Context: I am a kayaker and therefore this new reel will be used 99% of the time on a kayak, not a boat (if that makes any difference in the approach of your answer). 

I currently have a shimano backbone slow jig rod paired to a Penn spinfisher VI 2500 which i love, but the long butt on the rod and little space i have on my pedal kayak to do all those magic twitches enticing our loved fishies, I have developed a nasty tendinitis on my wrist (I also like to do long sessions - 6/8 hours) as a result of my bad posture to work the rod. 

So I decided to get a dedicated softbait rod (shorter butt) so it doesn't protrude my elbow. And I did, got an Okuma NanoMatrix. While on the shop I decided to get a second reel (because... why not), sadly the Spinfisher vi 2500 is discontinued and doesn't seem to be available anywhere, I was offered the 3500 version, but then these reels are a lot heavier than all the other brands (maybe because of the waterproofing?). 

On the other hand all the other reels in the $200/250 bracket seem very bad quality in relation to the Penns, so now I went down the rabbit hole of 'higher end' reels. 

I was offered a Daiwa Sol III 4000 (which is the same size than my spinfisher 2500 (), with almost double the drag (6.7 vs 12kg), and also 100 grams lighter than the former) for $350. I understand this is an older reel (2017 - older tech) but It is sooo light and smooth than it almost makes me weary that this little thing will break pulling a piper!  - also very little reviews online about this specific model

On the other hand I heard that Shimano has brough the Vanford ($370) line which seem to be as light and strong as the daiwa, but also 'waterproof' for only $20 more of the Daiwa. 

Last but no least, I wonder if I bite the bullet and go all the way and go Shimano Vanquish ($700) or Daiwa Certate ($800)? remember I only want something in the 2000/4000 (max) - perhaps 3000 is ideal. - have not tried or seen neither the vanquish or certate in real life only youtube.

My main concern is weight and waterproofing (or similar, essentially something that wont die when I capsize or splash it with saltwater).

thoughts? 

I do own a Spinfisher VI 2500 which i LOVE! - is solid, small, tough, and smooth and waterproof. BUT, they are discontinued and are not available to purchase anymore. 

I have been offered a 3500 and upwards in lieu but they are way to heavy (over 400grams + rod) to have in hand for 6/8 hours straight working the softies. 

So out of the rest of manufacturers that have a 'light takle' offering, Abu, Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, etc I had it nailed to a Daiwa Sol and a shimano Vanford. 

I just got back from Marine deals where I was able to try the following:

- Shimano Vanford 3000

- Daiwa Sol 3 3000

- Shimano Vanquish 3000

- Penn Battle III 3000

- Penn Slammer III 3500

- Abu Garcia Roxani 3000

what I found is that, the Penn and Abu though not 'heavy' at all, are heavier than the 2 shimanos and the daiwa. 

Between the Shimanos, I couldn't tell the difference to be honest to justify the 330 price dollar difference ($370 Vanford - $699 vanquish). Yes I understand they have different materials and all, but in terms of weight, handling, sounds, etc the difference is certainly not much. 

The Daiwa felt the smoother and quieter of all of the above. 

The Penn Slammer III 3500 is a 'beast' - tough, solid, etc perhaps a bit too much for my taste. 

I do love my spinfisher vi 2500 and wanted another but they are now discontinued (no shop in auckland, according to google, seem to stock one). 

Having said that, my alternatives quickly escalated ($$$) I know. The other Penn alternatives, were not sealed at all, and the only ones that had 'water resistant', 'splash proof', 'sealed', and keywords that would hint some sort of 'water proofing' ended up being the Shimano and Daiwa. - Understanding all fishing reels are made to be on the water that goes without saying, right?

Will report back, but out of all my alternatives, it will be a vanford or the sol. I just wanted to know some NZ experiences with either or, cause there is very little info with these reels in NZ environments (other than the promo beauty videos of each product)

They however offered me a 'live liner' version of the 2500, that they had one in Tauranga and match the price. But it wouldnt arrive in time for this weekend (when i wanted/thought i could use my new setup). 

One of Penn NZ marketing person replied to me on facebook last week mentioning that a new Slammer IV is coming... in September. will see what that is all about. 

Yes, I most definitely could find a Spinfisher 2500 if I really wanted, and considered 'used' which I do not want. 

ooosh!  thats not good! - may I ask what did you replaced it with, or what are you currently fishing with? 

Okuma Revenger 30 for about $40. What have you got to lose and just might be surprised at what it will handle.

*edit* heck, I'll personally guarantee you'll be surprised. If not, I'll buy it off you for what you paid for it. How's that for a guarantee.

Agree with Shimano's service.

Shimano's front line is good (but a little room for improvement) and the actual side that sorts reels and **** out cannot be bettered in my fortunate experience.

Bang for bucks - I'd argue the Okuma Revengers are worth a shot. Far be it for me to stand in the way of anyone who wants to spend their hard earned on anything they want though.

I purchased a vanford last night. Got a lemon. grinding bearing on the spool, and loose drag (has a play when you tighten it up), so its going back to Marine Deals today. 

The warranty was a big decider in terms of going Shimano vs Daiwa, HOWEVER, the saleman was clear that the '10 years warranty' has lots of grey areas, which essentially translate to 'we only cover if the reel breaks', bearings, parts, screws, and essentially anything else, is NOT covered. So that is that. 

On the other hand I spoke directly to Daiwa NZ about the Sol and other reels for my circumstances (kayak - waterproofing - light but enough power), they reckon the Sol is more than enough and made for saltwater use BUT, the 'anti reverse' lever is a water entry point that might need servicing along the way which is despite the rest of the reel being 'weather sealed' (he used that word to refer to magseal). 

As an alternative, suggested a BG MQ or any with their 'monocoque' bodies as it has even less points of entry as well as weathersealing. He suggested the BG MQ 3000 / 4000 in the same price bracket to that of Sol III, BUT is not magsealed like the sol. 

Then is the shiny Certate and upwards that are fully weathersealed.... to a price of course ($800 currently). 

Spoke about warranty, they also said that they only offer 1 year and 5 year to their mid-top range. which the sol isnt, but the certate definitely does. 

Im gonna give the Stradic FL 4000XG a look, otherwise, thanks to The Tamure Kid for pointing out to the Complete Angler page on CHCH an order a 3rd Spinfisher 2500

I tried it yesterday side by side with the Vanquish and Vanford at Marine deals. The Twin Power is not 'water resistant' like the other two. so I discarded it. - beautiful reel though!

3000 not magsealed the 4000 is. Had the 3000 a year longer. Well looked after and serviced by myself. Magsealed 4000 just gets a good wash / light spray with WD40

I'm really puzzled by your comment  

are we talking this real ...

Yup, that is the one. I mentioned exactly that to the sales person at Marine deals yesterday (you know, to confirm literature with whatever they are told when a brand rep drops their products on their shops), in fact he offered it to me because he acknowledged that he owns a Twinpower. so when I said, hows the weather sealing of that one in relationship to the vanquish and the cheaper vanford.... he said, yeah it doesnt have one. I was like - 'are you sure'? yeah i think the vanquish/vanford would be better at that. 

I just saw it on the box at the store - Magsealed

ok, thanx Almo ... so where is the part "not water resistant" ?

Dilemma is over guys. Thanks everyone for their advice and opinions... tried a different shop to Marine Deals (returned the faulty vanford) this time. Popped into Yeehaa, and tried this Stradic and Twin Power side by side. I ended up with...

the rod, is it CD?

btw. you should post the great pic in this forum  http://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/auckland-yakkers_topic33409_page788.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/auckland-yakkers_topic33409_page788.html

Should probably preface this post with an acknowledgement that whatever anyone spends, whatever brand, as long as it's putting a smile on your dial it's worth the price.

With that out of the way, seeing how nobody acknowledged my earlier suggestions, and because I like a challenge, I took my own advice and bought said $28.50 Okuma Revenger with today being its first outing. 

So, for the record, it's about 90% cheaper than the Stradic, lighter, and seems to do the job just fine:

Until this thread is deleted, I'll keep posting pics of what this lil' cheapie catches.

:-)

This morning's workout for the $28.50 wee Okuma Revenger 30 was getting close to 20kgs:

Can ya guys hear me now or do I need to turn it up some more? Not sure I can but there's a shark out there somewhere...

:-)

and, yeah, that's the world famous in NZ king-slaying  sub $40 mighty Shimano Eclipse rod doing the business yet again.