Technologies

An improvement over the already easy-to-use Turn-Key access. Anglers only have to flip up the Turn-Key on the sideplate, then rotate it 1/4 turn to open the sideplate for quick VBS Adjustments.

Yet another improvement on the Easy Access System. This sideplate only requires 1/8 rotation to unlock the sideplate for the fastest VBS access.

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The original DC system had one pre-programmed braking curve on the DC circuit board inside the reel. The eight settings along this curve worked by increasing or decreasing the amount of braking force. It was an excellent, all-around curve, ideal for most bass fishing or inshore applications. However, the original DC system was not ideal for slow spool speeds, such as when skipping or pitching. The pre-programmed curve also didn't fully compensate for windy conditions or surf casting. So Shimano developed the next step in the evolution of DigitalControl, the 4x8 Digital Control Brake System. For this new system, Shimano thoroughly analyzed casting mechanisms for various environmental and mechanical conditions. Then they divided these situations into four different modes and created four profiles to handle them: Extreme Distance Mode X, a very specific profile that allows for more than 50,000 RPM; Long Distance Mode L, an all-around profile for most fishing applications; Accuracy Mode A, an excellent profile for skipping or pitching; and Wind Mode W, a profile for casts into a headwind. Each Mode has eight different brake-strength settings for a total of 32 brake settings.

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A-RB bearings are stainless steel ball bearings that have been through the A-RB treatment process, which makes them at least 10 times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel ball bearings. Providing easy maintenance and increased bearing speed, their no shield design allows for easy flushing of debris and easy lubrication, and lighter viscosity lubrication reduce friction and allow the bearing to spin faster and longer.

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By using A6063, Shimano is able to increase the corrosion resistance of the spool. This is especially important with the use of today's braided super lines, which tend to stay on the reel longer and retain water.

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Shimano combined lightweight A7075 aluminum with an aggressive porting pattern to produce an extremely light weight spool. This allows for low startup intertia for casting lightweight baits and an overall increase in useable freespool.

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This is a backup system to the Super Stopper that consists of a traditional pawl and ratchet. Should the Super Stopper roller bearing slip due to cold weather or over lubrication, the Assist Stopper kicks in to provide a solid hookset the instant the roller bearing begins to slip. Most times the angler will not even know this feature engages. The Assist Stopper also greatly reduces the chance of permanent damaged to the Super Stopper, allowing it to continue to function as designed.

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When engaged, the clicker increases the tension in freespool and activates a clicking alarm to alert you when a fish bites.

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The micro-click mechanism in the Cast Control serves two purposes. The first is that it prevents the cast control from backing off when set at light settings. The second purpose is to allow the angler a point of reference when adjusting the cast control setting.

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The micro-click mechanism prevents the drag from backing off when set at light settings, and provides the angler a reference when adjusting drag.

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These spools provide increased strength and durability over diecast aluminum or graphite spools.

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Cold forging allows more metal to be used in a much more dense construction. This means the handle can be made in a smaller profile with more strength, and also allows for deeper anodization for protection from the elements.

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This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.

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Building upon the success of Dartanium, this cross carbon drag washer gives greater durability and higher max drags.

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Reduces the weight of the reel without sacrificing strength.

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Provides strength with light weight, while its unique design provides comfort when adjusting the drag.

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On reels with this feature, to access the VBS system, a set screw on the handle side of the reel is loosened and the opposite sideplate rotates open. From here the VBS weights can be adjusted without having to remove the spool or any other parts of the reel, for easy, worry-free adjustment on the water.

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By flipping a switch, the sideplate swivels downward, giving the angler quick access to adjust the VBS weights. The switch is located in a position that is easy to use, yet remains out of the way to prevent accidental opening. The sideplate is smooth for comfort when palming the reel.

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HEG consists of not only the gears, but also the frame, setplate, and handle-side sideplate. First, Shimano 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, Shimano has eliminated flex in the drivetrain that causes normal gears to bind under pressure. By eliminating the flex and increasing the leverage, Shimano is able to provide high-speed retrieves and deliver an incredible amount of torque, while maintaining the smooth, silent retrieve Shimano reels are famous for.

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The Lo-Mass Drilled Spool System is designed for anglers who require longer casts and can sacrifice line capacity to do so. The Lo-Mass spool features a large arbor that is cross-drilled to reduce its weight. By moving the arbor of the spool outward, the mass of the spool is closer to the rim of the spool. Like a lightweight bicycle wheel, where most of the mass lies in the tire, the majority of a Lo-Mass spool lies in the arbor and the line it is spooled with.

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This spool provides extremely low startup inertia for increased line control and casting perfomormance even when using lightweight baits or lures. This is accomplished by using lightweight aluminum alloys, extremely thin walls, and a unique design that moves the mass of the spool outwards.

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The metal construction showcased in some of Shimano's finest reels now appears throughout their line of Metal Series products. Metal frames not only keep moving parts in precise alignment, they also feature the use of the latest anodizing, plating and painting techniques for beautiful and durable finishes.

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On wide-spool reels with a non-disengaging levelwind system, the levelwind remains engaged during the cast, allowing the the levelwinded to track back and forth with the line as it flows off of the spool. This eliminates the drastic line angles caused by a disengaging levelwind system that can cause extreme friction, which can lead to short casts or frustrating backlashes. By doing this Shimano is able to increase the efficiency of the cast, allowing for more distance with less effort.

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The large size is easy to use, while the clicking adjustment allows for precision settings.

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With the Platinum Service Plan, when you register your warranty you will receive coupons for discounted clean and lube services ranging from half off to free. All Platinum service plan reels are assured a 48 hour turnaround time from Shimano or any Authorized Warranty Center; shipping excluded.

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These oversized padle grips provide extra power and remain comfortable after a full day of deep cranking.

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The most advanced clutch system from Shimano to date. Makes one-handed casting even faster and easier.

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By recessign the reel foot further into th frame, the reel sits lower in the reel seat. This allows for a much more palmable feel when the the reel is mounted on a rod than traditional frame designs.

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Reduces the weight of the spool, increasing free-spool and reducing startup inertia.

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These bearings have been through the same process as Shimano's A-RB bearings, but feature shields on both sides of the bearings that reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing's rotation.

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Power - Rigidity - Durability. The S-Concept Body results in a reel that feels one size smaller in your hand, plus offers durability from a cold-forged aluminum for year-after-year fishing use. The 'B side (no handle)' sideplate is part of the one-piece, contributing to both rigidity and in-the-hand palming comfort.

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Theis handle grip material is soft to the touch and does not get slippery when wet.

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The Super Free bearing-supported pinion gear system (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 actually drag on the spool shaft, creating friction and limiting the length of the cast. With SF, the pinion gear is supported by a ball bearing, and when the clutch is disengaged the pinion gear and spool shaft are kept in precise alignment. The result is zero friction on the spool shaft for increased freespool.

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Super Stopper uses a one-way, stainless steel roller bearing that eliminates backplay. This provides the angler with instant hooksetting power.

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The latest generation of the Super Stopper. It uses a one-way, stainless steel roller bearing that eliminates backplay. This provides the angler with instant hooksetting power.

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These are the largest of the paddle grips and provide extra fish fighting power when battling big bass and feisty inshore species.

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This levelwind insert is coated with titanium, improving the durability of the insert by increasing abrasion resistance. It also reduces friction on the line for increased casting distance and reduced line wear.

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By flipping up the Turn-Key on the sideplate and rotating it counter-clockwise, the sideplate can be opened for quick VBS adjustments.

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VBS uses centrifugal force rather than magnets to aid in controlling the cast. The individual brake weights, when turned on, are forced outward at the beginning of the cast when backlashes most often occur, causing friction that reduces the speed of the spool. Once the spool speed begins to slow, the pressure lessens, allowing the spool to continue spinning. The result is a much more consistent spool speed that is easier to manage and takes advantage of the reel's maximum casting distance. Settings range from zero weights turned on for true freespool and up to 6 weights turned on for extremely windy conditions and maximum cast control.

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It's all about leverage. Shimano repositioned the reel handle closer to the body to increase cranking leverage, rigidity and torque. There's less side-to-side tilt when you're either fighting a big bass or working a big crankbait down deep, or throwing extra large baits to bass, muskie, striped bass, red fish, and calicos.

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More than just a support bearing, X-Ship is a combination of a cold forged main gear married with a brass drive gear. The two metals don't eat away at each other, providing longer lasting performance, as well as a smoother, more powerful retrieve.

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A-RB bearings are stainless steel ball bearings that have been through the A-RB treatment process, which makes them at least 10 times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel ball bearings. Providing easy maintenance and increased bearing speed, their no shield design allows for easy flushing of debris and easy lubrication, and lighter viscosity lubrication reduce friction and allow the bearing to spin faster and longer.

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Aero Wrap II is a worm gear oscillation system with a specially designed pitch to create optimal oscillation speeds for the Propulsion Spool Lip design. It provides uniform line lay and winding shape to prevent loss of energy during the cast, while providing longer casts than other oscillation systems. So, casting distance increases with less effort required.

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CI4 stands for Carbon Interfusion with the 4 referring to the number of electrons in the Carbon atom. Ultimately, this means CI4 is reinforced Carbon Fiber. Its is over one and a half times stronger than Shimano's normal XT-7 graphite and is over 20% lighter. Because it does not contain metal, it is impervious to rust. So, as a result of the strength and weight, Shimano can create extremely lightweight reels with very precise tolerances.

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These spools provide increased strenghth and durability over diecast aluminum or graphite spools.

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The drive gear is directly attached to he handle, which means power is transmitted more efficiently with less vibration while increasing durability.

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This feature eliminates wobble during the retrieve by counter balancing the rotor to enhance sensitivity and smoothness. By using computer balancing, an approach similar to car tire balancing, Shimano is able to redistribute the rotor weight to create smooth rotation and eliminate vibrations caused by the reel.

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Lightweight and comfortable to the touch.

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Building upon the successes of Fluidrive, which provides extremely tight tolerances and control in the cutting process, Fluidrive II polishes the gear surface to maximize tooth contact. This increases the efficiency of the retrieve for more power with less effort.

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For increased strength and power.

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Made out of new CI4 material which is lighter and stronger than 1st generation CI4. It provides effortless handle rotation by reducing the weight dramatically.

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The maintenance port is an easily accessed hole strategically located for easy maintenance of the reel. Using a slot-head screwdriver, the rubber sealed plug can be removed from the reel. One drop of lightweight oil or grease can be applied to the drivetrain to prevent corrosion and to protect the smooth retrieve of the reel.

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Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement uses a special cold forged aluminum drive gear and a hardened brass pinion gear. Reels equipped with the Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement will retain their out-of-the-box smoothness much longer than before. In fact, testing has shown that this combination of metals is more durable than an all-stainless steel drive train, and it ensures reels maintain the famous Shimano smooth functioning.

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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. It also allows the line to flow off of the spool in smaller loops during the cast, which means less slap on the stripper guide. The Propulsion spool also utilizes a long stroke design to further enhance the casting distance.

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This is a system used for easy and fast one-handed casting. The line and trigger self-center, and are within easy grasp of the angler's index finger. By pulling the line and the trigger with one hand, the bail opens and is ready to be cast.

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Allows anglers to quickly adjust drag to the ideal setting during the fight.

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These bearings have been through the same process as Shimano's A-RB bearings, but feature shields on both sides of the bearings that reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing's rotation.

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The three basic ideas that are inherent in the S-Concept are Smooth, Silent and Strong. Smooth rotation and comfortable retrieve, coupled with excellent drag performance and longer casting distance, leads to Shimano reels' smooth, flawless operation. Silent operation of parts within the reel's construction represents the attention to tight tolerances, reducing excessive noise and resulting in the silent operation of our reels. Strong, solid and functional construction leads to powerful torque and durable drive trains. This gives anglers the strength and confidence they need to battle elusive gamefish. The new sizing of Shimano's S-Concept reels also offers anglers a bigger spool and smaller body, resulting in a lighter, more comfortable fishing experience without sacrificing line capacity.

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This handle grip material is soft to the touch and does not get slippery when wet.

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This oscillation system is more advanced than Aerowrap, which uses a criss-cross line lay to reduce friction. Instead, slow oscillation uses a tightly packed parallel pattern to reduce the chance of the upper layer of line grabbing the lower layer, creating unwanted friction. The result is an evenly shaped line lay, with excellent castability and control.

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The SR-Concept combines the new concept of Reliance with all aspects of the S-Concept: Smooth, Silent and Strong. The Reliance Concept, or R-Concept, means that dreams in reel design are now evolving into reality. The result of the use of the new S-R Concept in design is the development of many exciting new features, including the SR-3D Oversized Drive Gear, Rigid Support Drag, SR Guard Fin, SR Handle, SR One-Piece Bail, and All-Weather Drag.

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Super Stopper II anti-reverse uses a one-way bearing that eliminates backplay.This provides the angler with instant hooksetting power. In some reels, the Super Stopper II can be turned off to allow backreeling for special techniques and situations.

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The titanium coated spool lip provides incredible durability with today's braided lines. It also drastically reduces the friction during the cast, allowing for smooth, effortless casting distances.

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Normal oscillation systems use a constant rotation of the oscillation gear that, when translated to the cam, provides an inconsistent spool speed. This results in line lay that stacks at either end of the spool. By using an oval oscillation gear, Shimano is able to alter the speed of the oscillation cam to provide a consistent spool speed. This results in an even line lay that provides excellent castability and manageability.

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With the use of rubber gaskets, the drag is protected against intrusion of the elements, such as water or sand.

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Shimano's X-Ship takes spinning reel technology to a whole new level. Anglers will experience increased gearing efficiency and power, providing for ultra-ligh handle rotation. By using a large diameter drive gear, moving the pinion gear closer to the center of the drive gear to provide 20% mor power, and by supporting the pinion gear with two ball bearings, X-Ship provides a smooth, effortless retrieve, and also virtually eliminates the pinion gear twist and rotor flex common with most spinning reels when fighting a fish. X-Ship provides anglers with smoothness right-out-of-the-box.

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Casting Reel Technologies

Spinning Reel Technologies