Over many years Shimano has developed rods for all types of fishing. These rods are tested over and over again by our product developers and ambassadors, to get the perfect blank actions, balance, responsiveness and strength. To achieve the perfect construction of a rod, SHIMANO has developed many rod technologies. Not only are these technologies important to catch more fish, but they also improve your overall fishing expierence.
So let's explain more about the benefits of having a perfect blank construction. When fishing accuracy, strength and casting distance of a rod are important to target any (specific) species. This is because we all know that fish love to hide or want to search for food at specific spots. For this reason, you want to present your lure or bait exactly at the right spot and at the right moment! To hit those specific spots, you want to cast the distance you'll need and also as accurately as possible. By having a direct feel from the handle to the tip of a rod, that is exactly what you will be doing. Then, if after a great strike a fish is hooked, you need the additional strength of a rod whilst playing your dream catch!
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 Spiral X Core construction.
SPIRAL X (CORE) construction overcomes blank twist and enhanced rod performance
Spiral X construction consists of three layers: a blank made of vertical fibres, an inner layer, and an outer layer, both comprising carbon tape that tightly winds around the blank diagonally, in opposite directions. By using this carbon tape in place of a conventional horizontal fibre 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".
SPIRAL X CORE
The SPIRAL X CORE construction also consists of 3 layers. The outer layer is made of SHIMANO Infinity carbon tape, the middle layer of longitudinal carbon fibre sheet and the outer layer is made of SHIMANO Infinity Nanoalloy carbon tape. The use of Nanoalloy resin technology increases torsional and compression rigidity, creating additional strength.
COMPARISON
If you compare SPIRAL X and SPIRAL X CORE you can see that there's a difference in the inner layer of the construction. With this inner layer the torsinal rigidity is improved up to 10% and the compression rigidity up to 15%. You'll experience this improvement when casting and also when fighting a fish.