If you're a guy who holds his spinning reel between his ring and middle finger, you're likely not gonna like the new Vanford (and other new Shimano's). I hate that they've gone to this new design. I've learned to hold mine between my ring finger and pinky now, to the point where that feels more natural to me, even when fishing my Daiwa's etc. And I've been a lifelong middle finger/ring finger guy. 

@NorthernBasser

the Design that you're complaining and that others have complained on the forum before 

is specific to Vanford and the CI4+ frame.   

 

It's definitely not enough to write off Other Shimano, because Stradic remains the Best Buy in a quality spinning reel. 

The other Shimano worm-drive reels don't have the short knee issue. 

Stradic 2000 .................................................................................Vanquish 2000

Twin Power 3000

don't have a Vanford to compare side-by-side, because plastic-composite-frame spinning reels are never on my purchase list. 

 

@The Bassman - Must be Pianist fingers. 

I must be missing something here. I've got five Vanfords on Zodias rods and don't experience any problems. I've always held my reels between my middle and ring fingers. I do cushion the stem with Trigger Happy comfort grips but that's because of arthritis in my fingers. I find the reels to be a joy to fish with. Maybe I was born with "Shimano hands".

No problem here with my Vanford on a Zodias.

8 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

@NorthernBasser

 

@The Bassman - Must be Pianist fingers. 

My music teacher in fourth grade examined my hands and told me I should play the radio.

10 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

@NorthernBasser

the Design that you're complaining and that others have complained on the forum before 

is specific to Vanford and the CI4+ frame.   

 

It's definitely not enough to write off Other Shimano, because Stradic remains the Best Buy in a quality spinning reel. 

The other Shimano worm-drive reels don't have the short knee issue. 

Stradic 2000 .................................................................................Vanquish 2000

Twin Power 3000

don't have a Vanford to compare side-by-side, because plastic-composite-frame spinning reels are never on my purchase list. 

 

@The Bassman - Must be Pianist fingers. 

Ok, good to know. I had read a few other places that Shimano is going to that new design with all their spinning reels. So I just figured that was the case.