Shimano Sustain FJ

Strong yet sensitive aren’t words typically defining an aesthetic show-stopper. But they do illustrate the newly-redesigned Sustain series of spinning reels built to conquer the toughest inshore or freshwater species.

One of the strongest in the MagnumLite series of spinning reels, Shimano engineered the Sustain with a redesigned MagnumLite (MGL) Rotor for light start-up rotation and faster hooksets with increased sensitivity. The increased strength of an Aluminum HAGANE Body reduces reel flex when winding against hard-fighting game fish. Lighter than its predecessor, the Sustain now features Long Stroke Spool to provide anglers with improved casting distance. MicroModule II gearing combined with Shimano’s HAGANE Gear and SilentDrive technologies offer anglers smooth reeling performance. Sure to turn heads and incite envy from other anglers, the Sustain provides anglers the sensitivity and quick hook-setting performance needed to hook and turn a fish in the heaviest of cover.

HAGANE BODY

The HAGANE Body is a metal reel body with high rigidity. The body rigidity and impact resistance virtually eliminates body flexing on the reel while fighting fish. The result transforms the angler’s actions directly into cranking power, increasing efficiency through strength.

MICROMODULE GEAR II

Shimano’s exclusive manufacturing technology further advances MicroModule Gear II with a state-of-the-art gear-tooth surface design. The surfaces of the drive gear and pinion gear have been analyzed and updated from the ground up in Shimano’s pursuit of perfection to further improve the smooth gear feeling and reducing sound.

X-SHIP

X-Ship provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This allows the gears to stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. The added benefit of X-Ship technology is that friction between the spool shaft and gear are eliminated. This further benefits anglers with enhanced casting performance and casting distance of lighter lures.

LONG STROKE SPOOL

The Long Stroke Spool has a longer stroke compared to conventional spool designs. This ultimately produces a smoother line lay during retrieval and translates into increased casting distance for anglers.

MGL ROTOR

The new design of the MagnumLite Rotor produces unprecedented light rotation. The rotor profile — which was previously symmetrical — is now asymmetrical, and the bail arm mechanism — previously situated on the same side as the line roller — has been moved to the opposite side. This ultimately improves the overall balance. Combined with a lightweight line roller, titanium bail and optimum arrangement of rotor thickness, the MGL rotor achieves a 14% reduction in rotational inertia to increase sensitivity to unprecedented levels. But the evolution of rotors is not limited to just reduced weight, the rotor rigidity on the line-roller side is an important performance factor as well. When compared to conventional models, the rigidity for the MGL Rotor is up to 30% higher and contributes to enhanced drag performance.

S A-RB

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 rotation of the bearing.

AERO WRAP II

This two-speed oscillation system layers the line onto the spool in a precise crisscross pattern that reduces line-to-line friction for longer casts. Reels with Aero Wrap II technology utilize a patented worm gear design to move the spool upward quickly and downward slowly to wind the line in a precise pattern, reducing friction and giving anglers smoother and longer casting ability.

G-FREE BODY

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.

CI4+

CI4 is a Shimano original material reinforced with carbon fiber that is lighter and has a higher strength than conventional resin material. CI4+ is an advanced version of the original CI4 material and is 2.5x more rigid than its predecessor. While improving lightness and rigidity, reel bodies and rotors built with CI4+ are further reduced in size and weight.

X-PROTECT

X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without sacrificing light gear and rotor rotation. By combining Shimano’s water-repellent coating with a water-channeling labyrinth construction, X-Protect provides added durability in tough conditions.

WATER RESISTANT DRAG

With the use of rubber gaskets the drag is sealed against intrusion of the elements such as water and dust.

ONE-PIECE BAIL

One-Piece Bail allows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller. The seamless design reduces friction and decreases the chance of tangles or the line catching on the bail arm.

HAGANE GEAR

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 pleasure 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 special 3D-design and then formed by Shimano’s cold-forging technology. The result is assured resilience. HAGANE Gear is the fruit of Shimano’s inexhaustible pursuit for durability — the strength and power of forged metal continues to represent the fundamental concept of Shimano reels.

CROSS CARBON DRAG

The Cross Carbon Drag material provides a wider range of drag settings compared to traditional drag materials. The Cross Carbon Drag provides the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever while providing anglers with increased durability.

RIGID SUPPORT DRAG

By strengthening the spool support of the main shaft, the play and fluctuation of the spool during drag operation are suppressed. The Rigid Support Drag allows smooth and consistent drag delivery, even under high load.

PROPULSION LINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The most obvious component of the Propulsion Line Management System is the new Propulsion Spool Lip design. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations, Shimano’s new spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip design while also preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.

SILENTDRIVE

SilentDrive technology benefits from a total redesign of all functional parts focused on the drive gear, worm shaft and other parts. The goal: remove unnecessary noise and vibration. In doing so, the overall tolerances are improved to a micron level, ultimately creating an overall quieter and smoother reel operation.