Shimano 26 Sephia XTune: Limited-Level Eging Rod, All Five Models Explained
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Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Shimano Ocea 17+ PE: A 17-Strand Braid With a Core for Offshore Casting
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Most PE braid is 4- or 8-strand, and 16-strand lines have appeared too. Does more strands always mean better? More strands make the line smoother and cast further, which suits casting games, but the cost goes up and abrasion resistance can suffer, so it is not ideal around rocks.
Shimano’s answer is the Ocea 17+ PE: 16 strands braided around a core, 17 in total. Released in April 2025, it is built for offshore casting for big fish.
Key features
17-strand structure for strength and durability
The line uses a 16-strand sheath braided around a single core. Shimano adapted the structure from one used in car brake systems, giving durability against repeated shock while staying supple.
The core stops the line twisting or flattening, so it keeps its out-of-the-box performance longer. A newly developed SF700 fibre uses filaments three times thicker than before for high abrasion resistance. Shimano’s Pitbull line also has a core and uses Izanas fibre, but this goes a step further.
Infinity Connect casting performance
Under Shimano’s Infinity Connect concept, the line is matched to the Stella SW reel and Ocea Plugger Limited rods. Using them together is designed to give a big step up in casting performance.
Better visibility and surface treatment
A new dyeing technique keeps the colour on the surface much longer than conventional PE, so you can judge the distance to the fish more accurately during a fight. A Heat Sink Coating made from a special silicone resin with about a quarter of the heat conductivity of water gives heat resistance and a slick surface. More strands normally cost abrasion resistance, and this coating helps make up for it.
Shimano technology
- Heat Sink Coating: Shimano’s own silicone coating for durability
- Izanas: an ultra-high-strength polyethylene fibre
Line-up
Sizes are Japanese PE numbers (go). Prices are before tax.
| Model | Colour | Length | Size | Max strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD-A71Y | SW Navy | 300 m | 6 | 105 lb / 47.7 kg | ¥18,800 |
| LD-A71Y | SW Navy | 300 m | 8 | 139 lb / 63.1 kg | ¥19,400 |
| LD-A71Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 300 m | 6 | 105 lb / 47.7 kg | ¥18,800 |
| LD-A71Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 300 m | 8 | 139 lb / 63.1 kg | ¥19,400 |
| LD-A71Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 300 m | 10 | 169 lb / 76.7 kg | ¥19,400 |
| LD-A71Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 300 m | 12 | 197 lb / 89.5 kg | ¥19,400 |
| LD-A91Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 100 m (connected x12) | 6 | 105 lb / 47.7 kg | ¥6,260 |
| LD-A91Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 100 m (connected x12) | 8 | 139 lb / 63.1 kg | ¥6,460 |
| LD-A91Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 100 m (connected x12) | 10 | 169 lb / 76.7 kg | ¥6,460 |
| LD-A91Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 100 m (connected x12) | 12 | 197 lb / 89.5 kg | ¥6,460 |
| LD-A91Y | 10 m x 5 colours | 100 m (connected x12) | 15 | 241 lb / 109.3 kg | ¥6,460 |
For choosing a leader, see my PE line and leader chart.
Summary
- 16 strands around a core: 17 in total
- SF700 fibre with filaments three times thicker for abrasion resistance
- Matched to Stella SW and Ocea Plugger Limited under Infinity Connect
- Longer-lasting colour and Heat Sink Coating for heat resistance and slickness
- Sizes 6 to 15 for offshore casting and big fish
ABOUT ME
Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.
