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.