The 26 Exsence Genos (2026 model) is a sea bass rod for hirasuzuki on the rocks, fully redesigned in September 2026. If unsure, take the S108M+/RF: lures 8–48g, list price JPY 84,000 (excl. tax).
The Gear Nerd's Pick
Full X-guides from end to end, with tall-frame Touch Free titanium guides on the butt and 3D titanium toward the tip, go after the line tangles that are scariest on a headwind rocky shore. And the blank is higher modulus and slimmer than before. So if one rod has to cover rocks, surf and big rivers, I choose the S108M+/RF.
Key points
- Released Sep 2026. JPY 84,000–90,000 (excl. tax)
- Full X-guides on every model, slimmer than before
- If unsure, the S108M+/RF, which casts 8–48g
When is the 26 Exsence Genos released? How much?
Released in Japan in September 2026. Shimano's flagship rod for hirasuzuki on the rocks got a full redesign. Four rods, including the first 3-piece model for travel. List price JPY 84,000–90,000 (excl. tax).
Swipe the table sideways →
| Model | Length | Weight | Lure | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S108M+/RF | 3.25m | 215g | 8-48g | JPY 84,000 |
| S110MH/R | 3.35m | 205g | 10-56g | JPY 87,000 |
| S112MH+/R-3 | 3.41m | 252g | 12-62g | JPY 90,000 |
| S110H/R | 3.35m | 230g | 14-70g | JPY 89,000 |
How I judged it
With the eye of someone with 30 years of all kinds of fishing, I think this rod's biggest step forward is the guides.
Cast a thick leader and PE into a strong wind and the slack line wraps around a guide. That is the moment on the rocks that breaks your spirit most. The new Genos has X-guides on every model: tall-frame X-Guide Touch Free titanium on the butt, 3D titanium at the top and tip. Their unique tilted shape and angle help the line run out cleanly and reduce wind-whipped line catching on the guides, so you re-cast and re-tie less often.
Next, the models. Of the four, the S108M+/RF carries on from the previous core model, the "Grand Stinger 108". Its lure minimum of 8g is the lightest of the four, and it is built to be used anywhere: not only rocks but surf, big rivers and high seawalls. This is my pick. A buy.
RecommendedSee it on NaturumSee "Shimano 26 Exsence Genos S108M+/RF" on Rakuten
What changed from the previous model?
- Blank: higher-modulus carbon than before on every model, slimmer with the same power
- Guides: full X-guides on every model, improving lightness, castability and fewer tangles all at once
- Grip: a durable EVA rear grip made for rocky shores. Round, so it is easy to shift your hold for underhand or side casts
- 3-piece: the S112MH+/R-3 for travel was added, with a transport length of 120cm
A slimmer blank has less air resistance when you swing through into a headwind, so it is easier to cast where you aim. A change that pays off exactly on headwind rocks. Subtle, but big.
The base is Shimano's Spiral X Core. Shimano claims 1.4x torsional strength and 2.5x crush strength compared with a conventional build (in-house comparison). On top, Hi-Power X carbon tape tightens it in an X pattern to hold down twisting when casting and fighting.
The joints also differ by model: the S108M+/RF uses a reverse spigot joint, the other three an inner (spigot) joint. Each model is built differently down to the details. They mean it.
How do the 4 rods compare by weight per meter?
To compare rods of different lengths, I divided weight by overall length. The formula is "weight ÷ length".
| Model | Formula | Per meter | Lure max ÷ weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| S110MH/R | 205g ÷ 3.35m | 61.2g | 0.27 |
| S108M+/RF | 215g ÷ 3.25m | 66.2g | 0.22 |
| S110H/R | 230g ÷ 3.35m | 68.7g | 0.30 |
| S112MH+/R-3 | 252g ÷ 3.41m | 73.9g | 0.25 |
Surprising. The lightest per meter is the stiffer S110MH/R. The S108M+/RF is 5g heavier; in exchange it gets more backbone and handles lighter lures.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Shimano 26 Exsence Genos S110MH/R
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 73,334 (as of Oct 18). Some stores go up to JPY 81,345. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on NaturumSee it on Rakuten IchibaHow do the 4 rods differ? Which to choose?
- S108M+/RF: the core model balancing backbone and crispness. If unsure, take this
- S110MH/R: a crisp rod throughout, "stiff yet bends". For aggressive anglers who also use lighter lures
- S110H/R: the stiffest of the series. For anglers facing rough white water and big fish
- S112MH+/R-3: 3-piece travel rod. Casts 60g-class lures yet still handles minnows in the 10–19g range
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Shimano 26 Exsence Genos S110H/R
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 75,021 (as of Oct 18). Some stores go up to JPY 83,215. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on NaturumSee it on Rakuten IchibaTakeshi Matsuoka, who worked on its development, calls the 110H the standard for "wild contact", and also says its stiffness has a character of its own. So for a first rod I recommend the 108.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Shimano 26 Exsence Genos S112MH+/R-3
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 77,121 (as of Oct 18). Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaThings to watch
This part is so-so. From JPY 84,000 (excl. tax), it sits in the upper price band even among sea bass rods. If you mostly fish short range in harbors and rivers, a 9-ft-class rod is another option.
Rocky shores are dangerous: waves and footing are a big risk. Check life jacket and spiked-shoe equipment against the guidance of the Japan Coast Guard and each maker.
Who is the 26 Exsence Genos for?
- Anglers serious about hirasuzuki on the rocks
- Anglers who want both long casts and fewer tangles on headwind surf and big rivers
- Anglers who fly to fishing trips (S112MH+/R-3)
To compare with 9.6 ft rods for harbors and river mouths, see the 9.6 ft sea bass rod ranking; for the new baitcasting models, see the Morethan bait model review.
FAQ
When is the 26 Exsence Genos released?
Sep 2026. There are 4 rods, at a list price of JPY 84,000–90,000 (excl. tax).
What lure weights can the Exsence Genos S108M+/RF cast?
8–48g. Rated PE #0.8–2, weight 215g.
How does the new Exsence Genos differ from the previous model?
All models now have full X-guides, and the blanks are higher modulus and slimmer than before. A 3-piece S112MH+/R-3 was also added.
