Shimano's basic approach to rod making is first to focus on the blank and bring out its full potential. The grip, which allows the angler to input their intentions and feel the response from the fish, plays a very important role in this process.
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.
Conventional reel seats often lead to an increased wrist angle during regular reeling and when battling heavy loads, resulting in strain on the wrist and arm.
The “X SEAT Extreme Gun Grip” is specifically designed for both right- and left-handed users, ensuring a perfect fit in the palm. By maintaining a straight wrist position, it significantly minimises strain on the wrist and palm, allowing for greater comfort during extended fishing sessions.
Moreover, its design eliminates any dead space, allowing for a secure grip without gaps. This ensures stable operation even during intense battles in deep water.
As illustrated in the figure, the Extreme Gun Grip features an expanded contact area with the hand, effectively dispersing pressure and reducing the palming load by up to 45% compared to conventional reel seats. Additionally, the movement range of the reel in relation to the wrist is decreased by 30% compared to earlier models, enabling anglers to operate the reel with enhanced stability.
Additionally, two sizes are offered for both right- and left-handed users: the “S” size for hand-cranked reels and the “M” size for small to medium electric reels, allowing for seamless coordination with a wide range of rods.
You can say goodbye to tired hands, sore fingers, and aching wrists when battling big fish. The X SEAT Extreme Gun Grip is expertly crafted for optimal grip and comfort, effectively eliminating shaky hands and addressing a longstanding frustration for anglers.
Conventional reel seats often lead to an increased wrist angle during regular reeling and when battling heavy loads, resulting in strain on the wrist and arm.
The “X SEAT Extreme Gun Grip” is specifically designed for both right- and left-handed users, ensuring a perfect fit in the palm. By maintaining a straight wrist position, it significantly minimises strain on the wrist and palm, allowing for greater comfort during extended fishing sessions.
Moreover, its design eliminates any dead space, allowing for a secure grip without gaps. This ensures stable operation even during intense battles in deep water.
As illustrated in the figure, the Extreme Gun Grip features an expanded contact area with the hand, effectively dispersing pressure and reducing the palming load by up to 45% compared to conventional reel seats. Additionally, the movement range of the reel in relation to the wrist is decreased by 30% compared to earlier models, enabling anglers to operate the reel with enhanced stability.
Additionally, two sizes are offered for both right- and left-handed users: the “S” size for hand-cranked reels and the “M” size for small to medium electric reels, allowing for seamless coordination with a wide range of rods.
You can say goodbye to tired hands, sore fingers, and aching wrists when battling big fish. The X SEAT Extreme Gun Grip is expertly crafted for optimal grip and comfort, effectively eliminating shaky hands and addressing a longstanding frustration for anglers.
What grip shape provides the utmost comfort without causing hand fatigue the moment you pick up a rod and reel? What design ensures reliable palming, minimises fatigue, and allows for precise rod action?
In the quest for answers to these questions, Shimano sought to elevate the concept of the “Extreme Gun Grip.” This pursuit culminated in the creation of the “X SEAT Technical Gun Grip.”
This grip allows four fingers to wrap around it comfortably, keeping the wrist and palm almost straight, which significantly reduces strain on the wrist. While maintaining the fatigue-reducing and stability advantages of the “Extreme Gun Grip,” it is designed for both right- and left-handed users and accommodates a variety of hand sizes. This versatility makes it easy to switch the reel between right and left hands while fishing.
The “X SEAT Technical Gun Grip” is crafted to fit comfortably in the hand, alleviating wrist pressure while holding the rod. This design allows anglers to fish for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Additionally, it has been medically shown to facilitate palming in a manner that helps prevent tendonitis, crucial for fishing under high-stress conditions.
Conventional grips often faced the challenge of sacrificing operability for increased stability. However, while retaining the stability of the “Extreme Gun Grip,” the “X SEAT Technical Gun Grip” significantly enhances operability by incorporating a trigger section at the front.
Positioning your index or middle finger on the trigger creates an additional pressure point, allowing for greater wrist movement. This enhancement improves the operability of the rod, facilitating smoother up-and-down motions, even with the arm extended.
The “X SEAT Technical Gun Grip” is crafted to fit comfortably in the hand, alleviating wrist pressure while holding the rod. This design allows anglers to fish for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Additionally, it has been medically shown to facilitate palming in a manner that helps prevent tendonitis, crucial for fishing under high-stress conditions.
Conventional grips often faced the challenge of sacrificing operability for increased stability. However, while retaining the stability of the “Extreme Gun Grip,” the “X SEAT Technical Gun Grip” significantly enhances operability by incorporating a trigger section at the front.
Positioning your index or middle finger on the trigger creates an additional pressure point, allowing for greater wrist movement. This enhancement improves the operability of the rod, facilitating smoother up-and-down motions, even with the arm extended.
Comparison of pressure applied to contact surface (compared to a conventional Shimano product)
Used by placing your index or middle finger on the triggerFinger joints are naturally structured to generate force when pulling with a hooked finger, with the ball of a trained finger capable of lifting body weight. However, the sides of the fingers are difficult to strengthen and remain a weak point.
In real fishing scenarios, anglers experience not only the physical weight of their tackle but also the considerable kinetic energy from rod movements, water currents, and the force of the fish pulling. Consequently, regardless of how lightweight the rod may be, it will remain uncomfortable if it requires support solely from the fingers.
The Shimano-exclusive “Hooking Trigger” of the X SEAT Technical Gun Grip is uniquely designed to harness the natural strength of human fingers.
Combining stability and operability, the X SEAT Technical Gun Grip is crafted to allow anyone—regardless of hand size or strength—to apply force comfortably and naturally. This ergonomic design enhances the fishing experience, enabling longer sessions without wrist fatigue.
Finger joints are naturally structured to generate force when pulling with a hooked finger, with the ball of a trained finger capable of lifting body weight. However, the sides of the fingers are difficult to strengthen and remain a weak point.
In real fishing scenarios, anglers experience not only the physical weight of their tackle but also the considerable kinetic energy from rod movements, water currents, and the force of the fish pulling. Consequently, regardless of how lightweight the rod may be, it will remain uncomfortable if it requires support solely from the fingers.
Used by placing your index or middle finger on the trigger
The Shimano-exclusive “Hooking Trigger” of the X SEAT Technical Gun Grip is uniquely designed to harness the natural strength of human fingers.
Combining stability and operability, the X SEAT Technical Gun Grip is crafted to allow anyone—regardless of hand size or strength—to apply force comfortably and naturally. This ergonomic design enhances the fishing experience, enabling longer sessions without wrist fatigue.
The “X SEAT Extreme Gun Grip,” which is designed separately for left- and right-handed use, is mainly adopted in high-end models. Inheriting that concept, the “X SEAT Dual Gun Grip” was born as a common design for right- and left-handed use.
It snugly conforms to the palm, accommodating both right and left-handed users, and provides stability while alleviating wrist strain. Compared to conventional seats, it reduces palming load by up to 37% and decreases vibration during reeling by 15%.
The wrist is maintained in a natural position, allowing even beginners to fish comfortably for extended periods without fatigue. Moreover, the design facilitates a secure grip that enhances force application, stabilising the reeling process and supporting smooth, consistent retrieval without shaking.
Once you begin using this grip, you'll discover that the excitement of luring and hooking fish becomes even more enjoyable. It will quickly become an indispensable part of your fishing gear.
The “X SEAT Front Trigger” is a premium reel seat designed for saltwater and boat rods, providing millimeter-level precision and control over your fishing rig.
The trigger is now positioned farther forward than in previous models, allowing for precise control with just a fingertip. This design enables you to manipulate the fishing rod with the same finesse as conducting a baton.
Additionally, gripping the trigger near the reel's center of gravity minimizes wrist strain and facilitates smooth, quick maneuvers. The “X SEAT Front Trigger” enhances your ability to perform precise actions such as exploring, manipulating, and catching fish.
Even the frequent reeling involved in boat fishing becomes incredibly comfortable, making the sinker feel virtually weightless. This feature is particularly advantageous in scenarios requiring delicate control, such as foolfish fishing, utilizing the Hitotsu tenya method, and fishing with metal sutte.
Even with the same rod, the ideal trigger position can vary based on the size of the angler’s hands, their palming style, and the reel being used. Traditionally, anglers had no choice but to adjust their grip on the rod to accommodate these differences.
The “X SEAT Custom Trigger” enables anglers to effortlessly attach, detach, and replace the trigger by simply loosening the rear end of the reel seat. This compact design ensures ease of use and maximum comfort during battles.
By selecting the trigger shape that best suits their specific situation, anglers can attain a more comfortable grip, ultimately enhancing their casting distance and accuracy.
Furthermore, enhanced wrist flexibility and agility significantly improve rod operability, making it easier to shake the lure to entice fish and maneuver the rod effectively during fights.
The “Palm Fit Seat CI4+II” is a reel seat specifically designed for rock fishing rods, accommodating the diverse gripping styles of anglers while prioritizing comfort and ease of use.
A three-dimensional non-slip rib structure is meticulously designed on both sides of the seat, enhancing stability and comfort. Coupled with a matte rubber coating that boasts a superior texture, this innovative design significantly reduces hand fatigue while simultaneously improving grip.
During reeling tests at a load of 500 g, measurements of the palming area and pressure revealed that the Palm Fit Seat CI4+II reduced palming load by an impressive 65% compared to traditional seats. Additionally, grip strength has been enhanced by 30% in the vertical direction and 44% in the rotational direction, ensuring a secure hold even when hands are wet.
This reduces the strain on the hand, allowing the angler to enjoy fishing comfortably all day long.
The “Palm Fit Seat CI4+II” is a reel seat specifically designed for rock fishing rods, accommodating the diverse gripping styles of anglers while prioritizing comfort and ease of use.
A three-dimensional non-slip rib structure is meticulously designed on both sides of the seat, enhancing stability and comfort. Coupled with a matte rubber coating that boasts a superior texture, this innovative design significantly reduces hand fatigue while simultaneously improving grip.
During reeling tests at a load of 500 g, measurements of the palming area and pressure revealed that the Palm Fit Seat CI4+II reduced palming load by an impressive 65% compared to traditional seats. Additionally, grip strength has been enhanced by 30% in the vertical direction and 44% in the rotational direction, ensuring a secure hold even when hands are wet.
This reduces the strain on the hand, allowing the angler to enjoy fishing comfortably all day long.
Shimano's "X SEAT" ensures a smoother experience when reeling in heavy loads and battling large fish, significantly minimizing fatigue. This allows you to maintain focus even during extended fishing sessions.
The X SEAT is designed with the flexibility to accommodate delicate fishing techniques and allows for easy hand changes while holding the rod throughout the day.
The X SEAT delivers exceptional operability and comfort in every situation, featuring an innovative design that redefines the concept of reel seats.
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.
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.
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.