It is available for the Japanese market. Good reel...I was looking at one but the only bearing you can add is a spool support bearing. I_fish has a review about it on his channel. Maybe someone will come out with a bearing to add to the line roller....making it a 2 bearing line roller.
Regards
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I would argue that the price difference between Vanford and Luvias LT is no more than $20 in the current market; too few current sellers of the former and too much availability for the latter, I guess. There was a bit of a lag in stocking Luvias FC LT models after production had switched to China, but now there is no shortage of FC LT2000S at about $250-260, depending on the exchange rate. Ballistic LT is surprisingly expensive, despite being positioned as a lower-tier model by Daiwa when compared to Luvias LT. I think both Daiwa and Shimano hit a sweet spot with Luvias LT and Vanford, respectively, and their price points. But I must say, having spent a few months fishing with various models from Luvias LT and Certate LT line-ups, I don't think I'll be entertaining other options anytime soon.
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So Shimano try to keep up with Daiwa after all. The long stroke spool is not long, in fact a tad shorter than Daiwa 2000. Simulate body size but as of now, I still say Ballistic or even Kage LT is smoother and lower inertia.
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Interesting....I like the pics and spool size comparisons. It is a good looking reel and should be the lightest of the two shown. Hard to beat the Daiwas in this price range. Looking forward to field test reports from your side of the country.
Oh I tested it good. I think Vanford should consider the same class as Ballistic FW about the same weight and features. The Vanford feel really solid, quite but not as smooth as Ballistic FW (might take more time to break in). At first I was really disappointed on the spool size since I expected it to be taller spool than Daiwa. Surprisingly the new spool lip on Vanford really help in casting department. I spooled Vanford with 4lb Nanofil pair with Crostage 7’3 Mebaru casting 1/16oz roadrunner marabou.
2020 Luvias is currently $265-270 on amazon.co.jp
A 2000 size reel should handle those with ease unless you're yanking them out of some heavier cover.
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