Key Features of Shimano 2025 ULTEGRA

“HAGANE”

“HAGANE” is more than just a material name; it’s a design philosophy centered around creating reels that offer unmatched longevity and smoothness. The term "HAGANE" itself, which means "steel" in Japanese, symbolizes strength and resilience. However, in Shimano's context, it transcends traditional interpretations, representing a suite of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing performance and durability. In other words, when they say "HAGANE", they do not actually mean that HAGANE(= steel) is used. “HAGANE” promises robustness that can be used with peace of mind even in the harshest of conditions, an unchanging, exquisite winding feel, and winding power that exceeds the imagination."HAGANE Gear" or "HAGANE Body" is Shimano's engineering concept and philosophy.

MICRO MODULE GEAR 2

The gear teeth surfaces in the MICRO MODULE GEAR 2 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-SHIP

X-SHIP features an enlarged drive gear, optimal positioning of the pinion and drive gears, and two-point support for the pinion gear with bearings. This robust gear engagement maintains smooth and efficient reeling even under heavy loads.

INFINITY XROSS

INFINITY XROSS is a technology that increases the contact area between the drive gear and pinion gear through advancements in gear tooth surface design and manufacturing technology. By distributing the load applied to the gear tooth surface over a wider area, this technology prevents the gears from sustaining concentrated damage and breaking. As a result, the durability of the gears is approximately doubled compared to traditional Shimano gears.

INFINITY DRIVE

INFINITY DRIVE is an advanced evolution of the traditional X-SHIP structure. By making the main shaft, which was previously supported by the pinion gear, non-contact and supporting it with a special low-friction bushing, sliding resistance is greatly reduced. Additionally, special surface treatments and processing have been applied to the main shaft itself to further reduce friction loss. These enhancements enable powerful winding even under high load conditions.

SILENT DRIVE

SILENT DRIVE involves a comprehensive redesign of the entire body and drive-related components, meticulously eliminating minute gaps, play, and vibration between parts. Areas of improvement include the drive gear, worm shaft, worm shaft pin, worm shaft gear, and slider gear, among others. This results in a new level of smooth rotational performance and a quiet, refined reeling experience.

ANTI TWIST FIN

The ANTI TWIST FIN is an elastic fin positioned close to the line roller. By preventing the line from sagging, it reduces the occurrence of the line being sucked into the lower part of the spool and the line being wound onto the spool while twisted.

X-PROTECT

X-PROTECT combines a labyrinth structure with special water-repellent grease to provide strong protection against water intrusion into the reel's interior. The system is designed with a non-contact structure to maintain light rotational performance. In addition to traditional water-repellent treatments, the labyrinth structure effectively blocks water entry, ensuring high waterproof performance without direct contact. X-PROTECT provides robust protection for the spool-side bearing of the drive gear shaft. Additionally, a waterproof barrier is placed inside the spool to further reduce water intrusion into the spool shaft bearing.

G FREE BODY

The G Free Body relocates the sliding functional parts needed for spool movement to the upper part of the reel body, bringing the reel's center of gravity closer to the angler's hand. This design enhances the feeling of unity with the rod, making the reel feel lighter. It also reduces casting fatigue and improves rod handling.

LONG STROKE SPOOL

The Long Stroke Spool features a design that extends the width of the spool's line-winding area. This reduces line reduction during the latter part of the cast, contributing to improved casting feel and increased casting distance.

AR-C SPOOL

The AR-C Spool, used in Shimano spinning reels, features a special spool ring shape. The inclined spool edge creates moderate friction resistance, leading to a streamlined line release effect. This design minimizes line troubles while achieving excellent casting performance.

CI4+

CI4+ is an advanced material used in Shimano reels. It is a reinforced carbon fiber composite that is lighter and stronger than conventional materials, providing increased rigidity and reducing weight, which enhances the overall performance and sensitivity of the reel.

SA-RB

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.

ONE-PIECE BAIL

The ONE-PIECE BAIL is a seamlessly molded bail with no joints. This design significantly reduces the likelihood of the line getting caught where the line roller and bail meet, minimizing line-related issues.