HAGANE is a Shimano reel design concept created to withstand continual use and extreme abuse. HAGANE is an innovation with built-in toughness and durability that works alongside Shimano's precision engineering. HAGANE is for all anglers.

With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of most Shimano reels. Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives anglers the long-lasting smoothness and enjoyment that is felt when anglers first use a reel, over and over again. No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear during fabrication; instead, the entire surface is calculated in minute detail by a special 3D design and then formed by Shimano's cold-forging technology. The result is assured resilience. HAGANE Gear is the result of Shimano's endless pursuit for durability — this strength and power of forged metal continue to represent the fundamental concept of Shimano reels.

The use of lightweight and rigid metals such as aluminum and magnesium firmly suppresses deflection, distortion, and torsion of the reel. This protects delicate gear meshing and enables smooth reeling.

The water-repellent treatment provides water-resistance even in the presence of minute gaps due to the water bead formation effect. The water resist effect can be improved without increasing rotational resistance. Furthermore, since there is no contact, there is no abrasion and the waterproofing effect lasts longe

G FREE BODY technology has been developed to shift the reel's center of gravity closer to the rod. By moving the center of gravity closer to the angler’s hand, the G FREE BODY helps to reduce fatigue and enhance casting comfort.

The spool has a special spool ring shape. This creates a rectifying effect on the line and realizes both suppression of line trouble and long casting performance.

The CROSS CARBON DRAG provides the smooth drag release and the durability.

S A-RB bearings are put through the same process as Shimano’s A-RB bearings but feature shields on both sides of the bearings. These shields reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the rotation of the bearing.

Models that can be used in saltwater