Hi all, 

 

I am looking at a Shimano vanford and it will be in the 2500- 4000 size. Do they all have the t-handle style knobs at the end of the reel handle or are there any versions that have the smaller, rectangular handle? I prefer the latter, but it’s hard to tell from pictures online.

 

Thanks!

Steve 

T-Handle starts at the 3000 size.

A-Jay

Thanks! I vaguely remember that being the case for the stradics. Maybe that’s why I stuck with the 2500. Guess I’ll being doing the same thing this time around. Much appreciated. 

Easy and cheap swap.  Get the reel you want.  Change knob if needed.

12 minutes ago, Rockhopper said:

Easy and cheap swap.  Get the reel you want.  Change knob if needed.

That’s a fair point. 

I buy 2500 reels and purchase / install the 3000 T-handles all the time.

Big t-handle fan.

Prefer a bit more to hold on to.

One could do the reverse - put the 2500 handle/knob on a 3000 as well.

A-Jay

JDM reels have different handles than USDM as well in some sizes. If you are ordering from Japan, take note.  

5 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

JDM reels have different handles than USDM as well in some sizes. If you are ordering from Japan, take note.  

I bought a Vanford FA 2500 (JDM) a couple months ago and it came with the smaller knobs.

7 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

JDM reels have different handles than USDM as well in some sizes. If you are ordering from Japan, take note.  

I’m in Tokyo right now.  Should walk into a tackle shop manana.   Konichwah!    I’m picking up a Vanford 2500 for a good buddy who never takes $ from me when he hosts our annual camping trip.  He’ll take a reel, I suspect.  It’s been three years of camping and I never pay much.   I think he prefers the small handle of the old ci4 Stradic.   Hope it’s the one. 

A bit far-fetched but I liked the small handle until I used a 4000 Vanford.  I still like the small handle for the feel, but I think  the bigger handle give you more sensitivity.  Lots of thumb area on top to enhance the feeling I guess.

ahhh - Livre Union counterbalanced handle w/ EF30 knob on Twin Power C3000MHG

But if you just like the knob, it swaps into Shimano handle - all compatible aftermarket knobs list Shimano-A.  

 

11 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

ahhh - Livre Union counterbalanced handle w/ EF30 knob on Twin Power C3000MHG

But if you just like the knob, it swaps into Shimano handle - all compatible aftermarket knobs list Shimano-A.  

 

I have never used a spinning reel with a counterbalanced handle. Do you find the performance to be worth the cost (given that the ones I see on the Hedgehog site cost between $100 - $200) and, I assume, the extra weight?

On 11/17/2025 at 7:28 PM, A-Jay said:

I buy 2500 reels and purchase / install the 3000 T-handles all the time.

Big t-handle fan.

Prefer a bit more to hold on to.

One could do the reverse - put the 2500 handle/knob on a 3000 as well.

A-Jay

Do you buy them somewhere online or do you call shimano?

@Big Hands

I didn't pay quite that much, because SquidMania used to offer any Livre handle + knob combination at discounted price.  Just looked back at my invoice - I paid $110.  

SquidMania now only sells the handles Livre makes for their Mad Crow line.  

I bought through my Japan broker (of 18 years - 6% brokerage fee, ships combined orders from multiple vendors), who's also closing shop at the end of this year.  Tonight he's shipping out my swan-song purchase, a 5'9' Kuramochi Synapse ML rod blade.  

 

I wouldn't worry about Livre handle weight - handles and titanium-shell knobs are lighter than stock handles and rubber knobs.  

5000 stock rubber knob on left weighs 35 g - Yumeya alloy knob weighs 24 g - didn't weigh tee-handle (but they tend to grab lines in busy kayak lap) - Livre EP37 on right weighs 14 g.  

 

What you gain with counter-balanced or double handle is they offset the eccentric weights of rotor, bail and single handle from turning under gravity, which tends to push your hand when it's falling.  Balanced handle will turn a 3000 Twin Power into a finesse reel.  

8 minutes ago, stk44 said:

Do you buy them somewhere online or do you call shimano?

Straight from Shimano.  

I use the diagram and parts numbers listed on the paperwork that comes with the reel.

Do the same for extra spools.

 

Q: How do I obtain service information or parts for my Shimano reel? 

A: Technical Support and parts can be obtained from Shimano by phone 1-877-577-0600 or on our online parts shop fishshop.shimano.com 

To order parts for your reel online Click Here 

A-Jay

On 11/18/2025 at 9:22 PM, A-Jay said:

Straight from Shimano.  

I use the diagram and parts numbers listed on the paperwork that comes with the reel.

Do the same for extra spools.

 

Q: How do I obtain service information or parts for my Shimano reel? 

A: Technical Support and parts can be obtained from Shimano by phone 1-877-577-0600 or on our online parts shop fishshop.shimano.com 

To order parts for your reel online Click Here 

A-Jay

Thanks! After I made the switch to shimano, I’ve never needed replacement parts (knock on wood) so I appreciate the info! 

Here is the option in Japan for a 2500 Vanford. 
 

I just placed the order for my Vanford 3000. I think that will be the better option for 8 lb flouro. I have not bought a new spinning reel since my Stradic Ci4+, so I’m super pumped to get it. I am going to give that bigger paddle handle a fair shot and then will order the 2500 handle if needed. Thanks for all the help! 

line capacity is 200 yds 10-lb mono, so you probably want to back with heavier mono - use this line stack calculator:  

https://www.pattayafishing.net/advanced-fishing-reel-line-capacity-estimator/

 

@stk44
That's the whole point of the line-stack calculator.  

The more line length you spool on a spinning reel, the more the line management error adds up to hourglass, etc.  Shimano line management is probably good for 250 yds, but if you use 100-yd 8-lb fluoro working line, you can stack it over 80 yds 15-lb mono to fill the spool, or even less backing if you use bigger mono.  

Edited November 24, 2025Nov 24 by bulldog1935
below

19 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

line capacity is 200 yds 10-lb mono, so you probably want to back with heavier mono - use this line stack calculator:  

https://www.pattayafishing.net/advanced-fishing-reel-line-capacity-estimator/

Thanks. I was going to use the same diameter mono. You think I should use bigger?