2026.10.25

Shimano 26 Soare XTune: X-Guide Micro and Tubular Ajing Tips

minagiman

Shimano’s upper-range light-game rod, the Soare XTune, had a model change in September 2026. The headlines: a new X-Guide Micro and, for the first time in the ajing actions, tubular-tip models. It could change how advanced anglers fish for aji (horse mackerel) and mebaru (rockfish).

Soare is Shimano’s light-game line — “taking on many targets with light tackle of PE 0.8 or less”. The new XTune has eight models at 68,000–70,500 yen (excl. tax).

Contents

1. New X-Guide Micro
2. Tubular models in ajing action
3. Shimano rod technology
Specs
Which model?
Tackle
Minagiman’s take
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1. New X-Guide Micro

A weight-focused version of the strong, light, tangle-resistant X-Guide 3D Titanium. Compared with the same size X-Guide 3D Titanium it is 40% lighter with an 8% larger inner diameter.

Change	Effect
40% lighter	Lighter swing, faster damping after the cast, better sensitivity
8% larger inner diameter	Compact yet smooth line flow, fewer tangles, better control of light rigs

Shimano’s tester says the lighter guides remove any “dullness” from the rod and give every action more snap — the biggest step up from the previous model.

2. Tubular models in ajing action

Ajing rods have long been dominated by fine, supple solid tips. The new XTune adds hollow tubular-tip ajing models (S58UL-T and S64UL-T).

Tip	Strength	Best for
Solid	Supple, fish take it easily, rarely bounces off tiny bites	Light jighead-only fishing under pier lights, weak-sucking aji
Tubular	Huge amount of information: depth, bottom, current direction and strength	Deep water, heavier rigs, day fishing, boat ajing, scouting new spots

Shimano describes the tubular’s main advantage as “overwhelming information” — ideal as a pilot rod for unfamiliar spots and for aggressive approaches to big aji.

3. Shimano rod technology

Spiral X Core: 1.4× torsional and 2.5× crush strength versus a standard build (Shimano figures).
Hi-Power X to stop twisting when casting and fighting.
Carbon monocoque grip: hollow rear grip for lightness and sensitivity.
Bridge-like seat and CI4+ parts.
Tip tech: Soft-Tube Top (S73UL-T) adds solid-like suppleness to a tubular tip; Tough-Tec ∞ (S60SUL-S, S73UL-S) gives 3× wrap strength and 5× wrap amount versus standard solid; High-Response Solid (S64UL-S, S58UL-S, S610L-S) for fast hooksets.

The green-gold colour is inspired by aji and matches the Soare XR reel.

Specs

Model	Length	Weight	Tip	Lure	PE	Japan price
S58UL-S	5’8”	55 g	0.8 mm	0.4–12 g	0.1–0.6	68,000 yen
S58UL-T	5’8”	55 g	1.3 mm	0.5–15 g	0.1–0.6	68,000 yen
S60SUL-S	6’0”	57 g	0.8 mm	0.3–10 g	0.1–0.4	68,000 yen
S64UL-S	6’4”	60 g	0.8 mm	0.4–12 g	0.1–0.6	69,000 yen
S64UL-T	6’4”	60 g	1.3 mm	0.5–15 g	0.1–0.6	69,000 yen
S610L-S	6’10”	65 g	0.8 mm	0.5–15 g	0.1–0.6	70,000 yen
S73UL-S	7’3”	63 g	0.8 mm	0.4–12 g	0.1–0.6	70,500 yen
S73UL-T	7’3”	63 g	1.3 mm	0.5–15 g	0.1–0.6	70,500 yen

All two-piece with carbon monocoque grips. -S = solid tip, -T = tubular. Prices exclude tax.

Which model?

Model	Character	For
S58UL-S	Ajing action, supple but hooks aggressively	Jighead-only under lights with a solid tip
S58UL-T	Ajing action, tubular info in a short rod — among the most sensitive	Maximum feel with jigheads
S60SUL-S	Light-load specialist; shows a nip vs a full take	Ultra-light jigheads, delicate presentation
S64UL-S	Centre of the hook-setting ajing range	Dark-spot night fishing
S64UL-T	Tubular info, handles heavier work	Deep water, heavier rigs, day fishing
S610L-S	Crisp, firm, handles many rig weights	Jigheads to light Carolina rigs
S73UL-S	Mebaru action, good for retrieving	Mebaru and moving lures
S73UL-T	Versatile for any target, spot or rig	Jigheads, float rigs, small plugs and metals

Shimano’s tester recommends the tubular S58UL-T and the solid S60SUL-S. The S58UL-T also works for inshore boat ajing — ester line from shore, PE from the boat.

Tackle

Part	Recommendation
Reel	Light C2000–C2500 (e.g. Soare XR)
Line (jighead)	Ester 0.2–0.3 or PE 0.1–0.3
Line (long-cast rigs, boat)	PE 0.3–0.6 within the rod’s range
Leader	Fluorocarbon 0.6–1.5

Minagiman’s take

For years, “solid tip is the answer” has been the ajing mindset. The 26 Soare XTune puts tubular ajing tips firmly on the table at Shimano’s upper level. Solid for the bite, tubular for information — switching rods by situation is exactly how advanced ajing works. If you are looking for a second rod before winter, put a tubular model on your list.