As we introduced, DAIWA has released new seabass rod the other day.
And now – from SHIMANO, named Exsence Infinity.
8 years past since the last Exsence rod has released, now the “Ultimate” top quality seabass rod from SHIMANO, will give you “ultimate” experiences.
The Lightest and The Strongest – from SHIMANO Official
Needless to say the lightness is the huge merit we are all chasing for game fishing, and lots of rod brand has been chasing for ages. However everybody was always in dilemma, the lighter can be fragile, the tougher can be heavier…
But now SHIMANO has reached one of answers to this dilemma, the “Spiral X Core” technology.
“Spiral X” is the SHIMANO’s original technology to place materials diagonally, and backwards to strengthen rods with light weight.
And this “Spiral X Core” is the advanced technology, which uses nano-alloy ® technology carbon tape from Toray so that the twisting strength is gained 10%, squash strength is gained 15%MAX, as SHIMANO official says.
Here is the strength test of SHIMANO Exsence Infinity video as below.
Comparing To Existing Exsence Models
This SHIMANO Exsence Infinity only has 4 models, we cannot really compare the same models.
But these models are the very good example how the new Exsence Infinity has improved.
Exsence ’14 S903ML MH/F – Length: 2.82m(9’3”) / 2pieces / weight: 153g
Exsence Infinity S906ML/RF – Length: 2.90m (9’6”) / 2 pieces / weight: 128g
As above, despite the length is longer than ’14 Exsence, the weight is 25g lighter. This 25g can be very different for game fishing, as you always need to keep casting for hundreds.
And interestingly, matched lure weight range is wider, but heavier. Supposedly, the new Exsence Infinity has narrower body than ’14 Exsence so the sensitivity and toughness are both gained intensely.
And with those upgrades, the price difference is only about 10,000 yen ( = about US$92.60) .
The only one negative point to me, is this new Exsence Infinity only has 4 models and does not have 10ft models, because I often go to rock fishing.
However 9ft rod can still be nice option, because you can also use it for many places such as canals, under bridges, river, lake, broadwater, etc.
Specs and Prices
As I have already introduced, Exsence Infinity only has 4 models, S900ML/RF, S906ML/RF, S906M/RF and B806M/R. Sold price can be around 58,000 – 65,000 yen.
| Model | Length | Sections | Weight | Lure weight | Matched Line | Price (yen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S900ML/RF | 2.74m (9ft) | 2 | 122g (4.3oz) | 5-32g (0.17-1.13oz) | 12-25lb (braided line) | 74,000 |
| S906ML/RF | 2.9m (9’6”) | 2 | 128g (4.52oz) | 5-32g (0.17-1.13oz) | 12-25lb (braided line) | 75,000 |
| S906M/RF | 2.9m (9’6”) | 2 | 132g (4.66oz) | 6-38g (0.21-1.34oz) | 14-33lb (braided line) | 76,000 |
| B806M/R | 2.59m (8’6”) | 2 | 120g (4.23oz) | 6-38g (0.21-1.34oz) | 14-33lb (braided line) | 74,000 |
SHIMANO Exsence Infinity
Size: 2.59 – 2.9m
Weight: 120 – 132g Price: 63,417 yen –
Buy Exsence Infinity
(Rakuten)
Basic product information and images are from SHIMANO Official Website
Hello there,
Just a month ago I bougth a Shimano Exsence 55COSW4962. At first use of rod, it got break from the end. When I send it to the Shimano Turkey they told me, it is broken due to it got damaged. However, it was not damaged or even a scratch on it before. It got break while using a 6 grams spoon drill. Shimano Turkey sent my product back and they didnt care about my issue.Because of I am not able to reach anybody from Shimano except Shimano Turkey I wanted to send this message to you.
Hi Omer,
I am so sorry to hear that. However we are not a Shimano’s distributor or seller we just introduce Japanese products for wishing our information might help your fishing lives even a little. Therefore we can not help any of those issues nor take any action to Shimano.
But as long as we purchased / used more than 100 rods from Shimano we haven’t got those kind of issue.
What is your choice, this Exsense infinity or the Daiwa MORETHAN Branzino?
Hi Tim,
This is very difficult question to answer, as this can all depends on what you like, because those are very similar.
This is just my personal opinion, but firstly I think Morethan Branzino tip is a bit softer than Shimano Exsence Infinity and therefore it’s a bit sensitive to be used, if you use it roughly it might be broken. I felt the same feeling for the guides as well, Exsence has titan frame so use feeling is not much different from other rods, but Morethan has carbon fibre frames, so it is very solid and it won’t bend.
I think Exsence is a bit harder than Branzino, so even ML type you can feel the strong rod power. And I use S906ML/RF for open water like surf, therefore I like Exsence, solid hard rods, more than Morethan Branzio personally. But if you rather have more sensitivity, Morethan may be your choice.
Hello FTN
Please help me out.
For the 906 m and ml model can you tell me the ideal casting weight?
I want to use the rod for metal jig about 20gr and lures about 18gr.
Thanks in advance
Greetings
Arie
Hi Arie, it is actually hard to say what the “ideal” casting wait is for rods, as everyone casts in different forms or ways. But I am pretty sure all those models are fine for 18g – 20g lures / jigs as those weights are in middle of the ranges. Just keep in mind not to use too thick lines as it may disturb your casting.