Shimano’s “DC (Digital Control) BRAKE” system quickly detects changes in spool rotation and adjusts the braking force using a microcomputer. This advanced braking system allows for impressive casting distances while minimizing line issues.
Understanding the Mechanism Behind Shimano’s “DC BRAKE” System
The DC (Digital Control) Brake system immediately detects when the line is released, indicating a change in spool rotation. It uses a microcomputer to manage the braking force, ensuring precise adjustments in real-time. This technology enables impressive long-distance casting and effectively prevents backlash, providing an enhanced fishing experience.
For instance, as illustrated by the red brake curve in the figure, there is minimal braking immediately after the line is released, allowing for a quick increase in spool rotation. Once the rotation peaks, the braking force ramps up suddenly. After this peak, only the minimum necessary braking force is applied. This automatic adjustment of braking force enhances casting distance significantly, making each cast more efficient and effective.
The DC (Digital Control) Brake system immediately detects when the line is released, indicating a change in spool rotation. It uses a microcomputer to manage the braking force, ensuring precise adjustments in real-time. This technology enables impressive long-distance casting and effectively prevents backlash, providing an enhanced fishing experience.
For instance, as illustrated by the red brake curve in the figure, there is minimal braking immediately after the line is released, allowing for a quick increase in spool rotation. Once the rotation peaks, the braking force ramps up suddenly. After this peak, only the minimum necessary braking force is applied. This automatic adjustment of braking force enhances casting distance significantly, making each cast more efficient and effective.
Optimised Braking: Only When You Need It
The DC BRAKE system is designed to maintain optimal spool rotation under challenging conditions. When it detects irregular changes in rotation speed, like stalling caused by headwinds, it immediately boosts the braking force to prevent backlash. Additionally, the system has the capability to intermittently reduce the braking force, allowing for a “one last leap.” This innovative feature sets the DC BRAKE system apart, enabling advanced automatic controls that traditional systems cannot achieve.

Our goal, effortless reeling.
Shimano's reel design concept aims for “eternally smooth reeling.” The result is HAGANE. Shimano honed its proprietary metal processing technologies with precision cold-forging technology and refined them over many years to develop reels that only Shimano could deliver.
The reverse tapered spool corrects the winding shape and reduces spool vibration.
"MGL SPOOL Ⅳ" has achieved an optimal spool shape with a unique reverse taper design, enhancing both functionality and efficiency.
The spool, expertly designed for balanced line winding, minimizes shaking during rotation and significantly dampens vibrations while casting. This innovation delivers an exhilarating casting experience, making it feel as though the line is effortlessly unfurling into the distance.
Versatile brake system: Adjust on-the-fly with an external dial for any situation.
The SVS centrifugal brake system offers precise casting capability thanks to its exceptional casting accuracy. This design allows anglers to hit their intended targets effortlessly, enjoying the benefits of lightweight reels that enhance performance with exciting line leaps and long-distance casts.
Introducing the lightweight revolution: The new concept magnet brake system.
The Finesse Tune Brake (FTB) system, which is adopted in Shimano’s bait reels, is a magnetic brake system that eliminates the brake unit from the spool, making it the lightest spool in Shimano’s bait finesse history.