A next-generation grip that enhances the rod's lightness and sensitivity.

Rod grips are typically constructed from cork and EVA. Due to their solid structure, additional weight is often required to provide sufficient gripping performance.

Advancements in carbon materials have led to lighter rod blanks and smaller guides, contributing to overall rod weight reduction. In response, efforts to lighten grips, including the use of separate components, have been made. However, using cork and EVA imposes limits on how much grip weight can be minimised.

For anglers, vibrations from the water serve as a vital source of information. The flow of the water, the presence of obstacles, the texture of the seabed, and the bite of fish all travel through the line to the rod blank and ultimately reach the angler's hand through the grip.

Typically, grip materials like cork and EVA are softer than carbon and can dampen the vibrations transmitted through the highly responsive carbon blank. This results in weakened vibrations reaching the angler's hand, hindering their ability to accurately perceive underwater conditions.

Shimano's "CARBON MONOCOQUE" grip is truly one-of-a-kind. By integrally moulding the rear grip with carbon material into a hollow structure, it delivers unmatched sensitivity and lightweight performance.

Compared to traditional separate grips, the vibration transmission rate is now approximately 1.3 times greater. Furthermore, while carbon material poses processing challenges, advanced technologies have been fully integrated into the CARBON MONOCOQUE, balancing practicality with stunning design without sacrificing functionality.

Shimano's "CARBON MONOCOQUE" grip is truly one-of-a-kind. By integrally moulding the rear grip with carbon material into a hollow structure, it delivers unmatched sensitivity and lightweight performance.

Compared to traditional separate grips, the vibration transmission rate is now approximately 1.3 times greater. Furthermore, while carbon material poses processing challenges, advanced technologies have been fully integrated into the CARBON MONOCOQUE, balancing practicality with stunning design without sacrificing functionality.

The most significant advantage of enhanced sensitivity is the refined ability to detect subtle changes in the sea.

The CARBON MONOCOQUE effectively conveys all the subtle underwater details that are hard to visually discern, such as shifts in the current, the texture of the seabed, and interactions with fish and obstacles. It acts like a third sense, complementing your sight and touch as it transmits these sensations through your arm and side where the grip makes contact.

By accurately sensing underwater conditions, you can more easily locate fish and anticipate when they'll bite, allowing for timely actions that enhance your overall fishing experience.

Shimano has advanced the concept of "CARBON MONOCOQUE" with its innovative "FULLCARBON MONOCOQUE," pushing the boundaries of performance even further.

The FULLCARBON MONOCOQUE utilises a hollow integrated molding process that spans from the rear grip to the back of the reel seat. This innovative design enhances vibration transmission by approximately 1.7 times compared to traditional grips featuring a separate structure. Additionally, it boosts sensitivity by around 1.3 times in comparison to standard CARBON MONOCOQUE designs. This cutting-edge grip structure empowers anglers to detect even the subtlest shifts in the water with remarkable clarity.

Figure 1 presents a waveform graph that compares the vibration transmission capabilities of FULLCARBON MONOCOQUE and earlier CARBON MONOCOQUE models, both exposed to identical vibration conditions. The darker blue represents the vibration output from FULLCARBON MONOCOQUE, while the lighter blue depicts the output from CARBON MONOCOQUE. The results show a remarkable enhancement, with FULLCARBON MONOCOQUE achieving a 128% improvement over its predecessor.

Figure 2 illustrates a frequency analysis of the same data. The red line represents FULLCARBON MONOCOQUE, while the blue line indicates CARBON MONOCOQUE. The graph clearly demonstrates that FULLCARBON MONOCOQUE exhibits a slightly higher frequency and a significantly greater peak value compared to CARBON MONOCOQUE.

“CARBON MONOCOQUE“ and “FULLCARBON MONOCOQUE“ are available in a variety of shapes to suit the rod and the preferences of anglers.

The 'High-Resolution Type' features a next-generation design with a polyhedral cross-section, showcasing its multi-functionality. It enhances casting stability while improving operability and grip, and provides comfort when resting against the elbow or held in the armpit.

The corners, which demand greater strength, are reinforced with additional carbon layers, while the surfaces are engineered to be as thin as possible. This meticulous design achieves the seemingly contradictory objectives of maximising strength while minimising weight.

This innovative design approach, also employed in aircraft construction, meets the demanding requirements of both high strength and lightweight performance.

The 'Edge Type' features an advanced design that incorporates a perfectly rounded shape with a distinct edge. This unique edge creates a secure grip between the tip of the thumb and forefinger, enhancing casting accuracy, extending distance, and providing increased grip stability.

The 'Round Type' showcases an original design characterized by a perfectly streamlined and symmetrical shape, ensuring a smooth and comfortable fit in the hand.

Shimano is dedicated to enhancing the front grip by making it lighter and more sensitive, resulting in the innovative "CARBONSHELL GRIP."

The CARBONSHELL GRIP features a hollow structure crafted entirely from carbon, optimising vibration transmission and delivering exceptional sensitivity that resonates in the hand. It accurately conveys essential information about the underwater environment, including water flow and tidal changes, and even enables anglers to sense the presence of fish.

Additionally, when paired with CARBON MONOCOQUE, the grip area is free from EVA or cork, resulting in an ultra-lightweight design that maximises sensitivity.

Shimano is dedicated to enhancing the front grip by making it lighter and more sensitive, resulting in the innovative "CARBONSHELL GRIP."

The CARBONSHELL GRIP features a hollow structure crafted entirely from carbon, optimising vibration transmission and delivering exceptional sensitivity that resonates in the hand. It accurately conveys essential information about the underwater environment, including water flow and tidal changes, and even enables anglers to sense the presence of fish.

Additionally, when paired with CARBON MONOCOQUE, the grip area is free from EVA or cork, resulting in an ultra-lightweight design that maximises sensitivity.

Shimano recognises that the grip, serving as the crucial point of contact between the rod and the angler, is the most important element after rod action, especially given its prolonged use throughout the day.

Emerging from this philosophy, the "CARBON MONOCOQUE" technology aims for a design that balances high strength with weight reduction, all while enhancing vibration transmission rates. The evolution of Shimano's CARBON MONOCOQUE, supported by numerical data, continues to advance.