Shimano engineers are never content to rest on past laurels—even with proven effective designs. A recent trend from that collective brain trust is the new continued expansion of the MagnumLite collection of spinning reels, featuring Shimano’s cutting-edge MGL Rotor technology. This premium reel technology unifies several premium reel models, including the Exsence, TwinPower XD, Sustain and Vanford series of Shimano spinning reels, and provides game-changing performance for light-tackle coastal enthusiasts.
The biggest differences from previous generations of technologies like those found in the iconic Stradic CI4+ series of reels are the shape and placement of the MGL Rotor. Earlier generations of the MagnumLite Rotor feature a symmetrical rotor profile, which is now asymmetrical to improve the reel’s overall balance. The bail arm mechanism is also swapped from the line roller to the mounting cam side, again for improved balance, which is an important consideration with smaller-caliber spinners. The lightweight line roller, titanium bail and optimal rotor thickness add up to a 14 percent reduction in rotational inertia for enhanced sensitivity and quicker hook-setting performance. Rigidity increased by 30 percent, and drag performance upgrades were also realized with the component shift.
So, what do these mechanical marvels mean for anglers in search of that next tailing bonefish or redfish? Plenty. Lighter weight and better balance within the reel bodies result in less fatigue and more accurate casts per effort. The MGL Rotor minimizes start-up inertia, so every crank imparts the desired action to the jig or lure for better control and enhanced sensitivity. That reduced start-up translates into solid hook-sets and fewer missed opportunities too. All models C3000 and above also feature Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag for improved drag performance. These reels also pair well with small-diameter PowerPro braided line when battling powerful inshore adversaries.
“The MagnumLite Rotor is one of the big advantages of the TwinPower XD,” well-known pro Carter Andrews says, “and you’ll experience that advantage when battling big fish. When he finally stops, he’s worn himself out and his head is turned, and now it’s your turn to start regaining line and bringing that fish in. With the MGL Rotor, there’s no inertia to overcome while the gears get seated with each other. When it’s time to gain line, it’s immediate and effortless.”
The redesigned MGL Rotor within Shimano’s MagnumLite family of spinning reels is the perfect complement for the other advances in Shimano’s premium spinning-reel technology. The cold-forged HAGANE gears and HAGANE bodies provide precise gearing tolerances and rigidity for strength and fish-fighting power. The MicroModule Gearing with more contacts between the drive and pinion gears make for butter-smooth retrieves, and the X-Ship technology keeps the gears perfectly aligned when the pressure is on. Nimble, durable and perfectly choreographed for the task, Shimano’s latest generation of inshore-focused spinning reels is designed to provide years of flats-conquering finesse. fishshimano.com
