The Grappler is a world-class standard rod dedicated to anglers who take on a variety of offshore games. The lineup was created through repeated testing on target fish in Japan as well as large fish from all over the world, and consists of five types: jigging, slow jigging, light jigging, super light jigging, and casting. It covers all the items needed for each game. Advanced technology derived from numerous tests is used in each type and all items, and it thoroughly pursues light response as well as strength and durability. It is not limited to a specific field or target, but covers a wide range of scenes with the total performance of "operability, response, and strength" required for offshore games, making it a global standard. It has precise operability honed in technical games in Japan, and power and durability that can be used in overseas fields. The specs with immeasurable potential demonstrate high performance that breaks the concept of middle class in any scene.
Technical and strong! An unrivaled lineup of offshore standard rods, forged to compete against the world.
Shimano Grappler Type J: Master the Jig, Conquer the Fight
Grappler Type J: This core Grappler series of rods combines SPIRAL X and POWER X blank technologies to provide the next evolutionary step in both jig control and fish fighting strength. All major performance parameters have been optimised to reduce angler fatigue, while maximising your chances of a successful encounter with even the toughest fish in the sea. The amazing lure control offered by these exceptional jig rods is also no accident — it results from hundreds of hours of exhaustive analysis of blank action, loading and response, all aimed at putting fish-catching power in the hands of serious fishers. The 2 to 5 models are equipped with light-but-strong CI4+ reel seats, while the 6 and 8 models offer V-hold grips for superior stability under extreme load. Best of all, the extensive line-up of 14 Type J GRAPPLER models covers everything from inshore sport and reef fishing to full-blown bluewater battles with the world’s meanest fish!
Type J, which is the backbone of the Grappler series, offers a total of 14 items, 7 for spinning and 7 for bait. All models have been updated with rod action in the right place while improving the overall strength of the unified concept of "jerk, response, and strength". Each model has its own unique design from each perspective. The 2-5 power spinning models, which emphasize operability, have a soft tip to accommodate a variety of jig actions, and pursue a balance that makes it easy to grasp the timing of the jerk and reduces fatigue. The 2-5 power bait models have a slightly higher repulsion with an emphasis on response. They are designed to accurately bounce the jig and easily produce slide and fall actions. In addition, the 6-8 power heavy spinning and heavy bait models are designed with an emphasis on power. The V-hold grip, which allows you to hold it firmly and does not tire you out even under high load, and the heavy butt improve fighting and jerking performance.
～The thoughts behind Grappler～
The Grappler series was developed as the next-generation global standard, with an eye on big fish not only in Japan but also overseas. It incorporates advanced technology that is comparable to higher-end models, and is specially designed for each type, achieving performance that allows you to enjoy the desired fishing comfortably. Nevertheless, the price setting and abundant lineup that sticks to the middle class are embodied by the Shimano development team's desire to let you enjoy each individual fishing with dedicated tackle in the ever-evolving offshore game.
In the current offshore fishing scene, the area, water depth, and current change rapidly even during a day of fishing, making it necessary to bring multiple tackles on board. In addition, even more items are needed throughout the season. For those who are new to the world of offshore fishing, it is a fact that the burden of having to purchase many tackles is large. Furthermore, if you have dedicated tackle for each genre, the budget hurdle will increase even more, but with the cost-effective Grappler series, you can get a high-quality rod with a high level of expertise without compromising the quality of your tackle.
Without fear of being misunderstood, having multiple Grapplers will definitely broaden the scope of your fishing and increase your future potential as an offshore angler, rather than stretching your budget and choosing only one expensive high-end model. Simultaneously engaging in games that are linked to each other, such as jigging, slow jigging, and casting, will dramatically increase your fishing experience, and the skills you gain there will be synchronized with other types of fishing and accumulated in the angler's drawer. We would like those who are serious about enjoying offshore fishing to get their hands on a Grappler. With its refined world-class specifications, we bring you a rich and intense offshore game.
Features
The 2 to 5 power spinning reels are equipped with a lightweight, high-strength carbon CI4+ reel seat. The shape is easy to grip with few steps, which contributes to improved operability and sensitivity.
The bait model 2 to 5 power models use a full holding seat made of lightweight, high-strength carbon material CI4+. It is compatible with all grip styles, and pursues a snug fit and a comfortable grip that does not tire you out. It can be held in a variety of ways, such as holding it in the palm of your hand, or with 2 to 4 fingers. In addition, the bottom of the grip is flattened to improve stability when held, supporting high-precision jigging from the hand.
Fuji DPS seat (spinning 6-8 power)
Separate grip is used on the bait-casting models Power 2 to Power 5. It is light and sensitive, and supports accurate jerking and long-lasting performance.
The 6 to 8 power items use a V-hold grip. The V-shaped cross section improves grip when you hold it. In addition, the long front grip works in synergy to support stable power fights while reducing fatigue.
The Heavy model is equipped with a gimbal, an essential item for big fights. The 6 Power and 7 Power models come standard with a rubber gimbal.
The S53-8 and B53-8, which are designed for heavier fights, come standard with a metal gimbal.
Grip Joint 2 Piece
Technology
Overcomes screws and crushing and enhances rod performance from the core.
Spiral X has a three-layer structure in which carbon tape is tightly wound diagonally in opposite directions to the inner and outer layers of rod longitudinal fibers. The internal and external oblique fibers allow high screw rigidity and crushed stiffness to be achieved while maintaining lightness. Shimano's unique "basic structure" improves instantaneous power transmission in fishing operations such as cast and fight, maintains lightness, and enhances "ground strength for catching".
Reinforced structure that further suppresses the screws that occur during casting and fighting. It features carbon tape tightening up in an X-shape from the outermost layer of Spiral X or the carbon sheet longitudinal and horizontal crossing structure. This ensures that the bend of the rod preserves the angler's intended orientation and that the original performance of the blanks is fully realized.
CI4+ is a further evolution of Shimano's original material CI4 reinforced with carbon fiber. Compared to conventional resins, it is lighter and has higher strength.
Specifications
| MODEL | LENGTH (FT) | LENGTH (M) | PIECES | WEIGHT (G) | JIG WEIGHT (G) | PE | TYPE |
| S602 | 6'0" | 1.83 | 2 | 139 | MAX 160 | MAX 2.5 | DOWNLOCK |
| S603 | 6'0" | 1.83 | 2 | 140 | MAX 180 | MAX 3 | DOWNLOCK |
| S604 | 6'0" | 1.83 | 2 | 149 | MAX 210 | MAX 4 | DOWNLOCK |
| S605 | 6'0" | 1.83 | 2 | 170 | MAX 250 | MAX 5 | DOWNLOCK |
| S566 | 5'6" | 1.68 | 2 | 302 | MAX 300 | MAX 6 | DOWNLOCK |
| S538 | 5'3" | 1.6 | 2 | 319 | MAX 400 | MAX 8 | DOWNLOCK |
| B602 | 6'0" | 1.83 | 2 | 160 | MAX 160 | MAX 2.5 | UPLOCK |
| B603 | 6'0" | 1.83 | 2 | 173 | MAX 180 | MAX 3 | UPLOCK |
| B604 | 6'0" | 1.83 | 2 | 177 | MAX 210 | MAX 4 | UPLOCK |
| B605 | 6'0" | 1.83 | 2 | 183 | MAX 250 | MAX 5 | UPLOCK |
| B566 | 5'6" | 1.68 | 2 | 262 | MAX 300 | MAX 6 | UPLOCK |
| B538 | 5'3" | 1.6 | 2 | 284 | MAX 400 | MAX 8 | UPLOCK |