Irvine, Ca — The pride and tradition of Sakai’s metalworking utilizes the most advanced technology.
The history of Sakai’s metalworking goes back to the 5th century, also known as the Kofun period. This technology of swords, kitchen knives, guns, and other precision metal tools has been handed down in Sakai from generation to generation. This has evolved overtime to be used in the manufacturing of bicycle components. In 1921, Shimano Iron Works, our predecessor, opened their doors. Since then, the combination of history and tradition of Sakai’s metalworking has given us the most advanced technology possible, which has allowed us to achieve one innovation after another. At Shimano we pursue the potential that only metals are capable of. “Hagane” embodies the philosophy that has been passed on in Shimano’s reel manufacturing and this forms the basis of our technology.
Knowledge-based design concept for purpose-built reels.
Hagane is Shimano’s reel design concept, which aims at “eternally smooth reeling.” We’ve taken our unique metalworking technology, including precision cold forging, to extreme levels in pursuit of building the perfect fishing reel.
Shimano reels, with their impressive smoothness and overwhelming strength, backed by the Hagane concept, have been the favorites of discerning anglers for years. The more you use it, the more you realize the value of Hagane. These reels truly reflect Shimano’s unflinching determination and commitment to excellence.
Shimano’s technology drives the Hagane concept.
Reel manufacturing based on the Hagane concept is supported by the unique metalworking technology that Shimano has developed over the years. The precision cold-forged “Hagane Gear” is tremendously strong and durable from the edges of the teeth to the root of the gear. The “Micro Module Gear System” provides seamless reeling through the engagement between the super-refined teeth. The “X-Ship” system achieves powerful and smooth cranking thanks to the gear system that is designed to effectively transmit input power. The highly rigid “Hagane Body” eliminates distortion as well as flex during reeling and protects the interior of the reel from unexpected impact. By integrating these representative metalworking technologies, Shimano gives you the feeling of smooth reeling that is unique to Shimano reels. The more you use the reel, the more you realize the value of Hagane.
Precision cold-forged gears symbolize Shimano’s metalworking technology.
Unlike hot forging, Shimano’s precision col-forging technology, in which metal is compressed at room temperatures, achieves excellent precision and strength. The Hagane Gear is produced by applying about 200 tons of pressure to the raw metal. This technology involves no cutting work to forge a high-precision gear with micron accuracy in a single process, and this is unlike any other in the world. Such quality deserves to be called “transformed metal.”
Micro-module gear enables smooth reeling.
With the gear teeth being ultra-refined to the limit, the “Micro Module Gear System” enables seamless engagement and power transmission. The System, without compromising strength, reduces noise and provides you with far better sensitivity. You will be able to sense even the most subtle strike from a fish. The highly accurate engagement of these gears is protected by the Hagane Body, a metal reel body with extreme rigidity. A combination of the precise gears and the rigid body makes eternally smooth reeling possible.
X-Ship, precision gearing system enables smooth yet strong reeling.
The X-Ship system enables smooth reeling even under heavy loads. Shimano’s unique mechanism for robust gear engagement uses an enlarged drive gear, optimum positioning of the pinion and drive gears and two-point support of the pinion gear whose ends are supported by bearings. Even when you are fighting very large fish, and the X-Ship system efficiently transmits the input power, enabling powerful reeling.
The highly rigid “Hagane Body” protects the gear’s rotation performance from heavy loads and shocks.
The Hagane Body is made of highly rigid metals such as aluminum and magnesium. With its weight reduced to the limit, the Hagane Body eliminates flex, warp, and distortion of the reel, allowing smooth reeling with little power loss. Furthermore, the body protects the engagement of the Hagane Gear and the Micro Module Gear System from shock, while maintaining smooth operation.
