect - By combining a water repellant coating and a specially designed water channeling labyrinth construction, X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without adding weight or sacrificing light rotor rotation.
  • G-Free Body - G-Free Body technology enables the reel’s center of gravity to be moved closer to the center of the reel seat, and therefore the anglers hand position. This shift in weight and balance helps to reduce fatigue and enhance casting comfort.
  • X-Ship - By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear remains in precise alignment with the drive gear and stays in the same position under even the heaviest of loads. This eliminates friction between the spool shaft and gear which translates to better casting performance and increased gear durability.
  • Long Stroke Spool - By increasing the height of the spool, the line is able to be laid on the spool without the spool having to fully oscillate as frequently. This results in the line having to change direction while coming off the spool fewer times during a cast, resulting is less turbulence going through the guides for a smoother and longer cast.
  • Propulsion Line Management System - The most obvious component of this system is the Propulsion spool lip design, which has been proven through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations to provide longer casts while preventing backlashes and wind knots.
  • Aero Wrap II - Utilizing a patented worm gear design, this two-speed oscillation system lays the line onto the spool in a X pattern that reduces line-on-line friction and helps to increase casting distance.
  • Cross Carbon Drag (C3000-C5000) - Allows for a wider range of drag settings, enhanced drag washer durability, and the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.
  • Water-Resistant Drag - With the use of rubber gaskets the drag is sealed against intrusion of the elements such as water and dust.
  • One-Piece Bail - One-Piece Bail allows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller. Its seamless design reduces friction and the change of tangles or cuts to the bail arm.
  • S A-RB Bearings - These bearings undergo the same anti-corrosion process as Shimano’s A-RB Bearings, with the addition of shields on both sides of the bearings to reduce the possibility of salt, dirt, or other foreign objects inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.
5 Stars based on 53 reviews
By Luis A.
CIUDAD DEL CARMEN, CAMPECHE
compacto (compact)
August 16, 2022
lo poco o mucho que lo he visto en accion, se presenta como buen producto de shimano (the little or much that I have seen in action, it is presented as a good product of shimano)
Pros
  • ligero
  • compacto
  • (light
  • compact)
Cons
  • precio (price)
By Erez
Miami, FL
Vanford 3000XG
August 13, 2022
Already had a vanford 2500HG and decided to buy another one to pair it with my St. Croix ES76MF2 Legend Elite.
Pros
  • Lightweight
By Harold
Westfield, NJ
Vanford 3000
July 12, 2022
Just arrived today. Paired with a 6ft9in ardent edge spinning rod. Spooled with 10 lb suffix 832 braid. Can't wait to catch some fluke!
Pros
  • Light weight.
By Dave
Ohio
Great upgrade over original Stradic CI4
June 24, 2022
Upgraded my stradic ci4 (original none plus model) to the the Vanford. The improvements they have made to this reel continue to make this model an excellent choice for ultralight fishing.

I purchased the 2500 model due to versatility as the felt drag on this model is smooth to run on low drag, and can be cranked high depending on rod used and application it is used for. Planing on getting the 2000 model in future.
By Frank
Lords Valley, PA
VF500F - Great Little Real
June 6, 2022
Using this real on a 4'6" Fenwick pole for small stream trout fishing and it does everything right getting a spinner moving quickly. Very smooth and pleasant to cast and retrieve.
By Lew
Delaware
Great reel
May 31, 2022
As with all the Vanford line, this reel is smooth, light, and built strong! I loved the fighting handle, and the amazing quality just like my Vanford 4000's that I use for bass fishing, so I bought this one for inshore fishing. Unfortunately, and the reason for just 4 stars, this reel isn't akin to other 5000 size reels. It's actually just the 4000 frame but with a higher line capacity spool and a fighting handle. It's definitely a great reel, but I was hoping it would be a little bigger...
Pros
  • Extremely light weight, super smooth drag, built like tank...
Cons
  • Not a typical 5000 frame, too small for what you might be looking for if you want a beefier reel.
By Marc
Dandridge, TN
Awesome reel
May 22, 2022
Great Shimano product. Very light and durable. I own 2 right now. No issues.
By Jason C.
Park City, Utah
Better than Stradic C4i
May 15, 2022
Love this reel so much that I bought four of them… enough said 😜
Pros
  • Smooth as warm butter
Cons
  • NONE
By Pedro E.
Parque Nacional Morrocoy, Falcon, Venezuela
The money best spent
May 12, 2022
I have only used it once, fishing inshore, next to my shimano catana, I put a braid line of 40 lb and a monkey leader of 40 lb, it is incredible how it responds and how light it is, the daiwa are very good reels but they are very heavy, in this shimano stands out
Pros
  • shimano
  • light
Cons
  • a larger model to have more line
By David L.
Port St.Lucie Fl.
Yes and lighters little spinning outfit I’ve ever owned
May 6, 2022
My Vanford is paired with a Dobbins fury series FR702SF which is a 7 foot one medium light fast action perfect combination light weight I can cast it all day long and the retrieve is super smooth
Pros
  • The retrieve is the smooth as I ever experienced on a spinning reel light weight very good drag Hit a spoold with 10 pound Berkeley 9X and with a 6 pound liter line
Cons
  • I haven’t found any cons yet and with my experience with Shimano I don’t think I will
By Harry
New Jersey
Amazing reel
April 13, 2022
I purchased the 4000 size reel last year and it’s been my preferred reel for fluke fishing. It’s super light so you can cast all day. Can’t go wrong with this reel. All the high performance you need and at a reasonable price.
Pros
  • Light
  • Quality material and construction
By Taro
NJ
Great reel
March 21, 2022
Lightweight, sturdy, smooth.
What else can you ask for.
Pros
  • Light weight
  • Smooth
  • Great build quality
Cons
  • Handle is a bit small had to upgrade.
By Rodney
Nw ark
Best reel I've ever had
February 25, 2022
Got the 2500 on a mid/light Zodias love the setup for finesse fishing
By Philip
Pleasantville P.A.
Vanford 2000
February 10, 2022
This reel is perfect for UL-Med. applications. Love Shimano's 2000 size reels.
Pros
  • Casts a mile, smooth as BUTTER and light as a feather. I also love the clicking/precise drag. From Trout to Panfish to small/med Bass this reel can't be beat!
Cons
  • Wish I had a spare spool. I don't know why Shimano did away with that option, especially with everyone throwing mono, braid and fluorocarbon.
By Adam l.
FL
Amazing
February 6, 2022
Fast shipping great reel
3 Questions & 3 Answers
Peter
from New Jersey asked:
May 30, 2021
Can you fish this reel in saltwater? 
1 Answer
This reel was designed for saltwater. 
Submitted by: Paul Olah on May 31, 2021

Lewhutch
from CT asked:
April 24, 2021
Can you purchase the 3000 with a round handle?
1 Answer
The only size available with the round handle is the 5000 size. 
Submitted by: Austin - TackleDirect Customer Service on May 6, 2021

Barry Hancock
from Virginia asked:
October 28, 2020
Does the 3000 model come with the cross carbon drag washers?
1 Answer
Yes, the 3000 model and up do contain the more durable cross carbon drag washers which also allow for wider range of drag settings
Submitted by: Alex T on October 29, 2020

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