ROD TECHNOLOGY GLOSSARY

BLANK TECHNOLOGY

SPIRAL X CORE

SHIMANO’s unique and patented SPIRAL X CORE construction consists of three layers: a first layer of carbon tape that spirals tightly around the blank in a diagonal direction, a middle sheet of carbon made out of vertical fibres and an outer layer comprising carbon tape that tightly spirals the blank in the opposite direction to the first layer. By using carbon tape, instead of a conventional horizontal fibre sheet, SPIRAL X enhances torsional rigidity without adding extra weight. SPIRAL X CORE makes use of the same construction as SPIRAL X, with the addition of a Nano resin distribution technology in the carbon tape. Nano resin technology distributes the resin more evenly through the carbon fibres resulting in a stronger, lighter rod. SPIRAL X CORE has 1.4 times better antitwist capabilities and 2.5 times more compression rigidity compared to SPIRAL X.

SPIRAL X

SHIMANO’s unique and patented SPIRAL X construction consists of three layers: a first layer of carbon tape that spirals tightly around the blank in a diagonal direction, a middle sheet of carbon made out of vertical fibres and an outer layer comprising carbon tape that tightly spirals the blank in the opposite direction to the first layer. By using carbon tape, instead of a conventional horizontal fibre sheet, SPIRAL X enhances torsional rigidity without adding extra weight. This construction results in less overlapping of material, which would normally result in a spine and weak spots.

NANOSHEET

NANOSHEET is a multiple carbon sheet construction, which incorporates Nano resin distribution technology. The resin, which holds the different carbon fibres together, is distributed more evenly across the carbon fibres, resulting in a stronger and more light weight rod, with less potential defects and weak spots.

BIOFIBRE

SHIMANO‘s unique BIOFIBRE construction improves overall rod strength and resistance to shock whilst producing increased lifting power in the tip.

GEOFIBRE

GEOFIBRE is a naturally derived component that provides rigidity and high tensile strength when added to rods in the lower to mid-price rod band.

DIAFLASH

With SHIMANO‘s DIAFLASH construction, the outermost layer of the butt section is diagonally wrapped in opposite directions with carbon tape, which forms an array of “X” shapes. The width of the tape, its winding angle and the part of the rod being wrapped are fine-tuned according to the rods intended use. DIAFLASH is a reinforced structure that prevents twisting of the butt section in situations where high-intensity pressure is applied.

HI-POWER X

SHIMANO‘s HI-POWER X construction, uses different carbon layers to create the blank. The outermost layer of carbon tape is diagonally wrapped in opposite directions, which forms an array of “X” shapes. The width of the tape, its winding angle and the part of the rod being wrapped are finely-tuned according to the rods intended use. The flexibility allows SHIMANO to adjust these wraps during construction for precise actions, enhanced overall strength and increased twist resistance. In short, HI-POWER X construction delivers sharp and crisp rod control.

NANOPITCH

With NANOPITCH manufacturing technology SHIMANO wraps a compression tape, with high precision, over the carbon blank before the curing (heating) process. The NANOPITCH method enables the carbon on the mandrel to be compressed extremely firmly, with uniform pressure, creating circularity pressure which contributes greatly to overall rod strength. NANOPITCH is always applied in combination with the SPIRAL X CORE blank construction to maximize rod performance.

TWIST CONTROL

An anti-twist blank construction process which is applied to Big Game saltwater rods.

MUSCLE CARBON

MUSCLE CARBON is a high-performance material that reduces the gaps between fibres, by bundling carbon filaments together at a higher density than traditional carbon sheet. This reduces the amount of resin need to fill the gaps in the carbon matrix during the curing process.

MUSCLE LOOP

MUSCLE LOOP is formed using a spiral carbon tape, wrapped on the outside of the blank, which reduces the natural ‘spine’ of the blank and also improves strength. This helps prevent the blank from distorting under extreme pressure.

GRIP TECHNOLOGY

FULL CARBON MONOCOQUE

The FULL CARBON MONOCOQUE grip is an evolution of the Carbon Monocoque grip and features up to 28% increased sensitivity. Normally the grip section, behind the reel seat is made of EVA or cork, however with the Full Carbon Monocoque grip this section is also moulded from a hollow carbon structure. This greatly improves the lightness and ability to detect vibrations transmitted to the hand. In addition, the carbon grip section is cushioned to prevent slipping with the hand.

CARBON MONOCOQUE

The CARBON MONOCOQUE grip is a one-piece hollow carbon construction, which is integrated seamlessly into the rod blank. The remarkably lightweight handle is stiffer than traditional rod construction, reduces the overall weight of the rod and also increases vibration transmition.

REEL SEAT TECHNOLOGY

CI4+

The Ci4+ reel seat is a moulded one-piece composite construction that is very lightweight, strong and resistant to distortion. The composite is one of the strongest materials SHIMANO use and is over 1.5 times stronger that traditional composite materials. Ci4+ is also water resistant and not affected by corrosion, making it suitable for salt water use.

HIGH PRESSURE CARBON

SHIMANO HIGH PRESSURE CARBON (HPC) is a process which creates stronger, more responsive blanks. Pressure is applied with a compression tape to the blank surface before curing (heating), which evenly distributes the resin through the carbon fibre matrix.

TIP SECTION TECHNOLOGY

TAFTEC ALPHA

TAFTEC ALPHA tips utilise a pre-stretched T-3500 directional yarn fibre with low resin saturation. This directional alignment of the fibres in the solid tip results in much less damage during the grinding process and results in a spineless construction. In tests it has been shown to be much stronger, lower in weight, faster in action and more sensitive.

S.A.S. TECHNOLOGY

SHIMANO ALIGNMENT SYSTEM

SHIMANO ALIGNMENT SYSTEM is a system to optimise blank action. During the production process, the spine of the blanks is marked on the sections of a telescopic rod.

EXCITE TOP

EXCITE TOP is a special tip that enhances the shake performance of lures and contributes to sensitivity. The tip section is tapered and slightly heavier at the top. This construction expands the swing width of the tip, enabling shaking with an automatic feeling. The movement seen by the eyes, and the sensitivity transmitted to the hands, is greatly improved.

SOFTUBE TOP

The SOFTUBE TOP provides the sensitivity of an ultra fine solid carbon tip with the lightness of a hollow/ tubular tip construction. This tip construction can be found on models where sensitivity and finesse are both important requirements.

ROD ACTIONS

EXTRA-FAST ACTION

A very light and sensitive tip facilitates an effective transfer of energy resulting in effortless pin-point casts, near or far. This action will make any angler a more effective caster.

GUIDES

FUJI GUIDES

Fuji guides are world famous for their quality. Available in many different options, including the famous ‘K-type’ anti-tangle design, Fuji guides are generally fitted to higher performance rods.

KIGAN 3D GUIDES

Kigan 3D guides are becoming increasingly popular, especially on specimen rods where the lightweight, strong frames and zirconia linings aid distance casting.

SEAGUIDE GUIDES

Seaguide guides are becoming increasingly popular and offer reliable, friction reducing performance and reliability. Generally fitted to mid-priced rods within the SHIMANO range.

HARDLITE GUIDES

Hardlite guides have been used by SHIMANO for many years and are proven to be reliable across a wide range of rod applications. Offering excellent value, they are fitted to lower priced rods.

FAST ACTION

Fast action rods have a light tip that transfers into the power quickly for positive hook sets and effortless repetitive casting. If you are looking for a lure rod to do it all, a fast action rod is a solid choice.

MODERATE-FAST ACTION

The deeper flex associated with this action allows the angler to control the energy of the fish with additional confidence. This action offers an unsurpassable ability to land the majority of fish hooked on the lightest tackle.

MODERATE ACTION

Whenever an angler needs the perfect action to absorb the surging power of a fish delivering aggressive headshakes or quick runs, a moderate action rod neutralizes their power.