HAGANE is a Shimano reel design concept created to withstand continual use and extreme abuse. HAGANE is an innovation with built-in toughness and durability that works alongside Shimano's precision engineering. HAGANE is for all anglers.

With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of most Shimano reels. Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives anglers the long-lasting smoothness and enjoyment that is felt when anglers first use a reel, over and over again. No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear during fabrication; instead, the entire surface is calculated in minute detail by a special 3D design and then formed by Shimano's cold-forging technology. The result is assured resilience. HAGANE Gear is the result of Shimano's endless pursuit for durability — this strength and power of forged metal continue to represent the fundamental concept of Shimano reels.

X SHIP provides improved gear performance. Large diameter drive gear, optimally positioned pinion gear and drive gear, and two points bearings supported pinion gear produce light reeling under load.

The water-repellent treatment provides water-resistance even in the presence of minute gaps due to the water bead formation effect. The water resist effect can be improved without increasing rotational resistance. Furthermore, since there is no contact, there is no abrasion and the waterproofing effect lasts longer.

G FREE BODY technology has been developed to shift the reel's center of gravity closer to the rod. By moving the center of gravity closer to the angler’s hand, the G FREE BODY helps to reduce fatigue and enhance casting comfort.

The spool has a special spool ring shape. This creates a rectifying effect on the line and realizes both suppression of line trouble and long casting performance.

RAPID FIRE DRAG is a very effective function in situations where anglers want to adjust drag force instantly. When the drag knob is rotated, the change in drag force is quicker to increase along the drag curve compared to traditional drags. This is especially effective for anglers utilizing light line: A high drag setting can be used for a hookset and then quickly decreased when fighting the fish.

S A-RB bearings are put through the same process as Shimano’s A-RB bearings but feature shields on both sides of the bearings. These shields reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the rotation of the bearing.

ONE-PIECE BAILallows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller. The seamless design reduces friction and decreases the chance of tangles or the line catching on the bail arm.

Models that can be used in saltwater