4x8 Digital Control

The 4x8 Digital Control Brake System

The original DC system had one pre-programmed braking curve on the DC circuit board inside the reel. The eight settings along this curve worked by increasing or decreasing the amount of braking force. It was an excellent, all-around curve, ideal for most bass fishing or inshore applications. However, the original DC system was not ideal for slow spool speeds, such as when skipping or pitching. The pre-programmed curve also limited competition casters and surf casters, even at the lightest settings. We also knew that many anglers still turned to spinning reels under extremely windy conditions, when baitcasters are notoriously difficult to control, even with the most educated thumb.

So we developed the next step in the evolution of DigitalControl, the 4x8 Digital Control Brake System. For this new system, Shimano thoroughly analyzed casting mechanisms for various environmental and mechanical conditions. Then we divided these situations into four different modes and created four profiles to handle them: Extreme Distance Mode X, a very specific profile that allows for more than 50,000 RPM; Long Distance Mode L, an all-around profile for most fishing applications; Accuracy Mode A, an excellent profile for skipping or pitching; and Wind Mode W, a profile for casts into a headwind. Each Mode has eight different brake-strength settings for a total of 32 brake settings.