Through its exclusive lightweight structure, Shimano's patented Spiral X construction enhances catching power for anglers. Spiral X construction consists of three layers: a middle layer of vertical fibers as well as inner and outer layers, both comprised of carbon tape that tightly winds the blank diagonally in opposite directions. By using this carbon tape in place of a conventional horizontal fiber sheet, Spiral X achieves enhanced compression rigidity and increased torsional rigidity without adding extra weight. This in turn facilitates instant power transmission for precise casting and fish fighting.

The new X Seat Extreme is designed to satifsy 'ease of holding' and unstressed fishing, even during a long day and under heavy power loads. The X Seat Extreme gun grip eliminates complaints often heard from jigging or bottom anglers, like fatigue in the hand due to pressure from the reel seat and fatigue in the wrist due to the angle of the wrist needed to hold the rod. The X Seat Extreme is designed to increase the contact surface of the seat in the palm of the hand by utilizing an enlarged grip so the angler can hold it firmly and stable it in the whole palm of the hand. With conventional reel seats, it was inevitable to endure a load to the wrist and the arm because of the angle of the wrist at the time of reeling or fighting fish, especially under heavy power loads. However, the X Seat Extreme Extreme gun grip succeeded in keeping the angle of the wrist close to straight resulting in less burden, by designing the right and left seat exclusively for this commitment. The X Seat Extreme made it possible to reduce hand trembling and fatigue (-45%) regardless of the size or load during dropping, reeling and hooking. Moreover, since it is possible to grasp the enlarged grip firmly without gaps, the sense of stability (+30% compared to SHIMANO previous reel seats) especially during the fight with large size fish is drastically increased.

*Adopted for bait models

Hi-Power X construction uses diagonally-wrapped carbon tape to form an array of "X" shapes on the rod blank's outermost layer. The width of the tape, its winding angle and the part of the rod being wrapped are fine-tuned according to the target fish species. This manufacturing process allows Shimano to adjust these wraps during construction for precise actions, enhanced overall strength and added twist resistance. In short, Hi-Power X construction delivers sharp and crisp rod control for the angler.

SHIMANO’s TAFTEC α is a unique solid tip that realizes flexibility and delicate bending without reducing the diameter of the tip or its strength. The TAFTEC α tip is used throughout the Shimano rod range where sensitivity is an important requirement of the rods.

CI4 is a Shimano original 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 and is 2.5x more rigid than its predecessor. While improving lightness and rigidity, reel bodies, rotors and reel seats built with CI4+ are further reduced in size and weight.