Description
Product Specifications：
Product Introduction：
To the Unknown Territory
The BLACKFIN EXⅢ series is a lineup completely specialized for Hirazuki seabass. Its independence from the GRANDEAGE series clearly demonstrates APIA’s serious commitment to this genre. So, what makes it different?
First, it adopts a three-piece construction, designed with land-based rock running and expedition-style fishing in mind.
Do not underestimate this. Increasing the number of joints significantly affects strength, bending characteristics, and weight. Yet despite being a three-piece rod, it delivers astonishing lightness, strength, and swing-through performance, along with a beautifully smooth bend when fighting fish.
Once you use it, you’ll find yourself thinking, “This can’t be a three-piece rod.”
Response after hook-up has also improved dramatically.
While the latest carbon materials play a role, the exceptional rebound power from the belly to the butt section shortens fight time and allows anglers to finish battles decisively.
Even more surprisingly, hook-loss rates are extremely low.
In today’s tough conditions—where short bites are common with Hirazuki—this rod unexpectedly reduces missed fish and significantly increases landing rates.
Three models are available:
The Bellator, using its short length for rapid, aggressive control;
The Monster Gale, capable of facing medium-sized pelagic fish while easily lifting Hirazuki;
Or the Mistral, boasting exceptional casting accuracy.
Choose according to the ever-changing winds and waves of the rock shore.
— RED Nakamura
BLANK：
The blank is constructed using Toray third-generation carbon fibers combined with X-FORCE100, achieving higher levels of strength, rebound power, and toughness while maintaining outstanding lightness. This allows the entire fishing process—from casting to landing—to be performed at an exceptionally high level.
All models feature a three-piece configuration to enhance mobility, and are equipped with Shield Tech, which protects the blank from unavoidable minor scratches during travel and expedition-style fishing.
X-FORCE100：
Carbon Content: 100%
“X-FORCE100” is an industry-first carbon prepreg manufacturing method (Registered Utility Model No. 3251137).
Conventionally, increasing rod strength required layering multiple prepregs with carbon fibers oriented in different directions. In contrast, X-FORCE100 forms a single prepreg sheet using carbon fibers crossed at 45 degrees, an orientation highly resistant to torsional stress.
Furthermore, APIA succeeded in eliminating the glass scrim traditionally used as backing reinforcement. As a result, a 100% pure carbon rock-shore Hirazuki rod has been realized for the first time.
Key Features of X-FORCE100：
⦁Carbon fibers crossed at 45° formed into a single prepreg sheet
⦁Drastically reduces carbon torsion, a major cause of power loss
⦁100% pure carbon construction enhances vibration transmission, suppresses tip shake, and improves sensitivity
⦁Highly uniform manufacturing process eliminates product inconsistency
TORAYCA Third-Generation Carbon：
M40X & T1100G
The crisp and sharp feel of the rod comes from M40X, a 40-ton high-modulus carbon fiber. Its instantaneous response improves hooking accuracy while enabling maximum casting distance with less effort. The exceptional sensitivity delivers even subtle bites directly to the angler’s hand, translating directly into better results.
Complementing this is T1100G, a 33-ton medium-modulus carbon fiber that assists the blank’s bending characteristics and further enhances overall rod balance. During casting and fighting, it allows the rod to load smoothly while maintaining powerful, resilient control against hard-running fish.
M40X
Unmatched Sensitivity & Operability
M40X is a 40-ton high-modulus carbon fiber developed for aerospace applications such as rockets and next-generation aircraft. While maintaining the same modulus as M40J, its compressive strength has been improved by approximately 30%.
This material contributes to superior rebound performance and increased rod speed during casting. It utilizes #2574 Nanoalloy resin, delivering exceptional sensitivity and precision.
T1100G
World-Class Strength & Power
T1100G is a 33-ton medium-modulus carbon fiber developed for advanced aerospace, rocket, and Formula 1 applications. It boasts one of the highest tensile strengths among all carbon fibers currently available.
In addition to its strength, it enhances rod acceleration during casting and provides smooth, progressive bending under load. Like M40X, it also employs #2574 Nanoalloy resin, achieving both toughness and refined handling.
NANO JOINT：
Further Evolution of APIA Technology
The greatest weakness of multi-piece rods has always been the joint section. Increased weight, top-heavy balance, stiffness at the joints, reduced strength, and the stress of repeatedly reassembling loose connections are all inherent issues of conventional joint systems.
APIA’s original joint system, NANO JOINT, developed using Nanoalloy technology, fundamentally resolves these problems. In particular, the put-in style NANO JOINT delivers performance that surpasses traditional spigot joints in terms of strength, weight reduction, balance, and bending curve.
The joint taper difference is finished with ultra-high-precision polishing to a tolerance of just 0.002–0.005 mm, significantly reducing loosening during fishing.
The three-piece design across the entire BLACKFIN lineup is only possible because of the performance of NANO JOINT.
Notes：
⦁Do not modify the joint; use as is.
⦁Use the included joint assist sheet when assembling or disassembling.
⦁If the joint becomes stuck, cool it with ice to contract the carbon material before removing.
SHIELD TECH：
To protect the blank from minor scratches caused by frequent travel and expedition fishing, a specialized protective tape known as Shield Tech is applied to the rod exterior.
BLACKFIN EXIII BELLATOR S103MH
A short-length model capable of delicate, precise approaches
Designed for low-standing spots such as flat reefs and rocky surf zones, the BELLATOR excels in maneuverability where footing is limited. Its flexible blank accommodates the use of small sinking pencil baits, often required under high-pressure conditions in easily accessible areas.
BLACKFIN EXIII MONSTER GALE II S109H
A high-power model dominating rough reef battles, capable of handling pelagics
Inheriting the strongest name in APIA’s Hirasuzuki lineup, MONSTER GALE II represents the most powerful rod in the BLACKFIN series. Even under headwinds exceeding 10 m/s, it delivers low-trajectory, pinpoint casts with ease. Anglers can control fish without approaching dangerous waves, while still maintaining authority during close-range surges. Its power also absorbs the force of mixed pelagic species.
BLACKFIN EXIII MISTRAL S110MH
A core model pursuing hook-up efficiency and reduced hook loss
The longest and most smoothly bending rod in the BLACKFIN lineup. It excels in high-elevation, steep reef situations, maintaining responsiveness to bites that occur just before lure pickup. During fights, its superior shock absorption prevents unnecessary thrashing while maintaining control during sudden runs. Even in demanding conditions, anglers will experience improved hook-up rates and fewer lost fish.
