CARBON MONOCOQUE
Next-generation grips that make rods lighter and more sensitive.
The rod's grip is a crucial part for sensing subtle underwater sensations. Shimano's "Carbon Monocoque Technology" uses carbon material to mold the grip, amplifying vibrations through the synergistic effect of its hollow structure and lightness. It is an extremely lightweight technology that transmits delicate underwater information with high sensitivity, such as the slightest movement of a fish, the feel of the seabed, and changes in water currents.
The conventional rod grip was a bottleneck in weight reduction.
Rod grips primarily use cork or EVA, but their solid structure means that ensuring proper gripping performance inevitably increases weight. Advances in carbon materials have led to lighter rod blanks and smaller guides, resulting in lighter rods overall. In response, efforts have been made to lighten grips, such as by developing split grips, but there were limitations to weight reduction using cork and EVA materials.
The challenge of information being absorbed underwater.
For anglers, vibrations from underwater are a vital source of information. Water currents, the presence or absence of obstacles, the quality of the seabed, and even bites from fish are transmitted from the line through the rod blank and then to the angler's hand via the grip. Generally, grip materials such as cork and EVA are softer than carbon and interfere with the vibrations from underwater that are transmitted by the highly sensitive carbon blank. As a result, the vibrations transmitted to the angler's hand are weakened, making it difficult to accurately perceive the underwater conditions.
The lightweight and sensitive carbon-molded construction enhances the gaming experience.
Shimano's "Carbon Monocoque Grip" is a revolutionary grip unlike any other. By using carbon fiber to create a single, hollow rear grip, it achieves unprecedented sensitivity and lightness. Compared to typical separate grips, it boasts approximately 1.3 times the vibration transmission rate. Furthermore, despite the difficulty of processing carbon fiber, it incorporates a wealth of advanced technology to achieve both practicality and a beautiful design without compromising functionality.
The exhilarating feeling of hearing information from underwater.
The greatest benefit of increased sensitivity is the improved ability to sense subtle changes in the ocean. Through the parts of your body that you touch, such as your arms and armpits, all kinds of underwater information—changes in currents that are difficult to discern with the naked eye, the texture of the seabed, and contact with fish or obstacles—are vividly transmitted to your hands. It functions almost like a third sensory organ, in addition to your eyes and hands. Because you can accurately grasp the underwater situation, it becomes easier to locate fish, determine the right timing for them to bite, and make your next move easier, thus enhancing the game.
An evolution to an ultra-sensitive grip that defies convention.
Shimano has further refined its "carbon monocoque grip" into the "full carbon monocoque grip." By creating a hollow, one-piece molded structure from the rear grip to the rear of the reel seat, it achieves approximately 1.7 times higher vibration transmission compared to a typical separate grip structure, and approximately 1.3 times higher sensitivity compared to the carbon monocoque grip. This new dimension of grip structure allows you to feel even the slightest changes in the water with greater clarity.
The full carbon monocoque grip's capabilities have been proven in vibration tests.
Waveform analysis shows dramatic transmission capabilities comparing the full carbon monocoque grip and an earlier carbon monocoque grip when the same vibrations were applied. The output value of the new model recorded a structural improvement of 128% compared to the previous model. Frequency analysis confirms that the full carbon monocoque grip swings to slightly higher frequencies, and its peak value is significantly more prominent, maximizing underwater clarity.
High-resolution type that achieves lightweight design, high strength, and high sensitivity.
The shapes are available to suit the rod and the angler's preference. The "High-Res Type" is a next-generation design with a polyhedral cross-section. It features multi-functionality, including improved casting stability, operability, grip strength, and ease of use as an elbow rest or underarm grip. The carbon layers are increased in the corners where strength is needed to increase thickness, while the surface areas are kept as thin as possible, achieving the seemingly contradictory performance of high strength and light weight.
Edge type for enhanced cutting performance and round type for a more comfortable grip.
The "Edge Type" is an evolved design with a perfectly circular shape and an edge. The edge shape, which creates a grip for the fingertips of the thumb and index finger when held, improves casting accuracy, distance, and grip stability. The "Round Type" is an original design characterized by its smooth, round, and streamlined shape that fits comfortably in the hand.
A feel that blends seamlessly with your fingertips.
Shimano also focuses on reducing the weight and improving the sensitivity of the front grip. This is the "Carbon Shell Grip." Its hollow structure, made entirely of carbon, has high vibration transmission capabilities, resulting in a sensitivity that resonates throughout the hand. It accurately transmits information from underwater, such as changes in the current and tide weight, allowing you to feel even the presence of fish. Furthermore, when combined with the carbon monocoque grip, the grip area does not use any EVA or cork, achieving maximum weight reduction and high sensitivity.
Sensitivity, a flash.
Shimano believes that the grip, which is the point of contact between the rod and the angler and is in contact with for a long time throughout the day, is the second most important element after the rod action. Born from this philosophy, "Carbon Monocoque Technology" pursues a design that improves vibration transmission efficiency while achieving both high strength and lightweight construction. The evolution of Shimano's carbon monocoque grip, backed by data, continues unabated.