Key Features of Shimano 2022/23 OCEA CONQUEST
“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.
MICROMODULE GEAR
The MICROMODULE GEAR system features finer gear teeth that mesh more closely than traditional gears, reducing power loss and creating a smooth, powerful retrieve, complemented by a precisely engineered body housing. Compared to previous Shimano gears, vibration levels are reduced to less than half. The increased number of meshing teeth also ensures greater strength, making this a unique Shimano gear system that balances smoothness with durability.
INFINITY DRIVE
INFINITY DRIVE is a new system developed by Shimano to achieve more powerful and lighter retrieves. It replaces one of the two grease bearings supporting the pinion gear—the one on the spool side, which causes greater rotational resistance. Instead of using this bearing, the pinion gear is supported internally by the spool shaft. Additionally, the support distance and gear thickness have been thoroughly optimized to maintain high support rigidity. This new design reduces gear rotational resistance by up to approximately 60% without compromising gear strength.
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.
FALLEVER
FALLEVER is a newly designed lever that allows for easy and precise control of fall speed, which was previously difficult to manage. By moving the lever forward or backward, you can adjust the mechanical brake to either increase or decrease the fall speed. This enables more strategic fishing, such as allowing the lure to fall quickly in mid-water and slowly near the bottom. Additionally, during casting, the brake can be applied to prevent backlash, and then smoothly released for a free fall. FALLEVER also allows for seamless operation of casting and subsequent actions with a single lever.
S COMPACT BODY
The S COMPACT BODY design reduces the diameter of the reel on the palming side compared to the handle side, creating a more comfortable grip that feels as if the reel is one size smaller. This enhances palming comfort and control.
EXCITING DRAG SOUND
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.
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.
