Shimano Reel Technologies Propel Anglers to Success
Shimano elevates the angling experience. Built upon a legacy of design, engineering, and manufacturing excellence that spans more than a century, Shimano reels, rods, and lures leverage advanced, proprietary technologies that propel anglers to success. Thanks to unparalleled metalworking and gear design expertise, Shimano reels allow anglers to cast farther, crank harder and fight tougher than ever. Innovative features permeate Shimano conventional, baitcasting, and spinning reels, with premium technologies appearing first in flagship offerings and then working their way into reels throughout the entire lineup.
Gears are the heart and soul of every reel. Insightful engineering and high-tolerance manufacturing ensure that Shimano gears – and the reel bodies that encase them – lead the industry in smoothness, power, and durability. Applying Shimano’s HAGANE design concept creates reels that withstand continual use and extreme abuse by seamlessly blending toughness and durability with precision engineering and enduring craftsmanship. No single reel component embodies the HAGANE concept more than Shimano’s HAGANE Gear: A cold-forged aluminum drive gear that delivers a smooth feel and reliable function over many seasons. By leveraging an exclusive three-dimensional design process and eliminating cutting work on the drive gear, the HAGANE Gear offers unparalleled durability compared to reels with diecast or machined gears. Anglers will find the HAGANE Gear in a wide range of Shimano reels suitable for fresh and saltwater angling, from tournament-tested baitcasting reels like the Curado series to flagship spinning reels like Stella SW C and the new Stella FK.
Shimano elevates gear technology to unmatched levels with MicroModule Gear II, which delivers refined, ultra-smooth reeling. MicroModule Gear II uses an entirely new gear set with an increased number of smaller teeth to provide additional contact points between the pinion and drive gears, delivering a smoother and more efficient gear train. Anglers will notice the difference that MicroModule Gear II technology delivers with smoother gear operation and reduced sound and can find this exceptional Shimano technology in a wide range of spinning and baitcasting reels. The Shimano legacy of high-precision gear development continues to evolve within the all-new InfinityXross system, which expands the drive gear tooth horizontally, dispersing load between the drive and pinion gears more efficiently. By distributing contact points over a larger surface area, the InfinityXross system delivers unrivaled gear durability, enhancing reel performance and longevity.
The technologically-advanced Infinity Drive system fortifies the performance of exceptional reels that Shimano engineered to tackle the toughest predators. A unique main shaft supporting structure and special low-friction bushings and coatings in the Infinity Drive system significantly reduce sliding resistance when anglers reel against large and powerful fish. Now, every reel handle turn requires less effort to get headstrong adversaries moving toward the boat.
The reeling experience is about much more than gears: Line management during both the cast and retrieve has an oversized impact on casting performance. Shimano engineers developed various unique technologies to help anglers cast farther and more accurately – including the new InfinityLoop system. By extending spool oscillation during the retrieve, InfinityLoop ensures the line lays as evenly as possible on the spool, virtually eliminating gaps and line stacking. InfinityLoop benefits anglers on every cast, as smooth and even line lay results in reduced friction as the line departs the spool, yielding dramatically enhanced casting distance. In addition, Shimano’s Long Stroke Spool enhances casting distance by increasing the total stroke length of the spool, which allows the line to lay on the spool more evenly and smoothly during the retrieve. With help from Long Stroke Spool, line flow from the spool during the cast is effortless, adding distance to every cast. Shimano’s Propulsion Line Management System, found on a wide range of spinning reels, is a uniquely angled upper lip on the spool that dramatically reduces friction with the line during the cast and supports enhanced casting distances. Thanks to Shimano’s dedication to advanced line management technologies, every fish is now within reach.
Anglers wielding baitcasting reels are familiar with the challenges of backlashes, which occur when the spool turns faster than the line can depart the reel. Shimano’s unique Digital Control (DC) braking technology, which uses a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times every second and applies the perfect amount of brake to slow the spool’s rotation, turns backlashes into distant memories while maximizing casting distance. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions.
Imagine eliminating the line twist that may develop when using fluorocarbon or monofilament line; this dream is now a reality thanks to Shimano’s Anti-Twist Fin. This innovative elastic polymer tab placed on the underside of the roller maintains constant tension on the line as it enters the spool. Anti-Twist Fin eliminates twists before the line contacts the roller and prevents the line from sagging on the spool during the retrieve. Thanks to this Shimano innovation, the days of line twists – and the angler frustration it creates – are numbered.
Advanced Shimano drag systems allow anglers to overpower hard-charging freshwater and saltwater predators, concluding more battles with fish flopping in the net. Drag system evolution continues with Shimano’s new DuraCross drag, which incorporates cutting-edge materials woven in a unique pattern compared to conventional drag washers. Shimano’s DuraCross drag system provides the smooth feel and operation of felt washers with 10x the durability. Cross Carbon Drag provides an expanded range of drag settings for exceptionally smooth performance and fortifies the performance of a broad range of Shimano spinning, baitcasting, and conventional reels. Thanks to Shimano’s continuing emphasis on improving drag performance, anglers have the advantage in every battle.
