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Long
Term Efficiency
The basic function of a fishing reel is rotation and the quality of that
rotation determines the reels’ overall performance. Over the last few years
Shimano has focused all its efforts on the evolution of fishing reels,
paying special attention to improving the smoothness of rotation. Shimano
A-RB reels are the latest in reel design & manufacturing technology.
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
reels operation over time. Shimano A-RB bearings are the answer to this &
are fitted as standard on most Shimano freshwater reels & on all Shimano
saltwater multiplier models.
Why Has Shimano Developed A-RB Bearings?
Over the years Shimano has overcome many of the barriers to improving reel
rotation efficiency. For example, the gears (Hypergear) have been designed
with a 3D CAD-CAM system to ensure unequalled performance. Next to this,
Shimano Dyna Balance eliminates vibration during use. Following on from
these innovations, the last big problem to be solved was bearing corrosion
and oxidisation. This problem has now been overcome by a unique
manufacturing process, which provides protection from corrosive agents.
How Do We Use A-RB Bearings?
Rust is a form of metal oxidisation primarily caused by water and sodium. In
seawater, these two agents are combined, increasing dramatically the general
corrosive effect. Shimano A-RB bearings incorporate a barrier (the
integrated corrosion resistant surface) to protect against these agents.
Technical Features Of A-RB Bearings
On high quality reels, bearings are generally made from Stainless Steel to
prevent corrosion. In actual fact, it is not true to say that Stainless
Steel does not rust! Stainless Steel’s corrosion resistance decreases in
relation to the need to improve the surface strength and, consequently, the
durability of the metal over time. By increasing durability, corrosion
strength will inevitably be reduced. Confronted with this dilemma, Shimano
developed a unique manufacturing process, which increases corrosion strength
dramatically, thus enabling the use of metals with a higher surface strength
and, consequently, increased wear resistance. The durability of an A-RB
bearing is 10 times higher than that of any Stainless Steel bearing. |
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