From Passionable Fishing, our Japanese-language journal.

These are actually my first reels from the 2023 Vanquish range.

To my surprise, I found them among the gifts offered through furusato nōzei, Japan’s hometown tax-donation scheme. “Oh!” I thought, and applied straight away. They arrived surprisingly quickly too.

Now, to the reels themselves. First of all, they feel good in the hand. Very good.

The winding feel is nice. It differs from the previous model, with something I can only describe as a “NANO” feel—a particular fineness to it that I like.

The spool moves very little as I turn the handle. That, too, seems part of this “NANO” impression.

I have not fished with them yet, so I cannot say much more.

Since this is the 2023 model, it may seem rather late to be getting around to it. I had been considering it cautiously, and while I was still weighing things up, this opportunity came along. Well, I am pleased.

For now, they are going on these rods:

  • Breaden 410 titanium-tip rod: rod weight 39 g.
  • Magnum Craft titanium-tip rod: rod weight 32 g.
Originally published on our Japanese-language site, Passionable Fishing, on 30 Dec 2024. Translated for Avantgarde Fishing. These are the author’s personal observations at the time of writing. Product availability and fishing conditions may have changed.
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