I purchased two Vanford 500 reels last year and was not impressed. The reels were not as smooth as the 1000 size versions. Also the claim to be 4.9 oz but were actually heavier - around 5.1 oz. Not a big deal but still misrepresented. For the money i just stuck with the 1000 size. Just slightly heav...

Nice

Those foam knobs can be tricky.
I've ruin a few trying to take them off. But if you're not trying to save them, then it's not an issue.

I tried to like the regular Chronarch and the mgl version, but hated the frame. While the reels were smooth and casted well, the upper edge of the side plate dug into my palm the way I hold my reels. So they had to go. If they would redesign the reels, I might try them again. Wonder if shimano will ...

If i only had to choose one, it would be the Exist.
I do love the Stella's but in my hand the Exist feels better.
My current Stella's stay at home. My Exist's are usually in the boat with me.
But why just one model. Probably end up getting both reels eventually.

My only gripe is the trigger. Way too short for my liking.
If it was a normal size, wouldn't love these rods.

triple_illusion wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 23, 2022 8:45 pm

I still love my Core 50 's also.

Digitaka has Certates starting around $340.
Thats a pretty good deal if looking for a new one.

I'm disappointed that the new bantam didn't lose any weight. That's my biggest complaint about the current model. At this time I see no real reason to up grade.

To me, shimano made the new handle wrong. I dont like the forward grip design. I dont hold my rod with most of my fingers in front of the reel foot.
I guess I'll just hold on to my old models.

I like the current model.
I'm not sure about the price of the new model.
Daiwa may be pricing themselves out of the game.

I only have the old 14 Conquest models but i wouldn't worry about the handle. You can always change it out.
I've changed all mine out to 95mm handles. Makes turning the handle more effortless.

Does anyone use the 1611M+ for jerkbaits….Vision 110s?? I agree with goldrod. This rod feels alittle too over powering for a regular diving jerkbait. It can work but not my first choice. I find the 6'10" poison adrena a slightly better fit, but it's still more stout than the 6'10" med expride. The ...

Any reviews on the new presso?

I've been looking at that rod. It seems fairly sensitive.
Please give us more details as you fish it some more.
I may pick one up this year.
Also might pick up a major craft finetail stream rod.
Or a tenryu rays spectra.