Shimano spinning rods: which rod to choose

The advantage of the company's spinning rods

The advantage of such an eminent manufacturer as Shimano is a properly selected strategy and long-term cooperation with Japanese carbon mega-manufacturers.
Another important fact in favor of this brand: thanks to the production of products in large volumes, the company keeps the price range in a stable position. Currently, Shimano has a rich range of high-quality carbon rods, providing fishing accessories for any type of fishing. Regardless of whether the model is an expensive one or an economy class rod, they are all made with the latest technology from first-class raw materials with strict quality control during assembly. The XT marking on spinning rods characterizes the composition and ability of carbon fiber to withstand external influences. The higher the indicator, the better the quality of the raw materials, therefore, the fishing rod is more expensive.

Let's look at the most common series of spinning rods from Shimano.

Budget models

Catana

Video review of Katana model spinning rods:

Spinning rods of the Katana family, combining Geofibre material and a progressive structure of rings, offer fishermen simply incredible casting quality. If we remember their very affordable cost, then competitors in this price range remain far behind. The Geofibre material used allows the blank to achieve a high level of rigidity. At the same time, the power and amazing play of the spinning rod are also preserved.

Model Length Weight Price

Catana BX Spinning 165 UL 1.65 m 79 g RUB 1,037

Catana BX Spinning 180 L 1.8 m 89 g RUB 2,422

Catana BX Spinning 180 MHJ 1.8 m 95 g RUB 1,110

The model line of fishing rods of this family is presented in a wide range. It all depends on the direction and style of fishing. For example, you can consider traditional, telescopic for a short transport length or spinning rods for light baits. It all depends directly on your preferences.

Alivio (Alivio)

The Shimano Alivio CX family of spinning rods, which has taken a strong position in popularity among economy class equipment, is liked not only by beginners, but also by experienced fishermen. The main material for making the fishing rod is carbon, supplemented with Geofibre organic fibers. Thanks to this cutting-edge connection, it was possible to achieve a high level of power and responsiveness during any kind of load.

The design of Shimano Alivio CX is both practical and aesthetic, the handle is made of balsa wood, and the reel seat uses Vibraspot technology, providing a comfortable grip on the rod both during casting and while playing fish. There is nothing to complain about here, so even the most demanding fisherman will like this spinning rod. Shimano Hardlite rings, having a low coefficient of friction, can provide high casting distance and accuracy. The wide range of lengths of the Shimano Alivio CX rod provides a unique opportunity for the fisherman to choose a spinning rod to his liking.

Model Length Weight Price

ALIVIO CX SPINNING 165UL 1.65 m 92 g RUB 1,800

ALIVIO CX SPINNING 180L 1.8 m 101 g RUB 1,900

ALIVIO CX SPINNING 210M 2.1 m 156 g RUB 2,100

Vengeance

The Shimano Vengins family of spinning rods belongs to the fishing gear of the highest level of quality and reliability, with which you can catch a strong and lively predator. Despite the fact that these spinning rods are so cheap, they are highly powerful and durable. These figures were achieved thanks to the introduction of the new XT30 material. The fittings used here are also of decent quality. Hardlite guides and a practical reel seat. If you are looking for a high-quality spinning rod, you don’t have to overpay for it. For a very reasonable price you can get it for your use. Model Length Weight Price SVAX21MH 2.1 m 141 g RUB 1,990 SVAX24MH 2.4 m 205 g RUB 2,230 SVAX27H 2.7 m 256 g RUB 2,800

Shimano Catana

The most famous series of fishing rods on the domestic market. An ideal option for beginners when purchasing a spinning rod for the first time. Thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as carbon with the addition of Geofibre, the rod is very elastic and durable, which allows for comfortable casting. In addition, novice fishermen are attracted by the low cost and excellent Japanese quality. The spinning rod handle is quite sensitive to bites. This was made possible by the use of exposed areas in the cork covering of the holder. It is necessary to reduce the feeling of cold in the hand at low air temperatures, as well as to reduce the possibility of slipping.

Middle class Shimano spinning rods

Beastmaster

Thanks to its most progressive structure, this middle-class spinning rod can easily transport bait to the fish and constantly maintain control over the process of retrieving it. During moments of intense competition with a predator, the ceramic surface of the guide rings tends to heat up, releasing a lot of heat. And this negatively affects the durability of the fishing line. Later developed Fuji Hard guides can reduce heat generation somewhat, allowing the line to last longer and not break as often. Optional balancing weights give each fisherman the opportunity to balance the rod according to his individual needs and desires.

Model Length Weight Price

DX 180 L 1.8 m 94 g RUB 5,626

DX 210 M 2.1 m 116 g RUB 5,983

DX 210 ML 2.1 m 1 14 g RUB 5,864

Video review of the Beastmaster rod from Shimano:

Nexave

Having identified the enormous popularity of the Shimano NEXAVE CX family of spinning rods, the developers decided to further refine their favorite models, upgrading them to the NEXAVE BX model range. The updated series shows the fastest action, while even the form is used more delicately. This excellent result was achieved thanks to the innovative technique of interlacing XT40 and XT60 fibers.

With less weight, spinning rods have a high level of strength and rigidity. The casting range has also increased, although the accuracy remains at the same decent level.

It is also worth mentioning the design features of the Slide'N'Grip reel seat. After all, now you can fix the reel at almost any distance from the handle, which is achieved through the use of special clamps. This spinning rod is very comfortable and fits well in the palm of your hand, so your fishing will be a joy.

Model Length Weight Price

BX Spinning 140 UL 1.4 m 73 g RUB 1,475

BX Spinning 165 MJ 1.65 m 85 g RUB 1,725

BX Spinning 165 UL 1.65 m 78 g RUB 1,562

If we are talking about the fittings used on the spinning rod, then there are SIC rings located on the form according to the Aero Guide System scheme. And this allows you to increase the casting distance and evenly distribute the load during the fishing process.

Yasei (Yasei)

Today, the popularity of the jig fishing method is growing every day. That is why the developers of the Shimano company have done everything possible to make catching a predator with a heavy shore jig convenient and comfortable. This is how the YASEI CASTING SPEED JIGGING series was born, which practically combines the most powerful fishing rod, made of high-modulus graphite and organic fiber, and the amazing sensitive characteristics of a spinning rod. After all, jig without this is simply impossible. In this case, every touch of the spinning rod to the bottom surface and a bite will be transmitted directly to the hand. Thanks to this, even in the dark or in poor visibility during the day, you can safely fish. Whereas the moment of controlling the wiring along the tip will be oh, how inconvenient.

Shimano Aspire

Unique handmade products, quite expensive. Designed for fishermen with refined taste who appreciate rare, exclusive items with high consumer qualities. The distinctive features of the series are the use of first-class Low sliding guides from Fuji, a rosewood reel seat with micro-adjustment. Spinning rods in this series are available in different lengths (from 1.8 m to 3.3 m) and are so durable that they can be used for catching such powerful fish as catfish, tuna or six-striped trevally. When selling Aspire spinning rods, they are packaged in genuine leather-reinforced Cordura tubes.

Professional models

Below are several lines of spinning rods that have the best characteristics.

Super Ultegra (Super Ultegra)

Thanks to its bluish color, this spinning rod is easily recognizable. Many fishermen loved it for its functionality and high degree of reliability . And at the same time, it doesn’t matter if you achieve the most accurate cast, if you need a long cast, or if you want to win a tough fight with a predator, the rod of this SUPER ULTEGRA AX FEEDER spinning rod will withstand all the tests.

Model Length Weight Price

SULTAXPR60FDR 3.35 m 191 g RUB 10,200

SULTAXPR90FDR 3.66 m 198 g RUB 11,400

SULTAXLC120FDR 3.96 m 334 g RUB 14,100

The Super Ultegra family includes five models that can solve any fishing problem.

Video review of Super Ultegra:

Diaflash

The Diaflash Light family of spinning rods is used mainly for fishing with the lightest baits, which today are very popular not only among professionals, but also among amateurs. This can be explained by the fact that during fishing competitions and fishing by an inexperienced fisherman, the fish behaves extremely passively. That’s why small bait is used, trying to do everything to make the fish more active. The rod test showed that it is best to use bait weighing from 0.6 g to 8 g .

Model Length Weight Price

SP Light LS 2.28m 2.28 m 91 g RUB 8,310

SP Light LS 2.37m 2.37 m 95 g RUB 8,450

SP Light ULS 2.20m 2.2 m 90 g RUB 7,830

If we talk about the positive aspects of this spinning rod, it is worth mentioning the ultra-sensitive TAFTEC tip. She is the one who will be able to show even the lightest bite. The spinning rod includes the lightest and fastest blank based on XT200+Biofibre materials, comfortable and laconic Fuji Alconite SS guides, including an IPS reel seat that is striking in its ergonomics.

Technium

Today, Shimano TECHNIUM DF CX spinning rods are extremely popular and have become a worthy replacement for the outdated BX line. Thanks to the implementation of the blank on the XT100 base, a high level of strength of the spinning rod is achieved. And Shimano T-Lite Hardlite rings will forever allow you to forget about twisting the fishing line, which so spoils the fishing process. The Diaflash CX family is presented in the form of twenty-nine models, three of which are aimed at salmon fishing. This new product will definitely find its fans among modern fishing.

Model Length Weight Price

DF BX Spinning 180 L 1.8 m 122 g RUB 3,075

DF BX Spinning 210 M 2.1 m 154 g RUB 3,387

DF BX Spinning 210 ML 2.1 m 148 g RUB 3,262

Shimano Technium

Spinning rods of the Technium series are endowed with numerous advantages, since they have an improved base blank made of XT100 carbon fiber thanks to the technological features of Shadow Diaflash. Also advantageous are T-Life Hardite guide rings of our own production, high-quality handles made of natural cork, additional balancers and packaging in the form of a hard tube. The Technium spinning rod, due to the ideal placement of the rings along the blank, makes it possible to make accurate long-distance casts.

Design and technical characteristics

Shimano is constantly developing and improving its fishing rods. The updated form material is able to maximize its capabilities. Namely, to have strong sensitivity. The specific gravity of the blank has become even smaller, but at the same time the strength has only increased. This was achieved by reducing the weight of the resin components of the carbon composition. The percentage of resins in the blank is kept to a minimum. It was Shimano that managed to solve the problem of heavy weight. Hi-Power X technology is also used. Complex work with a complex technical process. Here the blank is wrapped with cross strips of carbon fabric. This makes the fishing rods more sensitive, the weight becomes lighter, and the structure becomes stronger.

Externally, Shimano fishing rods have an excellent design with high-quality fittings. Rings in Fuji fishing rods with silicon carbide inserts from SiC Ring. These are solid rings, but light in weight. Do not overheat when rubbed during use. The ring frames (support) are made of titanium. The material has high strength and low weight. The reel seat is designed for multiplier reels. The reel seat design is made of high modulus carbon from our own brand. It has an ergonomic shape, provides control over the wiring. The handle is spaced apart and is comfortable to hold in your hand. If it involves long fences, then it is better to use it with two hands. Material: EVA made from high quality cork.

Specifications

presented in averages:

— the length of the fishing rods is from 190 to 221 centimeters;

— fishing rod test - from 4 to 135 grams;

— weight of fishing rods is from 110 to 137 grams;

— sections-1, 1+1, 2;

— the length when transporting fishing rods is from 104 to 196 centimeters;

— rod blank material: XT100, Hi-Power X, HPC200+Biofibre;

— rod ring material is Fuji Stainless;

— handle material: EVA;

- plug-in type of fishing rods.

Shimano Vengeance

The series is of the plug type and has a fairly extensive model range. All fishing rods meet consumer specifications and are able to provide each type of fishing with maximum comfort and the opportunity to enjoy the ownership of such an original tool. For the production of blanks, XT30 carbon is used, equipped with a practical holder for reels of Shimano’s own production. And durable Hardlite guide rings are made in the form of a steel frame with an aluminum oxide insert placed inside. The unique Shimano Vengeance series is perfect for lovers of comfortable fishing.

Advantages of Shimano spinning rods

Shimano spinning rods have a lot of advantages and also have some advantages:

Manufacturers use high-quality materials in the creation of gear that are durable and reliable.
In the line of several types, you can choose a fishing rod that is suitable both in length and weight. Moreover, budget models are also light and durable, just like their expensive “brothers”.
Reel seats and guides are made of durable materials.
The material of the handle allows you to fish in the winter season without letting your hands get cold.
Samples have a long service life.
The tests have a wide range of weights (from 1 to 100 grams).
The number of throughput rings ranges from 6 to 9.
If you wish, you can choose a model designed to catch a specific type of fish. For example, pike or only American perch.