26 GRAPPLER Specs, Line Capacity & Size Chart | SHIMANO

The SHIMANO 26 GRAPPLER is a high-rigidity, high-durability low-profile baitcasting reel designed for offshore jigging.
This page serves as an archive-style reference, covering model specifications, line capacity, spool dimensions, handle length, and other official data.
It is also a convenient guide for finding compatible spare spools, drag washers, bearings, and other custom parts.

Notes
* All GRAPPLER models are designed exclusively for PE line.
* The grooves on the spool line-winding section indicate 1/3 and 2/3 respectively.


| Spare Spools, Bearings & Various Custom Parts
Genuine Parts & Custom Parts for the GRAPPLER Series Are Available Here!






High-rigidity, high-durability low-profile model with excellent palming performance.

The GRAPPLER, a leading reel for offshore jigging, is equipped with a high-rigidity, low-profile HAGANE BODY featuring advanced technologies like X-SHIP, MICROMODULE, and EXCITING DRAG SOUND, now renewed with further evolution.
Adopting a one-piece solid full aluminum CORESOLID BODY enhances durability, while the next-generation centrifugal brake system, SVS INFINITY, facilitates easy adjustment and enables precise response even during underhand casting.
Additionally, the handle has been lengthened to 75mm, and various parts have been refined for greater ease of use.
Combined with HG, which delivers all-around performance suitable for any angler or style, and the addition of the XG model with a gear ratio of 7.6, this reel is capable of handling an even wider range of scenarios.


| KEY FEATURE

Even more strength.



Traditionally, the majority of spinning reels used in jigging have been round-shaped.
This is because they offer the body rigidity required for jigging and the strength to handle even large fish.
In contrast, the compactness and light operability of low-profile reels are ideal for fishing that prioritizes a light feel.
The Grappler has a low-profile shape that makes palming easy, yet boasts body rigidity comparable to round reels such as those in the Ocea Conquest series and reeling power that reliably reels in large fish.
It opens up new doors in jigging reels with cost performance that exceeds its class.


High-rigidity core solid body.



The 26 Grappler features a highly rigid core solid body made from a single piece of aluminum.
The level wind protector and side plates, which are usually made separately from the frame, are now molded from metal.
This gives it rigidity and durability approaching that of the Ocea Conquest series.
The highly rigid body, which minimizes bending and distortion, efficiently transmits the reeling power input by the angler, supporting anglers who are not afraid to take on large fish.


The smooth and powerful winding of X-SHIP and micro module gears has been further improved.



At its heart is a combination of two technologies: micro-module gears and X-SHIP.

The micro-module gear, which exhibits greater strength by increasing the number of interlocking teeth, suppresses vibrations caused by gear meshing, resulting in smooth, silky reeling.
X-SHIP also provides strong support for the gear system through the optimal placement of both the pinion and drive gears, and two-point support for the bearings by the pinion gear.
Furthermore, the distortion-free core solid body frame firmly protects the gear meshing, providing strong support for the smooth, powerful reeling of X-SHIP and the micro-module gear.


The handle length has been increased to 75mm.



The handle length for both the HG and XG models is 75mm.
This is an increase from the previous model's 70mm.
This allows for more powerful reeling in when fishing in deep water, using heavy jigs, or when dealing with strong fish pulls.
The handle knob is the same CI4+ round knob as the previous model, maintaining the easy-to-grip, light and nimble reeling feel.


Equipped with SVS Infinity for easy brake adjustment.





The brake system, which is also suitable for undercasting when jigging, is equipped with the SVS Infinity. Not only does it have a wide range of adjustment, but the external dial allows adjustment without removing the side plate, simplifying operation. This makes it easier to handle a wider range of situations and more precise responses.


| FEATURE



75mm Handle & CI4+ Round Knob


| TECHNOLOGY

- HAGANE

HAGANE is a Shimano reel design concept created to withstand continual use and extreme abuse. HAGANE is an innovation with built-in toughness and durability that works alongside Shimano's precision engineering. HAGANE is for all anglers.

The Goal: An Unchanging Retrieve Feel, Forever.



Robustness that can be relied on even in harsh conditions.
A precise retrieve feel that stirs the senses, a solid sense of operation, and cranking power beyond imagination.
By steadfastly pursuing reels that anglers can truly put to hard use, this endeavor gave birth to the HAGANE Gear and HAGANE Body, becoming SHIMANO's guiding principle.
All for the angler.
#BaitcastingReel #HAGANE #HAGANEGear #HAGANEBody

HAGANE - SHIMANO's Guiding Principle



"HAGANE" is SHIMANO's reel design philosophy that aims for "an unchanging retrieve feel, forever."
By honing its unique metal-processing technologies, including precision cold forging, to the utmost limits, SHIMANO pursues reels that only SHIMANO can make.
Backed by the "HAGANE" philosophy, SHIMANO reels offer impressive smoothness and overwhelming strength, earning the lasting love of many anglers.
These products, which show their true value the more they are used, are the embodiment of SHIMANO's unwavering commitment and promise.

The SHIMANO Technologies That Realize the HAGANE Philosophy.



Reel-making based on the "HAGANE" philosophy is supported by SHIMANO's unique metal-processing technologies, cultivated over many years.
The "HAGANE Gear" is forged to deliver overwhelming strength and durability from the tip to the root of each tooth, enabling a smooth retrieve.
The high-rigidity "HAGANE Body" suppresses twisting and flexing during cranking, protects the reel's interior from unexpected impact, and enables smooth reeling.

A Symbol of SHIMANO's Metal-Processing Technology.
Precision Cold-Forged "HAGANE Gear."



Unlike hot forging, SHIMANO's precision cold-forging technology - the "HAGANE Gear" - achieves outstanding precision and strength by applying pressure to metal at room temperature.
The "HAGANE Gear" is completed by compressing a metal block with a force of about 200 tons.
Without any cutting work on the tooth surfaces, this technique produces high-precision gears at micron-level accuracy in a single press - a technology unmatched anywhere in the world.
Its quality is truly worthy of being called "forged metal."

Forging Metal Blocks Into Precision Gears



- High Density: Comparing the cross-section of a precision cold-forged "HAGANE Gear" to a cast (die-cast) gear, the difference is clear.
Casting, which involves melting and pouring material into a mold, tends to trap air bubbles and impurities, as seen in the black dots in the image.
In contrast, precision cold forging produces a dense crystal structure with no voids.
This results in a tougher gear.



- High Hardness: Because no cutting work (machine cutting) is performed on the tooth surfaces in precision cold forging, the metal flow (the flow of the metal's grain structure) is not broken.
Gears in which the metal grain flows along the shape are strong against impact and highly resistant to breakage.



- High Smoothness: Gears made by cutting retain fine scratches and protrusions on their surfaces, which cause localized fatigue.
However, "HAGANE Gear" has almost no irregularities on the tooth surfaces, so even after repeated reeling over many fishing trips, noise is unlikely to develop and the smooth retrieve feel is maintained.

- HAGANE BODY

Protecting Gears & Rotational Performance From Load & Impact.
High-Rigidity Metal "HAGANE Body."



The "HAGANE Body" uses high-rigidity metals such as aluminum and magnesium.
While achieving extreme weight reduction, it suppresses flex, distortion, and twisting in the reel, realizing smooth reeling with minimal power loss.
The high rigidity also protects the delicate gear engagement from impact, sustaining the retrieve feel.
The metal body, refined in function, carries a resolute beauty.

The HAGANE Body is a metal reel body with high rigidity. The body rigidity and impact resistance virtually eliminate body flexing on the reel while fighting a fish. The result transforms the angler's actions directly into cranking power,


SHIMANO's Principle, Delivered to Every Angler



"HAGANE," as advocated by SHIMANO, is a design philosophy that combines precision and innovative technology with toughness to create reels that can truly be put to hard use.
This endeavor produces highly durable gears ("HAGANE" Gears) and a rigid body that firmly supports them ("HAGANE" Body), delivering world-class strength and smoothness.
The true value of "HAGANE" is felt the more it is used. With a message of strength entrusted to "HAGANE," we now deliver it to every angler.


- MICROMODULE

A Gear System That Realizes a Smooth Retrieve Feel
& Outstanding Rigidity



The ultra-compact precision gear and the elaborate body housing realize a "silky" winding feel that has never been experienced before. SHIMANO's unique gear system that reduces the vibration level to less than half in a vibration comparison with conventional gears (our comparison), and achieves a smooth feeling without sacrificing strength by increasing the number of gear teeth that mesh with each other.

A Drive System Where Small Precision Gears
Mesh Densely



The indicator for the size of gear teeth is called "module."
The smaller the module, the more gear vibration and noise are suppressed, significantly improving rotational smoothness.
However, downsizing the module requires high component and assembly precision.

SHIMANO's "Micro Module Gear" has successfully downsized the module of the pinion gear and drive gear - the heart of the reel - to the utmost limit while maintaining strength and durability.
This has realized a new mechanism with approximately twice the number of teeth compared with our conventional products (compared with our previous products).
It is a gear system achievable only by SHIMANO, with its long history of dedicated gear development.

Combining "Silky Retrieve Feel" & "High Strength"



"Micro Module Gear" realizes smooth gear engagement through the synergy of ultra-small precision gears and an ultra-precise body housing.
Noise such as roughness or grittiness during cranking has been significantly reduced compared with our conventional products.
In addition, as the number of meshing teeth increases, the vibration frequency approaches the limit of human tactile perception.
This delivers a "silky retrieve feel" unlike anything experienced before.

Moreover, by densely increasing the number of meshing teeth with ultra-small teeth, the load on the gears is distributed, achieving a smooth feel without sacrificing strength - a unique SHIMANO gear system.


- X SHIP



X SHIP provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This increased support allows the gears to stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. X-Ship technology also eliminates the friction between the spool shaft and gear to further benefit anglers with enhanced casting performance and casting distance of lighter lures.



- X PROTECT

X PROTECT provides high-level water resistance to the inside bearing of drive gear shaft with waterproof construction.



X PROTECT provides high-level water resistance to the inside bearing of drive gear shaft with waterproof construction.


- CORESOLID BODY

A One-Piece Metal Body That Combines
High Rigidity & Compactness



CoreSolid Body integrates the B-Side Plate, levelwind guard and frame into a solid one-piece construction. This delivers an ridid feeling.

Challenges of Typical Low-Profile Bodies



Typical low-profile baitcasting reels have slightly less rigidity as a challenge.
This type of reel is usually made by combining a main frame with multiple parts.
However, the large number of parts has caused anglers to feel slight flex in the reel, even though it has sufficient strength for practical use.

High-Rigidity, High-Sensitivity Metal Solid



SHIMANO's "CORESOLID BODY" integrally molds the main frame, level-wind protector, and palming-side side plate into a single metal structure.
By reducing the number of parts, it realizes a compact yet high-rigidity body.
This design makes the reel easier to hold while suppressing rattling and flex in the body itself.
It delivers sufficient strength and stable reeling performance that does not yield even in power fights.


- SVS∞

A Brake System That Handles a Wide Range of Situations With External Dial Adjustment



SVS Infinity, provides easy-to-manage, consistent spool control and brake force. With brake weights that use inner friction against the raceway during the cast, SVS Infinity controls spool speed for precision casting. The external adjustment knob provides for quick, precise adjustments when anglers need to adjust to the conditions or when they switch baits.

Avoiding Backlash
With Centrifugal Braking

SHIMANO's "SVS INFINITY" offers a wide brake adjustment range and can handle various conditions through external dial adjustment alone.
By adjusting the internal brake shoes, even finer settings are possible, quickly responding to lure characteristics and external factors such as wind and rain.

This brake system delivers a light reel pick-up and distinctive extended flight.
It accurately pinpoints the deepest parts of a spot and is especially useful in close-range casting such as pitching and no-sinker rigs.




- EXCITING DRAG SOUND

EXCITING DRAG SOUND technology enables drag sound on a baitcasting reel.


- S3D Spool

S3D SPOOL leads to significantly reduced spool vibration. This creates an smooth feeling when casting.


- S A-RB

Rust-Resistant Bearings



S A-RB bearings are put through the same process as Shimano’s A-RB bearings but feature shields on both sides of the bearings. These shields reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the rotation of the bearing.

The Role of Bearings in a Reel



"Bearings" are parts that allow shafts within a machine to rotate smoothly, and they are essential to improving reel performance.
They are also important for ease of casting and for enhancing sensitivity during reeling.
However, if saltwater, rain, sand, or salt enters the bearings, it can cause rust, leading to loss of smoothness during cranking.
To prevent this, reel bearings are often made of rust-resistant stainless steel or treated with special coatings.

Greatly Improved Rust Resistance

SHIMANO's "S A-RB" creates a physical shield (protective wall) on the side of the bearing to guard the bearing balls, and applies a special treatment (anti-rust treatment) to prevent rust.
As a result, even if saltwater enters, the metal surfaces are resistant to rust and corrosion.
This extends bearing life and comfortably supports the angler's fishing life.


| SUPER FREE SPOOL

SUPER FREE SPOOL reduces friction on the spool shaft during the cast and enhances casting performance.


| Spare Spools, Bearings & Various Custom Parts
Genuine Parts & Custom Parts for the GRAPPLER Series Are Available Here!