SPIRAL X
Shimano's unique blank basic structure that fundamentally enhances rod performance
Shimano has developed next-generation basic structures called "Spiral X" and "Spiral X Core" using its unique design and manufacturing methods. By suppressing the "twisting" and "crushing" of the rod that cause problems such as being unable to cast as desired or control fish, it enables anglers to achieve the action and fight they want.
The "twist" of the blank hinders smooth operation.
During casting and fighting a fish, the rod's guides can twist forward or sideways, affecting casting accuracy. The recoil when the twist returns to its original position can prolong the rod's movement after a cast. This can also reduce maneuverability, making it difficult to accurately transmit twitching and jerking forces, and making it harder to control a hooked fish. Longer rods can also suffer from body wobble.
"Deformation" of the blank's cross-section can lead to a lack of power or breakage.
"Crushing" refers to the deformation of the blank's cross-section, which forms the core of the fishing rod. It's similar to how a straw becomes oval-shaped when crushed, eventually collapsing completely. If this condition progresses, it will ultimately lead to "breakage." Rods with easily deformed cross-sections will not provide the appropriate tension and power during casting or fighting fish, resulting in reduced performance. Therefore, it is essential to prevent crushing of the cross-section and subsequent breakage in fishing rods by any means necessary.
Achieves high torsional rigidity and compressive rigidity while maintaining lightness.
To address these challenges, Shimano developed its unique basic structure, "Spiral X." Conventional rod structures consist of fibers running in two directions: vertical fibers that provide action (stiffness) and horizontal fibers that prevent crushing. However, fishing rods experience torsional forces that cannot be prevented by vertical and horizontal fibers alone. "Spiral X" is a three-layer structure in which carbon tape is tightly wound diagonally in opposite directions around the inner and outer layers of the rod's vertical fibers. By using the inner and outer diagonal fibers throughout the entire rod, including the tip, it achieves high torsional rigidity and compressive rigidity while maintaining lightness. This improves power transmission during casting and fighting, and enhances the "fundamental strength for catching fish" while maintaining lightness.
The carbon tape was carefully selected.
At the heart of this Spiral X structure is the "SHIMANO INFINITY CARBON TAPE," which is wrapped diagonally. From over 100 different types with varying modulus of elasticity, resin content, width, and thickness, the most suitable material is carefully selected and used to match the rod's action and performance. Furthermore, this carbon tape is precisely and densely wrapped at the most effective angle and pitch for each part of the blank. This high level of technical expertise forms the foundation of the "Spiral X" structure.
The next-generation blank basic structure has evolved through the use of high-strength materials.
Spiral X Core is an evolution of Spiral X. This technology employs carbon tape made with high-strength resin developed using Nanoalloy® Technology. By using carefully selected materials, it achieves even greater strength against bending, twisting, and crushing in all directions of the rod. Compared to a general structure, the torsional strength is 1.4 times greater and the crushing strength is 2.5 times greater. Compared to Spiral X, the torsional strength is improved by 10% and the crushing strength by 15%.
*Nanoalloy® is a registered trademark of Toray Industries, Inc.
Lightweight, strong, and allows for precise casting and fighting.
Shimano's technology suppresses twisting and crushing, achieving weight reduction while maintaining strength, allowing for a fight where the fish doesn't take control, and improving casting accuracy. Spiral X and Spiral X Core are Shimano's answers to the two challenges of twisting and crushing.