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.

The MICROMODULE Gear II has evolved with Shimano's unique manufacturing technology and a state-of-the-art gear-tooth surface design. The drive and pinion gear surfaces have been analyzed and updated from the ground up in Shimano's pursuit of perfection to further improve the smooth gear feeling and reduce sound.

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 basic design of the entire body and drive-related parts were reviewed one by one to reduce minute rattles, gaps, and shaking between parts down to the smallest detail. It provides smooth and quiet reel rotation.

The new design of the MAGNUMLITE ROTOR produces unprecedented light and sensitive rotation. The rotor profile — which was previously symmetrical — is now asymmetrical, and the bail arm mechanism — previously situated on the same side as the line roller — has been moved to the opposite side. Furthermore, the line roller has been lightened, the bail has been made of titanium, and the rotor wall thickness has been optimally arranged to successfully reduce rotational inertia.

[Medium and small general-purpose spinning reels]
These reels require lighter spinning, so we focused on a non-contact structure that does not compromise the lightness of the spinning. In addition to conventional water-repellent treatment, a labyrinth structure that suppresses water penetration is combined to achieve high water-resistant performance despite the non-contact nature of the structure. It is used in the stopper bearing section and line roller section. Large reels for saltwater, a contact-type water-resistant structure is used for large spinning reels that require higher water-resistant performance. By physically cutting off the entry path of seawater with a low-sliding seal member, high water-resistant performance is achieved while suppressing rotational resistance. The stopper bearing and line roller parts are adopted, and the stopper bearing part in particular achieves a water-resistant rating equivalent to IPX8.
[Large reels for saltwater]
A contact-type water-resistant structure is used for large spinning reels that require higher water resistance performance. By physically cutting off the entry path of seawater with a low-sliding seal member, high water-resistant performance is achieved while suppressing rotational resistance. The stopper bearing and line roller parts are adopted, and the stopper bearing part in particular achieves a water-resistant rating equivalent to IPX8.

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.

The LONG STROKE SPOOL has a longer stroke compared to conventional spool designs. It contributes to improved casting feel and distance.

CI4 is a resin material reinforced with carbon fiber that is lighter and has a higher strength than conventional resin material. CI4+ is an advanced version of the original CI4 material.The rigidity and durability have been greatly improved from original CI4 material while maintaining the lightness of the material, making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the reel.

By strengthening the spool support of the main shaft, the play and fluctuation of the spool during drag operation are reduced. The RIGID SUPPORT DRAG allows smooth and consistent drag delivery.

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