As the flagship of the MAGNUMLITE series, VANQUISH has long supported technical fishing styles. Now, a limited 2026 CE model makes its debut. Its focus lies in a special realm distinct from the 23VANQUISH. True to the name COMPETITION EDITION, this model is engineered for anglers who demand peak performance—such as area trout specialists and bass tournament competitors—pushing the limits of potential.

The development concept centers on overwhelming rotational sensitivity. To achieve this, we prioritized reducing rotational torque, even trimming some water-resist features found in the 23VANQUISH. The result is an unprecedented level of lightness in winding, delivering sensitivity and responsiveness beyond imagination. The direct feel and instantaneous feedback make you forget the reel is even there—transforming every retrieve into pure exhilaration.

The lineup includes 8 models, ranging from size 1000 to 2500. Core technologies such as INFINITYXROSS and INFINITYDRIVE remain, while every specification is refined to maximize winding sensitivity. This is a reel built to empower tournament anglers and dedicated enthusiasts who demand nothing less than perfection.

The body color adopts a deep black, distinct from the 23VANQUISH. Metallic components are finished in darker tones, creating a cool, refined presence. The monochromatic scheme—deliberately avoiding accent colors—reflects the unwavering philosophy of VANQUISH: prioritizing pure, direct operability over superficial exclusivity. More than a limited model, COMPETITION EDITION exudes a stoic presence beyond the current generation, making a quiet yet undeniable statement.

The MAGNUMLITE series stands as one of Shimano’s two core spinning reel concepts, alongside the CORESOLID series. While the CORESOLID series—topped by STELLA—pursues unwavering rotational stability, the MAGNUMLITE series is designed for effortless winding, focusing on lightness and instantaneous response.

Introduced in 2012 with the concept of “Direct Feel from Low Inertia,” VANQUISH has remained the pinnacle of the MAGNUMLITE series ever since. Its asymmetrical low-inertia rotor, crafted from lightweight yet highly rigid CI4+ carbon-reinforced material, enables smooth start-and-stop performance with minimal effort. The 23VANQUISH lineup spans from size 1000 to C5000, delivering unmatched versatility across freshwater and saltwater applications.

This exceptional lightness enhances sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest underwater changes—an advantage that defines the MAGNUMLITE series. VANQUISH truly shines in technical, aggressive lure presentations where anglers lead the game with precision. The ultra-low inertia ensures instantaneous response, enabling millimeter-level line slack control and seamless transitions between retrieve and pause. Unlike the CORESOLID series, which excels in continuous retrieves leveraging inertia, MAGNUMLITE thrives in strategies that demand rapid tempo shifts and meticulous control.

The concept behind the 26 Vanquish CE is to surpass even the exceptional sensitivity and response achieved by the 23 Vanquish.

For anglers who have experienced the refined performance of the 23 Vanquish, such an idea may seem improbable.

To tackle this challenge, Shimano’s development team examined every possibility.

Their conclusion was bold: reduce certain water-resistant elements within a range that does not compromise on-the-water performance.Specifically, the water-resistant seal previously used on the handle shaft of the 23 Vanquish was removed, and some of the bearings were changed from grease lubrication to oil.

As a result, rotational torque is reduced by approximately 25% compared to the 23 Vanquish, allowing anglers to detect subtle changes in current and lure vibration, and even execute lure actions timed to the moment a fish is expected to strike.

The handle shaft area was not simply left without a seal.

To offset the reduction in water-resistance performance, the 26 Vanquish CE features an exclusive design that minimizes the gap between the handle shaft and the body.

The graph above compares rotational torque between the 23 Vanquish and the 26 Vanquish CE, with handle rotation speed on the horizontal axis and rotational torque on the vertical axis.

At speed S1 (a dead-slow rotation of one full turn in three seconds), the 26 Vanquish CE requires roughly 25% less torque than the 23 Vanquish.

At speed S2 (high-speed rotation, such as during lure retrieval), torque is reduced by approximately 40% compared to the 23 Vanquish.

This improved response also enhances initial acceleration, enabling controlled lure actions without being hindered by starting resistance or inertia.

Although its water-resistance performance is one step below that of the 23 Vanquish, the reel remains suitable for both freshwater and saltwater use.

In saltwater settings, it maintains reliability in environments where direct exposure to seawater is relatively limited, such as light saltwater game or eging from breakwaters.

For the 1000 size, the goal was not simply optimizing line capacity—it was downsizing to achieve a level of rotational sensitivity and responsiveness that even the perfected C2000 size could not reach. With the 23 VANQUISH, Shimano developed a rotor exclusively for the 1000 size, further reducing weight and inertia compared to the C2000 rotor. The result: rotational sensitivity and response that surpass the C2000.

The 26 VANQUISH CE 1000SSS series is designed as a weapon for anglers who demand extreme precision—those who switch lures by tenths of a gram and engage in millimeter-level tactical battles. This breakthrough in rotational performance is something you need to experience.

Debuting for the first time with the 26 VANQUISH CE, the 1000SSS targets area trout tournament anglers with cutting-edge specifications. Many anglers will appreciate the familiar speed of 64 cm per handle rotation, delivering the control and tempo required for technical finesse fishing.

Both the 23 VANQUISH and the 26 VANQUISH CE offer C2500 and 2500 sizes tailored for bass fishing. Among these, the C2500SXG and 2500SHG share nearly identical specs in terms of line capacity and maximum retrieve length. However, due to differences in body and rotor design, the C2500SXG is 15 grams lighter than the 2500SHG.

This weight advantage makes the C2500SXG ideal for situations demanding delicate, high-precision control—standing out as a dedicated finesse machine for techniques such as small topwater presentations and micro hover-strolling. Meanwhile, the 2500SHG covers all-around bass fishing scenarios. By leveraging the enhanced rotational sensitivity and responsiveness of both models, anglers can unlock their full potential.

The handle is crafted from lightweight yet highly rigid CI4+ carbon-reinforced material, reducing not only the handle’s weight but also the overall reel weight—further enhancing rotational sensitivity and responsiveness. Additionally, handle knobs are tailored to each size:

1000 size features a compact, lightweight I-type knob for delicate finesse fishing.

C2000, C2500, and 2500 sizes adopt a thin, lightweight I-type knob with superior grip for confident control.

This meticulous attention to detail reflects VANQUISH’s philosophy of maximizing operability, delivering a truly dependable tool for tournament anglers and core enthusiasts who demand uncompromising performance.

INFINITYLOOP

“Casting Feel and Drag Performance Dramatically Evolved”

Building on five advanced technologies inherited from the 23 VANQUISH, the 26 VANQUISH CE achieves exceptional performance. INFINITYLOOP delivers ultra-precise line lay beyond conventional tight winding. By dramatically slowing spool oscillation, it wraps each line with meticulous precision. This reduces line release resistance, creating an effortless casting feel and ensuring smooth, stable drag performance—even during prolonged battles.

INFINITYXROSS

“Unmatched Gear Durability Without Sacrificing Vanquish’s Essence”

The heart of the reel features INFINITYXROSS, which expands gear tooth contact area to distribute load more evenly. This enhances gear durability while preserving VANQUISH’s hallmark lightness, sensitivity, and operability.

INFINITYDRIVE

“Powerful Winding for Total Control”

INFINITYDRIVE, integrated into the main shaft, reduces friction and rotational torque through optimized surface treatment and support structure. It maintains the MAGNUMLITE identity while enabling powerful winding to dominate even the toughest fights.

DURACROSS

“Superior Wear Resistance Supporting Reliable Drag Performance”

Drag washers feature DURACROSS, a reinforced material woven with fibers in a cross pattern. This design improves abrasion resistance while maintaining smooth, dependable drag performance.

ANTI-TWIST FIN

“Minimizing Line Trouble for Stress-Free Casting”

Positioned near the line roller, the ANTI-TWIST FIN suppresses line slack during retrieves, reducing issues like line drop under the spool and twisted line winding. It ensures smooth, trouble-free casting for a comfortable fishing experience.