Shimano 2026 OCEA CONQUEST FT

The gear teeth surfaces in the MICRO MODULE GEAR are finer and mesh more closely together than traditional gears, resulting in minimal power loss and a smooth, powerful winding experience. Additionally, the increased number of meshing teeth provides greater strength compared to conventional gears. This unique Shimano gear system achieves a balance of smoothness and durability.

X-PROTECT provides robust protection against water ingress into the reel by combining a labyrinth-structured waterproof wall with special water-repellent grease. In small to medium-sized spinning reels, which require lighter rotation, a non-contact structure is emphasized to maintain rotational lightness. This high waterproof performance is achieved by combining traditional water-repellent treatments with a labyrinth structure that prevents water penetration without direct contact. This technology is applied to areas such as the stopper bearing and line roller.

For larger spinning reels that require higher waterproof performance, a contact-type waterproof structure is used. Low-friction seal materials physically block seawater entry paths, achieving high waterproof performance while minimizing rotational resistance. This contact-type waterproofing is applied to the stopper bearing and line roller, with the stopper bearing achieving an IPX8 waterproof rating.

FTB (FINESS TUNE BRAKE SYSTEM) is Shimano's innovative brake system designed to enhance casting performance with lightweight lures. Traditionally, spool weight reduction was achieved through methods like blanking, but the presence of a brake unit on the spool limited how light it could be. Shimano's FTB system removes the brake unit from the spool entirely, resulting in the lightest spool ever developed in Shimano's bait finesse reel history.

The FTB uses a magnetic braking system, where the magnets apply braking force directly to the spool. It consists of six magnets by default, but it can be increased to eight magnets with the included attachments. This allows for better casting stability with lures that have high air resistance or in strong wind conditions. Additionally, the FTB features a magnet movement mechanism that adjusts the magnets' positions according to the spool's rotational speed. This gives the FTB similar braking characteristics to a centrifugal brake, providing strong braking at the start of the cast and extended distance towards the end.

EXCITING DRAG SOUND is a feature that produces a sound when the line is pulled out from the spool by a fish. Unlike traditional baitcasting reels, which typically do not emit a drag sound, this feature enhances the angler's experience by stimulating their senses, making the fight with the fish even more enjoyable.

A-RB bearings feature a special anti-corrosion treatment that significantly improves their rust resistance. The SA-RB takes this further by sealing the sides with anti-corrosion materials, greatly reducing salt crystallization and salt damage inside the bearing.