X-SEAT
The unique grip makes it easy to hold and less tiring to use.
Shimano's rod-making philosophy begins with a focus on the blank, maximizing its performance. The grip, which inputs the angler's intentions and allows the angler to sense the fish's reaction, plays a crucial role in this process. Shimano's "X-Seat" is a unique reel seat designed for ultimate grip comfort, and offers a variety of options to suit different types of fishing.
① The "Extreme Gun Grip" pursues the ultimate grip comfort.
Conventional reel seats cause the wrist to be angled during normal reeling or during fights with heavy loads, putting strain on the wrist and arm. The "X Seat Extreme Gun Grip" is a meticulously designed left/right specific design that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, allowing you to keep your wrist straight and reducing strain on your wrist and palm even during long fishing sessions. Furthermore, by eliminating dead space and allowing for a firm grip without gaps, stable operation is possible even during high-load fights in deep water. As shown in the diagram, the Extreme Gun Grip has a wide contact area with the hand, and the pressure is distributed, reducing palming load by up to 45% compared to conventional reel seats. In addition, the amount of reel wobble relative to the wrist is reduced by 30% compared to conventional models, enabling stable operation.
② Anyone can control it as they wish, without getting tired. "Technical Gun Grip"
In pursuit of a design that allows for secure palming, reduced fatigue, and precise rod action, Shimano has further evolved the "Extreme Gun Grip." The answer is the "X-Seat Technical Gun Grip." This grip dramatically reduces strain on the wrist by allowing you to hold the rod with four fingers, keeping your wrist and palm nearly straight. While inheriting the strengths of the "Extreme Gun Grip," such as fatigue reduction and high stability, it is designed to fit both left- and right-handed users, regardless of hand size, and allows for smooth switching of grips during actual fishing.
A balance between stability and operability
The "X-Seat Technical Gun Grip" is designed to fit naturally in the hand, reducing pressure on the wrist when holding the rod. This makes it less tiring even during long fishing sessions. Medically, it has been proven that it allows for palming in a way that reduces the risk of tendinitis, and it is extremely effective in high-intensity fishing. On the other hand, conventional grips had the problem that improving stability often reduced maneuverability. The "X-Seat Technical Gun Grip" inherits "stability" while dramatically improving "maneuverability" by adding a trigger section at the front.
Shimano's unique "hooking trigger" design utilizes the strengths of the human finger.
Human finger joints are inherently structured to exert force through hooking and pulling motions. Shimano's unique "hooking trigger," the "X-Seat Technical Gun Grip," is shaped to take advantage of these natural movements. The design combines "stability" and "operability" so that people of any hand size or arm strength can naturally apply force, feeling significantly less wrist fatigue during long fishing sessions.
③ "Dual Gun Grip" provides exceptional stability no matter which hand you grip it with.
The "X-Seat Extreme Gun Grip," a left/right specific design primarily used in high-end models, has been succeeded by the "X-Seat Dual Gun Grip," which features a design suitable for both left and right hands. It fits perfectly in the palm of your hand regardless of your dominant hand, stabilizing your grip while reducing strain on your wrist. Compared to conventional seats, it reduces palming load by up to 37% and reeling wobble by 15%.
④ "Front trigger" enables precise control similar to a conductor's baton.
The "X-Seat Front Trigger" is an innovative reel seat design used in saltwater and boat rods, enabling precise, millimeter-level manipulation of your rig. The trigger is positioned further forward than conventional designs, allowing for fine control simply by holding it with your fingertips. Gripping the reel closer to its center of gravity reduces strain on the wrist, enabling smooth and quick operations.
⑤ "Custom Trigger" for more freedom in lure fishing
The optimal trigger position for the same rod varies depending on hand size, palming style, and the reel used. The "X-Seat Custom Trigger" allows for easy attachment and removal of the trigger by simply loosening the rear end of the reel seat. By being able to choose the trigger shape that is right for the job, it achieves a more comfortable grip, promoting increased casting distance and improved casting accuracy.
⑥ "Palm Fit Seat CI4+Ⅱ" designed to accommodate various gripping situations.
The "Palm Fit Seat CI4+Ⅱ" is a reel seat for surf fishing rods that accommodates various grip styles of anglers. A three-dimensional anti-slip rib structure is placed on both sides of the seat. Combined with a high-quality matte rubber coating, it significantly reduces the load on the hand and improves grip strength. Vertical grip strength is improved by 30% and rotational direction grip by 44% compared to conventional seats.