NEW PRODUCT GUIDE 2016/17
Blank Construction
Many Shimano rods make use of exclusive carbon technology to achieve lighter, stronger, more responsive rods. This delivers improved performance, which leads to more enjoyment, and ultimately more fish. Two of the main technologies are Spiral X and Hi-Power X construction.
Spiral X Outer Layer Shimano infinity carbon tape
Middle Layer Longitudinal carbon fibre sheet
Inner Layer Shimano infinity carbon tape
Spiral X is a process Shimano apply when constructing a rod blank and it offers the best balance of both strength and low weight. Rods built using traditional construction processes can suffer blank twist and torsion, not offering a true curve, which results in a loss of power and also effects casting distance, hooking power and overall ease of use. With the Spiral X construction process carbon is spirally wrapped in extremely tight coils, both inside and outside of the blank. The Spiral X construction process increases overall performance and reduces blank twist or torsion. Shimano utilise over 30 different types of carbon tape, with each rod utilising different configurations to make the most effective blank for its intended use.
Hi-Power X
ROD TECHNOLOGY
Hi-Power X is an extremely important feature. The Hi-Power X incorporates a carbon tape wrap on the outside of the blank in a spiral pattern to increase overall strength. This also enhances stiffness and removes twist completely. This process offers greatly increased performance when casting longer distances and produces more accuracy and greater strength when hooking hard fighting fish. Hi-Power X construction also allows the carbon tape to be wrapped from the butt to the tip of the blank, which is an industry first. Because fine tips are more prone to twist, Hi-Power X is an extremely effective feature in this area of a blank. Shimano has both the knowledge and technology to apply this to such fine sections.
Softube Top
Shimano Softube Top provides the sensitivity of an ultra fine solid carbon tip with the lightness of a hollow construction. Softube Top construction can be found on models where sensitivity and finesse are both important requirements. The smooth, seamless action of Softube Top offers the angler an unrivalled experience for bite detection and fish-playing performance.
05_NEW Products2017_Rods_34-47.indd 36
Taftec
Traditionally, solid carbon tips are made by forming carbon fibre cloth into a solid cylindrical carbon fibre bar, which is then ground to a tapered profile to make the tip. Because the fibres in the carbon cloth are multi-directional they become damaged during the surface grinding process which can weaken the final tip and give inconsistent results. Shimano TAFTEC tips utilise a pre-stretched T-3500 directional yarn fibre with low resin saturation. This directional alignment of the fibres results in much less damage during the grinding process and results is a spineless construction which tests have shown to be much stronger, lower in weight, faster in action and more sensitive. TAFTEC tips are used throughout the Shimano rod range where sensitivity is an important requirement of the the rod.
CI4+
Shimano develop a wide range of reel seat designs to match the rod on which they are applied. Some of the more specialised reel seats incorporate the use of CI4 and CI4+ carbon. CI4 is over 20% lighter and 1.6 times stronger than conventional polymers, with CI4+ being a technical advancement of CI4 which offers even more strength. This exclusive material allows Shimano to make ultra light reel seats, whilst maintaining the maximum strength.
22/08/2016 10:56:29