Shimano reel technologies
INSTANT DRAG - allows the drag setting to be switched from free spool to a ‘fight’ setting by tightening the Instant Drag lever on the front of the spool in only a few turns.
RIGID CAST - Adopts the optimum balance design that suppresses the deflection of the body and main shaft. By obtaining rigidity and lightness that can withstand the impact of the cast, the release timing is stable, and the flight distance and accuracy are dramatically improved.
INFINITY X ROSS - Advances in gear tooth surface design and manufacturing technology have improved the contact area between the drive gear and pinion gear. As a result, we succeeded in distributing the load applied to the tooth surface of the gear over a wider area. It is prevented from being damaged due to intensive damage, and its durability has been improved to about twice * compared to the conventional design.
INFINITY LOOP - "Super" tight winding that goes beyond tight winding. Due to the evolution of the internal structure, the speed at which the spool moves up and down is overwhelmingly slowed down. By winding the line on the spool in an orderly and precise manner, we succeeded in significantly reducing the emission resistance of the line. A cast feel that seems to come off and a smooth line delivery have been achieved.
INFINITY DRIVE - The conventional X-SHIP structure that realizes light winding has evolved into a more powerful structure. Sliding resistance is greatly reduced by supporting the main shaft, which was previously supported by pinion gears, with a special low friction bush. Furthermore, the rotation torque is greatly reduced by applying special surface treatment and special processing to the main shaft itself. It has evolved into a reel that can be actively wound even under high load.
ANTI-TWIST FIN - Elastic fins are installed close to the line roller. By suppressing the slack of the line, the phenomenon that the line falls off at the bottom of the spool and the phenomenon that the line is wound around the spool while being twisted are reduced.
DURA CROSS - New drag washer with new material. The material is reinforced by weaving new fibers in a shape orthogonal to the fiber direction that constitutes the conventional drag washer. We have succeeded in increasing the wear resistance by 10 times or more * while maintaining the smooth drag performance.
* Based on our comparison test
NEW SHAPE AR-C SPOOL - The shape has been changed to a line trouble-free shape without changing the basic performance of the conventional AR-C spool. By changing the shape and angle of the spool ring and drag knob side, troubles involving the line on the drive knob side can be greatly suppressed. In addition, the spool ring uses a barrier-coated spool ring that has been subjected to strong wear resistance treatment that has been proven in Stella SW. The smooth initial state lasts.
XT-7 - is the original SHIMANO composite reel material, used on reel bodies and spools. XT-7 is reliable, robust and lightweight.
XGT-7 - XGT7 SHIMANO Graphite is stronger than normal used material. It’s developed using the latest technology for improved rigidity and longevity.
Ci4+ - SHIMANO’s Ci4+ is a composite (composite = two or more raw materials used) material with very special characteristics and is actually stronger than the original Ci4 material. Since Ci4+ does not contain any metal, so it is impervious to rust. Ci4+ parts are lighter and stronger than any other composite material SHIMANO is using in their products.
Magnesium - Magnesium is used by SHIMANO for a select number of ultra high quality reels where weight saving is essential. The use of magnesium offers a weight reduction up to 10% compared to aluminium and can cope with both lightweight and
high rigidity.
Cold Forged Aluminium - Cold Forging means forging aluminium at a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. Very heavy pressure is used to forge the aluminium or magnesium into it’s shape and this technology results in super strong and rigid reel parts. The commercial name of this technology which is used by SHIMANO is HAGANE.
A-RB - SHIMANO Stainless Steel Anti-Rust Bearings have undergone a special heat treatment resulting in high metal strength and long lasting corrosion resistance.
S A-RB - Shielded Stainless Steel Anti-Rust Bearings. These bearings have undergone a special heat treatment resulting in high metal strength. Shielded A-RB bearings use either a rubber shield or stainless steel shield (depending on bearing size) for the ultimate in corrosion resistance and contaminant protection against sand, salt or dust.
AR-C Spool - AR-C is a spool-lip design technology by SHIMANO. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations, it has been determined that the AR-C spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip
design, while preventing backlashes and wind knots. It also allows the line to fl ow off the spool in smaller loops during the cast which means less line slap on the fi rst guide.
Long Stroke Spool - Increases the casting distance. This feature can be found on many of the new front drag reels in the CoreSolid and Magnumlite series and is very noticeable when using small ‘fi nesse’ type lures.
Barrier Coat Spool - improves protection to corrosion, therfore, improving durability.
Magnumlite - Magnumlite is a revolutionary cold forged lightweight aluminium used to construct our light weight baitcasting spools.
HAGANE Body - A reel with HAGANE Body has a body made out of precision machined cold-forged aluminium or magnesium. The creates stiffness and impact resistance, why at the same time eliminating flexing of the body. The HAGANE Body is highly rigid and protects gear rotation performance from heavy loads and shocks.
G Free Body - G Free Body technology has been developed to shift the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod. This has been achieved by moving the oscillation mechanism more towards the top of the reel. By moving the centre of gravity closer to the angler’s hand position, the G Free Body helps to reduce fatigue and enhance casting comfort.
HAGANE GEAR is produced using SHIMANO’s cold forging technology, without any additional machining. This retains the Integrity and strength of the material.
X-SHIP is a two point pinion gear support which creates a STRONG Gearing foundation and maximises power transmission from the handle to the rotor.
MICROMODULE II GEAR is an improved version with even smoother performance. Super-refined teeth provide ultra smooth transmission.
SILENTDRIVE is a total redesign of 11 internal components with the result of reducing microscopic handle play and eliminating noise and any unnatural feeling from the worm shaft. The combination of the redesigned components and extremly fine tolerence engineering produces silent and super smooth reeling, even when under pressure.
Parallel Body - Parallel Body is a feature that is designed to improve dynamic line fl ow from the reel to the fi rst guide. On many reels the spool is aligned slightly upwards towards the rod blank, but with Parallel Body it is at exactly 90° to the blank. The result is less line slap the blank as it travels towards the fi rst guide during casting.
X-Tough Drag - X-Tough Drag incorporates large diameter drag washers at the base of the spool, which provide greater drag stability. The result is smooth and consistent drag performance throughout the fight. The Coil Wave Spring features steady elasticity at any compression level, and little deformation under repeated compression.
XX-Tough Drag - Each drag part that withstands the fierce running is made of metal and abrasion-resistant carbon washers made exclusively for Stella SW. In addition to the drag washers that were previously placed at the bottom, the spool structure has been improved to allow for larger washers to be installed at the top. This evolution has improved drag durability. Thanks to the evolution of the drag structure and the synergistic effect of the heat sink drag, we have succeeded in reducing the loss of drag force due to heat by approximately 30% compared to previous models.
Heat Sink Drag - Heatsink drag improves performance by transferring heat away from the spool, reducing spool surface temperature by up to 100 degrees.
Rigid Support Drag - When hooking a large fish, the smoothness of the initial movement of the drag is the most important to avoid line break. By supporting the spool with the main shaft and two bearing links in the spool, it is possible to suppress the spool’s flutter and to provide stable and smooth drag performance.
Rapid Fire Drag - Rapid Fire Drag is a drag system which is very precise and fast at the same time. It enables adjustment of the drag from heavy to light settings (and vice-versa) in only half a turn of the drag knob. Other reels sometimes require 1 or 2 full
turns to do this. At the same time the different drag settings are very detailed, so the angler is able to adjust the drag to exactly the right settings.
Cross Carbon Drag - This carbon drag material provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest SHIMANO drag performance ever.
Waterproof Drag - The Waterproof Drag contains rubber gaskets which are placed to protect the drag system. It seals the drag against intrusion of the elements such as water and dust.
X-Protect - is a three-lipped rubber seal system which is designed to keep low pressure water out of the reel. The grease between the second and third lips resists high pressure water. Besides the rubber seals, a labyrinth construction is added in order to make it waterproof for a much longer time. All of this does not effect the smooth rotor rotation or line roller performance.
New X-Protect - reduces the intrusion of water into the line roller, ensuring that the initial performance is maintained. The NEW X-Protect installed in this model is a technology that enhances the durability of the line roller by using centrifugal force to expel water to the outside in addition to the "labyrinth structure + special water-repellent grease". A "new structure" has been adopted that provides a water-stopping wall on the line roller from the conventional structure and uses the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotor to expel water to the outside. NEW X-Protect significantly suppresses the intrusion of foreign matter contained in water and also protects the line roller by promoting the expulsion of water that has invaded. It suppresses unpleasant noise, not only provides a comfortable rotation feel but also improves durability by about three times in our test comparison.
X-Shield - By placing sealing gaskets in 12 critical locations throughout the rigid aluminium body, SHIMANO is able to create a water resistant structure that can hold up against the toughest conditions.
CoreProtect - CoreProtect is a SHIMANO technology which is developed to keep water out of the reel, without creating a heavier rotation feeling. This innovation is used in three areas of the reel:
- The Drag Area. This is the most critical area when comes to balancing water resistance without affecting the light and smooth rotation of the reel. A surface protection coating causes water to bead. This beading action prevents water from flowing into the small crevices.
- The Body Area: To protect the body, CoreProtect utilizes a series of 12 different seals and a fl at body joint with surface treatment. The anti-reverse switch has also been removed from the body.
- The Line Roller: A line roller with CoreProtect has a sealed one-piece design that provides water resistance and low maintenance. The sealed design does not require oil as part of regular maintenance.
E.I. - Shimano's proprietary surface treatment of the spool and body allow corrosion resistance more than double the conventional surface treatment.
Magnumlite (MGL) Rotor - The Magnumlite Rotor is an ultra-light improved rotor made out of Ci4+ material. The profi le of the rotor is made asymmetrical and the bail arm mechanism, which is usually situated on the same side as the line roller, has been moved to the opposite side. Both of these changes improve the balance. The rotor rigidity at the line roller side has been improved which reduces the defl ection under maximum pressure by up to 30%. Also the line roller is made of lightweight material, the bail is made from titanium and the rotor thickness has been optimized. All of this results in a lighter rotor, improved balance and is saving a 14% in rotation inertia.
METAL ROTOR- experience the featherweight rigid metal rotor made from Aluminium and Mangesium alloys. The high rigidity of the rotor will allow you to fish at ease without worries of distortion. Sturdy yet light, the reeling motion will feel unimaginably smooth.
X Rigid Rotor - SHIMANO’s X Rigid Rotor is an extra strong and durable rotor. The shape and thickness of the aluminium rotor creates high rigidity that results in more fi sh fi ghting power. Increased mass of the aluminium rotor generates more inertia
resulting in easier fi shing of heavy jigs and high resistance lures.
X RIGID HANDLE - new cold forged aluminum handle has a 35% increase in rigidity vs. previous resulting in more power under heavy load. The new one-piece shaft cover incorporates an aluminum outer shell and stainless steel core. This new configuration allows the shaft casing to thoroughly and accurately encase the top of the handle shank, resulting in increased rigidity of the entire handle.
X RIGID BAIL - the use of a large diameter titanium alloy wire loop increases the overall hardness. In addition to excellent toughness and impact resistance, titanium alloy materials bring unparalleled lightweight and corrosion resistance.
Aero Wrap - Aero Wrap is a worm gear oscillation system with a specially designed pitch to create optimal oscillation speeds for the AR-C spool design. The one speed oscillation system provides a line lay with one speed (the same speed upwards and
downwards). The two-speed oscillation system (the spool moves upward quickly and downwards slowly) layers the line onto the spool in a precise criss-cross pattern that reduces line-to-line friction when casting.
Varispeed II - Varispeed II takes care of a consistent spool speed, which is achieved by altering the speed of the oscillation cam. This is done by an oval gearing instead of a wormshaft.
One Piece Bail - One Piece Bail is a bail made of one piece of material, which allows the line to slide very smoothly over the bail to the line roller. Its seamless design reduces friction and reduces the chance of tangles or cuts to the bail arm.
HI-SPEED DRAG is SHIMANO’s fastest drag system and can change the drag setting from free-spool mode to fighting mode with only a very small turn to the knob located on the front of the spool.
SPOOL REDUCERS - SHIMANO Spool Reducers instantly reduce the line capacity of the spool. Supplied with Big Pit reels, there are three sizes: 3500 - 0.20mm = 200m / 6000 - 0.30mm = 200m / 10000 - 0.40mm = 300m.
Slower spool oscillation reduces the speed the line travels up and down the spool on the cast. This results less friction as line leaves the spool and reduced drag on the lead, which improves casting distance and accuracy.
SHIMANO STANDARD Oscillation (up to 20 wraps per cycle) outperforms the industry standard.
SHIMANO SLOW Oscillation (up to 40 wraps per cycle) exceeds almost anything else ever seen.
Super Slow Oscillation systems:
- SUPER SLOW 5 (55 wraps per cycle);
- SUPER SLOW 10 (105 wraps per cycle) the ultimate line lay.
DC- is a highly advanced digital control system which generates its own electricity to power a micro-computer. This calculates spool rotation at 1000 times per second and makes adjustments to the spool rotational resistance during the cast preventing over-runs or excessive braking. The revolutionary system features a magnet set in the spool shaft which generates electricity when rotating inside the copper coil placed in the reel body. Braking force is instantaneously controlled from 0 to 100%. Batteries are not necessary as the micro-computer generates power.
I-DC5 - A broad selection of 3 internal modes and 5 external dial settings.
I-DC4 - An easy to use, 4 settings, externally adjustable brake dial.
SVS INFINITY is a centrifugal braking system that uses small weights on the inside of the roller. The usual brake settings can be selected with the external brake controller. For additional and even finer gradation, the inner weights can be additionally switched on or off in order to reduce or increase the braking resistance.
FTB (FINESSE TUNE BRAKE SYSTEM) is designed for ultra lightweight finesse fishing and uses a magnet moving mechanism that is mounted on the internal frame of the reel not the spool. This enables the spool to move with almost no friction, making the use of ultra-light lures possible. Adjustment can be made using an external dial.
VBS (VARIABLE BRAKE SYSTEM) is designed to slow the spool down as your lure looses momentum after casting. The VBS systems acts as a centrifugal break using the distribution of weight to create drag on the spool. This feature is designed to help prevent backlashes with your reel.
Magnumlite Spool is a lightweight spool design that reduces the inertia (force) required to rotate the spool. This is especially useful when casting and noticeably increases casting distance, especially with lightweight lures. The latest version Magnumlite Spool III is used on the new Metanium MGL.
CORESOLID BODY - a metal moulded body that combines high rigidity and compact size. Normally, level wind protector and side plate are made separately from the frame. These are now integrally molded with metal. It boasts high rigidity and achieves a compact body size that makes it easier for pairing. A strong body achieves a stable winding when fighting big fish and with high reliability, can handle powerful fights with confidence.
S3D (STABLE SPOOL DESIGN) - SHIMANO’s S3D technology leads to significantly reduced spool vibration. By designing a balanced and uniform thin wall aluminium constructed spool, S3D creates an incredibly smooth feeling when casting and retrieving lures.
INFINITYDRIVE - produces stronger and lighter winding by repositioning the support bearings on the pinion shaft and optimizing the gearing position for maximum resistance reduction.
SILENT TUNE is a new SHIMANO technology. As with any casting reel, the spool rides on bearings. These bearings have pockets in the frame or side plates which house the bearings and are given some tolerance in order to make the bearings more easily changeable. While the tolerance is necessary, it allows the bearings to move slightly during casting leading to the smallest of vibrations that focus energy away from the core of the reel and reduce the distance and smoothness of the cast. Silent Tune technology is SHIMANO’s answer to this issue. They engineered a method to add small springs under the bearings which keep the bearings in place ensuring proper alignment and eliminating any movement or vibration that may occur.
SUPER FREE SPOOL SYSTEM (SF) - SF was designed to eliminate friction on the spool shaft during the cast. In standard baitcasting reels, when the clutch bar is pressed down, the pinion gear is freed and can drag on the spool shaft creating friction that can limit the length of a cast. With SF, the pinion gear is supported by a ball bearing so that when the clutch is disengaged in preparation for a cast, the pinion gear and spool shaft are kept in perfect alignment.
S COMPACT BODY - S-Compact Body allows for all-day comfort and improved fishability by making the palming side plate up to 25% smaller than A side plate.
Fine Dot LCD - Display provides ultra clear resolution in full sunlight.
Quickfire II - for easy and fast one-handed casts, the line and trigger self-center and are within easy grasp of the angler's index finger.
Propulsion Line Management System - the most obvious component of the Propulsion Line Management System is the new Propulsion spool lip design. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations it has been determined that this new spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip design while preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.
Gigamax motor - brushless design that provides high torque and high speed with high durability.
EXCITING DRAG SOUND - a technology which enables a drag sound on a baitcasting reel, without using a rattle/clicker function. Making it easy to judge whether a fish is pulling drag and giving an advantage to the angler.
E-EXCITING DRAG SOUND - digitalising the exciting drag sound, this feature instills excitement in the angler when fighting fish.
HEG - consists of not only the gears, but also the frame, setplate, and handle-side sideplate. First we increased the size of the drive gear and the pinion gear to offer increased leverage and power. By using a one-piece frame that incorporates the setplate and adding a one-piece stamped sideplate, we have eliminated flex in the drive train that causes gears to bind under pressure.
Thermo Adjust Drag - a control function designed to suppress abnormal heat generation of the drag so as to maintain stable drag performance. If the drag slips while the motor of the electric reel is on, the gear will idle and cause an abnormal heat generation in the drag portion. In order to suppress this heat generation, when the drag is slipping, the motor speed is automatically reduced.
Heat Free System II - dissipates motor heat to ensure Forcemaster delivers peak power all day long.
Tankenmaru System - It is an electric reel compatible with the finder circle system that allows you to see the fish finder on the ship's side. Since it can be connected to the cordless handset of the Detective Maru, there is no doubt that the fun of boat fishing will be upgraded.
Tankenmaru WIRELESS - you can wirelessly communicate with the Detective Maruko without using the optional communication cable. Installed in the digital counter.