Shimano has introduced a cutting-edge construction technology known as "SPIRAL X" and "SPIRAL X CORE", utilising its proprietary design and manufacturing techniques.
This innovative design minimises rod torsion and compression, which can hinder an angler's ability to control fish or execute precise casts. As a result, it empowers anglers to achieve their desired actions with greater ease and confidence.
When casting or battling a fish, the rod guides may pivot forward or sideways, leading to twisting that impacts casting accuracy. Additionally, the recoil from this torsion can result in the rod wobbling for an extended period after the cast.
Additionally, rod torsion makes it difficult to effectively transmit the force needed for twitching and jerking, which can complicate controlling a hooked fish. For longer rods, it can also cause the body to wobble.
“Compression” describes the deformation of the blank's cross-section, which is essential to the rod's structure. It’s akin to squashing a drinking straw, causing it to turn oval and ultimately flatten. If this distortion persists, it can lead to breakage.
Rods with easily deformed cross-sections struggle to deliver the necessary tension and power during casting or while battling fish, leading to diminished performance. Therefore, it’s crucial to prevent compression of the cross-section and the risk of breakage in rods at all costs.
To tackle these challenges, Shimano created its innovative construction, "SPIRAL X". Traditional rod designs incorporate two types of fibers: vertical fibers that dictate taper and stiffness, and horizontal fibers that resist compression. However, fishing rods also face torsional forces that cannot be effectively managed by vertical and horizontal fibers alone.
"SPIRAL X" construction features a three-layer design: a central layer of vertical fibers complemented by inner and outer layers of carbon tape, which are tightly wound diagonally in opposing directions around the blank. This strategic arrangement of diagonal fibers throughout the rod, including the tip, delivers exceptional torsional and compressional rigidity while ensuring lightweight performance.
This construction enhances power transmission during casting and fighting, boosting the overall power for catching fish while still keeping the rod lightweight.
To tackle these challenges, Shimano created its innovative construction, "SPIRAL X". Traditional rod designs incorporate two types of fibers: vertical fibers that dictate taper and stiffness, and horizontal fibers that resist compression. However, fishing rods also face torsional forces that cannot be effectively managed by vertical and horizontal fibers alone.
"SPIRAL X" construction features a three-layer design: a central layer of vertical fibers complemented by inner and outer layers of carbon tape, which are tightly wound diagonally in opposing directions around the blank. This strategic arrangement of diagonal fibers throughout the rod, including the tip, delivers exceptional torsional and compressional rigidity while ensuring lightweight performance.
This construction enhances power transmission during casting and fighting, boosting the overall power for catching fish while still keeping the rod lightweight.
The heart of "SPIRAL X" is the SHIMANO INFINITY CARBON TAPE, which is wound diagonally. After evaluating over 100 varieties of tape materials with varying coefficients of elasticity, resin content, widths, and thicknesses, we have meticulously selected the ideal type to optimise the taper and performance of the rod.
Additionally, this carbon tape is meticulously wound at the optimal angle and pitch for each section of the blank. This advanced technological precision serves as the foundation of the "SPIRAL X" construction.
"SPIRAL X CORE" is an advanced evolution of "SPIRAL X". This technology utilises carbon tape crafted from high-strength resin developed with NANOALLOY® technology. The careful selection of this material enables enhanced bending, torsional, and compressional rigidity in all directions.
In comparison to a standard structure, torsional rigidity is increased by 1.4 times, while compressional rigidity is elevated by 2.5 times. When compared to "SPIRAL X", torsional rigidity is 10% higher, and compressional rigidity is 15% greater.
* NANOALLOY® is a registered trademark of Toray Industries, Inc.
With the technologies to reduce rod weight while minimising its torsion and compression and maintaining its rigidity, Shimano enables anglers to fight without giving the fish the upper hand, and improve their casting accuracy.
"SPIRAL X" and "SPIRAL X CORE" are Shimano’s answers to the two problems of torsion and compression.
The "X GUIDE" series represents Shimano's innovative high-performance guides that seamlessly blend lightweight design with trouble-free functionality, elevating casting to new heights.
Developed through a comprehensive analysis of line entanglement mechanisms, these guides embody the principles of being lightweight, strong, and tangle-free.
Shimano's "X SEAT" is an innovative reel seat designed for superior grip and comfort, available in a range of models tailored for various fishing styles.
The rod grip plays a crucial role in enabling anglers to detect even the subtlest movements in the water. Utilising Shimano's "CARBON MONOCOQUE" technology, the grip is crafted from carbon material, designed to enhance vibration transmission through the combined benefits of its hollow structure and lightweight design.
This technology allows for a lightweight rod grip that delivers exceptional sensitivity to fish movements, seabed textures, changes in water flow, and other subtle details.
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.