Shimano Vanquish FC C5000XGCX vs Shimano Cardiff 301A
The selected categories are different, score metrics vary from category to another.

Shimano Vanquish FC
Spinning
95.00 out of 100
Value for money4 out of 5
Quality classExcellent
Durability9.5 out of 10
Ergonomics6.27 out of 10
Gear ratio6.2:2
Maximum drag11kg / 24.25lbs
Weight220g / 7.76oz
Line retireve per crank101 centimeter / 39.76 inch
Ball bearings12
Technical Specifications
- BrandSHIMANO
- The main category of the reelSpinning
- Price range~ €429.33
- Is saltwater resistantYes
- Spare spoolNo
- Reel sizeC5000XGC
- Handle typeSingle handle
- Drag typeFront drag
- Handle orientationLeft, Right
- Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.4/120

Shimano Cardiff 301A
Multireels
34.80 out of 100
Value for money3.5 out of 5
Quality classMedium
Durability3.69 out of 10
Ergonomics6.38 out of 10
Gear ratio5.8:1
Maximum drag5kg / 11.02 lbs
Weight252g / 8.89oz
Line retireve per crank61cm / 24.01 inch
Ball bearings4 A-RB + 1 RB
Technical Specifications
- BrandSHIMANO
- The main category of the reelMultireels
- Price range~ €88.60
- Is saltwater resistantNo
- Spare spoolNo
- Reel size301
- Handle typeDouble handle
- Drag typeStar drag
- Handle orientationLeft
- Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.25/285. 0.30/235, 0.40/40 lb/yds:12/230, 14/180
Conclusion
Shimano Vanquish FC C5000XGCX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 301A, offering significantly better performance in gear ratio (6.2:2) and maximum drag (11kg / 24,25lbs). While Shimano Cardiff 301A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Vanquish FC C5000XGCX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.
What's the difference between Shimano Vanquish FC and Shimano Cardiff 301A?
Shimano Vanquish FC C5000XGCX
- A fast gear ratio of 10 out of 10 (6.2:2), means the reel is built for speed and it's perfect for active retrieves, and quick follow ups
- With a great drag score 10 out of 10 (11kg / 24,25lbs), the reel is built to handle big fish confidently.. whatever the setting, freshwater or inshore salt
- A high retrieve rate of 9.6 out of 10 (101 centimeter / 39.76 inch), means the reel is made just for speed, perfect for speed fishing or covering water quickly
- Saltwater-safe design makes it perfect for spinning conditions.
Shimano Cardiff 301A
- A 7 out of 10 (4 A-RB + 1 RB) ball bearing gives a smooth performance across most typical fishing situations
Similar comparisons

Shimano 19 Stella 30000X vs Shimano TLD II A 50 IIX


Shimano 19 Stella 30000X vs Daiwa 21 Presso LT 1000 S-PX


Shimano Forcemaster 9000 A vs Shimano Catana FE 4000X


Shimano Tyrnos 50 II LRS vs Shimano 19 Stella 30000X


Shimano Tiagra 50WAX vs Shimano Ultegra C3000HGDX


Penn Squall II Levelwind 20 LW LC-Right handX vs Shimano Tyrnos 50 II LRS


Shimano Catana FE 4000X vs Daiwa 21 Presso LT 1000 S-PX


Shimano Ultegra C3000HGDX vs Shimano Catana FE 4000X


Daiwa 18 Prorex X LT 2500X vs Shimano 19 Stella 30000X


Daiwa 24 LUVIAS LT 4000DX vs Shimano Torium 20HGA / Right handX


Shimano Forcemaster 9000 A vs Daiwa Ninja LT 3000D-CX


Daiwa Ninja LT 3000D-CX vs Daiwa 24 LUVIAS LT 4000DX


Daiwa 21 Presso LT 1000 S-PX vs Shimano Forcemaster 9000 A


Daiwa 18 Prorex X LT 2500X vs Daiwa 20 Legalis LT 2500X


Shimano Tiagra 130AX vs Shimano 19 Stella 30000X


Penn Squall II Levelwind 20 LW LC-Right handX vs Shimano 19 Stella 30000X


Daiwa 20 Legalis LT 2500X vs Shimano Tiagra 130AX


Shimano Torium 20HGA / Right handX vs Shimano Catana FE 4000X


Shimano Torium 20HGA / Right handX vs Shimano 19 Stella 30000X


Shimano 19 Stella 10000 PGX vs Daiwa 20 Legalis LT 2500X
