The key friction area on most fixed spool reels is where the spool drive shaft meets the pinion. Shimano designers have overcome this by reducing a large percentage of surface area contact, and incorporating bearings on either side of the shaft. The resultant design leaves the shaft in a "floating" position, considerably improving efficiency and longevity.
Dyna Balance - Reduces reel wobble and allows produces ultra smooth performance.
Baitrunner System - Baitrunner was a breakthrough in big fish angling - a feature that has proved so beneficial that it has become a standard on big fish reels. Baitrunner is a lever located on the rear of the reel that allows the reel to be set so that line is released in controlled free-spool.
A-RB Anti-Rust Bearings - The secret of long-term rotation performance is to prevent any form of rust, corrosion or oxidisation of the bearings, which can cause a reduction in the reel's performance over time Shimano A-RB bearings are the answer to this and are fitted as standard on most Shimano freshwater reels and on all Shimano saltwater models.
AERO WRAP
Superb line lay is a Shimano reel's hallmark. Fed by Power Roller, the Aero Wrap system lays close, parallel coils (Aero Wrap) so line builds evenly on the spool and exits cleanly with minimum friction for longer, more accurate casts.
Super Stopper II
With the reel set in anti-reverse mode you'll find zero free-play on the handle thanks to Super Stopper II. Unerringly positive every time.
Power Roller - The special design of the Shimano Power Roller significantly reduces line twist during the retrieve and is a big advantage when using thin mono and braid.
HYPERGEAR
This precision-engineered main gear transmits more power from the handle to the rotor. Designed to exacting tolerances, it requires less effort but returns more retrieve/playing torque with vastly reduced component wear. In fact, all reels offer a breathtaking 90.3% efficiency, which makes them not only feel great, but in years to come they'll still be quietly purring.
HYBRID ALUMINIUM BODY
This combination of aluminium and XT7 Graphite retains maximum strength exactly where required.

Shimano are proud and excited to introduce front drag Baitrunners in 2500 and 4000 sizes on a premium technology platform. By mastering the difficult task of producing a reliable, high performance Baitrunner in smaller sizes, these mighty mini marvels are set to succeed where other companies have previously failed. Respectively taking 160 and 260m on 0.25mm line, features include XT-7 body and rotor, diecast alu spool and spare plus Floating Shaft ll.

Shimano are proud and excited to introduce front drag Baitrunners in 2500 and 4000 sizes on a premium technology platform. By mastering the difficult task of producing a reliable, high performance Baitrunner in smaller sizes, these mighty mini marvels are set to succeed where other companies have previously failed. Respectively taking 160 and 260m on 0.25mm line, features include XT-7 body and rotor, diecast alu spool and spare plus Floating Shaft ll.

In time-honoured 6000, 8000 and 1000 sizes, the new Baitrunner XT-RA series is set to delight a whole new generation of anglers - plus legions of existing Baitrunner devotees. A worthy successor to the Aero GTE Baitrunners which had run their course, this handsome forest-green trio have 4.9:1 gear ratios plus capacities from 240m to 380m of 0.35mm diameter line. Features include XT-7 body and rotor, Zinc Diecast gear, Varispeed plus Cold Forged Aluminium main and spare spools.

In time-honoured 6000, 8000 and 1000 sizes, the new Baitrunner XT-RA series is set to delight a whole new generation of anglers - plus legions of existing Baitrunner devotees. A worthy successor to the Aero GTE Baitrunners which had run their course, this handsome forest-green trio have 4.9:1 gear ratios plus capacities from 240m to 380m of 0.35mm diameter line. Features include XT-7 body and rotor, Zinc Diecast gear, Varispeed plus Cold Forged Aluminium main and spare spools.

Following the massive success last year of the new smaller Baitrunner DL and ST, this year sees the launch of the Baitrunner XT in 2500 and 4000 sizes. Designed for lighter specimen fi shing, the DL combines the Baitrunner free spool facility with a multi-disc front drag for versatile performance over a wide range of methods from predator fishing through to carp.
Possessing many technological features from the top of the range Shimano specimen reels the DL has 4 stainless steel shielded ball bearings and a roller bearing for super smooth, reliable performance. A Cold Forged AR-C spool with Varispeed line lay makes this reel perfect for thin mono and braided lines and offers excellent casting performance every time. With a powerful 4.8:1 retrieve ratio and Zinc Diecast gears, the new Baitrunner DL may be small, but it is a tough reel that can cope with just about everything from large carp and pike to zander and barbel and is perfect for using with lure, strong telescopic and lighter specimen rods.

Following the massive success last year of the new smaller Baitrunner DL and ST, this year sees the launch of the Baitrunner XT in 2500 and 4000 sizes. Designed for lighter specimen fi shing, the DL combines the Baitrunner free spool facility with a multi-disc front drag for versatile performance over a wide range of methods from predator fishing through to carp.
Possessing many technological features from the top of the range Shimano specimen reels the DL has 4 stainless steel shielded ball bearings and a roller bearing for super smooth, reliable performance. A Cold Forged AR-C spool with Varispeed line lay makes this reel perfect for thin mono and braided lines and offers excellent casting performance every time. With a powerful 4.8:1 retrieve ratio and Zinc Diecast gears, the new Baitrunner DL may be small, but it is a tough reel that can cope with just about everything from large carp and pike to zander and barbel and is perfect for using with lure, strong telescopic and lighter specimen rods.

In classic black with an XT7 spool finished in silver, the ST models are packed with far more advanced features than you'd reasonably expect to find on what is now the entry level Baitrunner. Line lay is immaculate thanks to our Varispeed system which involves an oval and a square gear computer engineered to interact perfectly. No longer do you need big money to buy big performance free spool reels.

In classic black with an XT7 spool finished in silver, the ST models are packed with far more advanced features than you'd reasonably expect to find on what is now the entry level Baitrunner. Line lay is immaculate thanks to our Varispeed system which involves an oval and a square gear computer engineered to interact perfectly. No longer do you need big money to buy big performance free spool reels.

Available in 6000, 8000 and 10000 sizes, to cover almost all carp fishing methods, the new Super Baitrunner XTR is faster than the model it replaces with a retrieve ratio of 4.9:1, yet still has the cranking power and strong rear drag to control the largest European carp.
The tough, lightweight hybrid body is finished in contrasting dark charcoal grey and silver. This blends perfectly with top of the range carp rods featuring "custom finished" dark anti-glare satin blanks and minimal graphics, making it the first choice for top carp anglers world wide.
Whilst there has been a trend in recent years towards "big pit" reels for increased casting distance, don't underestimate the performance of the new Super Baitrunner XTR. Featuring an advanced Cold Forged Aluminium AR-C Line Management spool and Aero Wrap II with 2-Speed Oscillation line lay, this new model offers strong casting performance, especially with 40mm butt ring carp rods. Featuring Shimano reliance (SR) technology, 7 AR-B shielded ball bearings, roller bearing and a maintenance port for easy lubrication, plus a new one piece bait arm, the new Super Baitrunner XTR is guaranteed to match your performance and expectations, no matter how high you set them.