90
ROD TECHNOLOGY
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
Outer Layer Shimano infinity carbon tape
Hi-Power X
Base Layer Longitudinal carbon fibre sheet
ROD TECHNOLOGY
Spiral X construction consists of three layers: a blank made of vertical fibers, an inner layer, and an outer layer both comprised of carbon tape that tightly winds the blank diagonally in opposite directions. By using this carbon tape in place of a conventional horizontal fiber sheet, Spiral X achieves enhanced torsional rigidity without adding extra weight. This in turn facilitates instant power transmission for precise casting and fighting fish. Through its exclusive lightweight structure, Shimano’s Spiral X construction enhances anglers’ “catching power.”
In Hi-Power X construction, the blank’s outermost layer is diagonally wrapped with carbon tape, which forms an array of “X” shapes. The width of the tape, its winding angle and the part of the rod being wrapped are fine-tuned according to the target fish species. The flexibility allows Shimano to adjust these wraps during construction for precise actions, enhanced overall strength and added twist resistance. In short, Hi-Power X construction delivers sharp and crisp rod control by the angler.
Taftec
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.
10_Consumer2018_88-99_Rods.indd 90
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.
08/12/2017 22:56:40