LEGIT DESIGN Skuad SKS-ST73UL/L-Ajing Vertical Contact Special

"Beyond the Border"

"Five years since the launch of 'LEGIT DESIGN.' A new challenge from BASS to SALT.
Drawing from our experience in developing BASS RODs, we present the LEGIT (authentic) SALT WATER ROD - SKUAD."

SKUAD: Boat Ajing

In recent times, Ajing tackle has evolved to prioritize higher sensitivity and better maneuverability. Rods have transitioned to shorter lengths, and the main line has shifted to low-stretch polyester lines. Moreover, the use of lines in the 1.0lb. to 2.0lb. class requires rods with a sharp and responsive action.

With this tackle setup, there is a higher risk of issues such as line breakage due to the stiff blank, or line overrun caused by loosening the drag to fully utilize it. Additionally, when targeting depths of 10-20m in Tokyo Bay urban boat Ajing, the use of a stiff short rod makes it difficult to maintain zero tension as the boat sways with the waves.

At LegitDesign, we have designed the blank to be highly sensitive yet flexible, allowing it to 'bend' and absorb the sway caused by waves, thus maintaining zero tension. To withstand unexpected large fish, the blank is reinforced with aramid reinforcement.

The SKUAD AJING series, developed in collaboration with Tomoyuki Sawamura, a pioneer in boat Ajing, is expanding its presence worldwide.

The background of development :

In Tokyo Bay, there are few shore fishing spots for Ajing, but with locations like the Yokohama Bay Bridge, one can enjoy Ajing games on a boat just 10 minutes away. The average size of the catch is also significant, offering an exciting game where one can target sizeable fish up to a foot long.

What sets apart boat Ajing from shore fishing is the difference in stability. Boats are constantly influenced by waves, resulting in continuous swaying. Boat Ajing requires delicate fishing techniques to keep lightweight jigs of around 1.5 grams steady on the bottom, typically at depths of around 20 meters.

To address these challenges, LegitDesign collaborated with Tomoyuki Sawamura, a pioneer in boat Ajing, to develop dedicated rods tailored specifically

7'3" long length for catching giga horse mackerel, equipped with a torque full blank "Spinning rod for exclusive use of Vaticon" Vertical contact special developed to explore "wider" to catch giga mackerel.
The baitcasting model is very suitable for range capture, but it is quite technical to attack a wide range by casting. Spinning rods are still suitable for such situations.
Vaticon's main action, "Zero Ten", determines the range and invites you, but if it is up to 2M, the conventional model can handle it, but if you use a longer throwaway thread, it will be 7'0" or longer. I felt that the length was preferable.However
, the longer the better, but on the other hand, the delicacy of the ajing spoils it more and more.I found this balance and developed the 7'3" " Vertical Contact Special”. Of course, a torque full blank equipped with aramid reinforcement that can smoothly handle a weight of 15 or more, which has been evaluated by Squad Ajing, a delicate tip equipped with 30t solid carbon, and a strong fight of Giga Ajing. A blank that dares to bend well without being deprived of rights. Not only does it prevent the bite of the horse mackerel, but it also absorbs the sudden swaying of the boat as it continues to be lured by Zero Ten, making the action more natural and making it difficult for even the wary giant horse mackerel to feel uncomfortable.

>> Blank : 

Each item features a main composition of 24-ton carbon, supplemented with 30-ton and 40-ton carbon as well as glass fiber blend ratios, strategically placed for optimum performance. Regate Design's original blank incorporates Aramid Drain reinforcement

>> Solid Tip : 

Fuji SiC ring + stainless steel frame guide.
*Legit Design original setting

>> Reel Seat : 

▲ Bait

▲ Spinning

LegitDesign's AJING series bait models feature Fuji Industrial's ECS reel seats. These seats accommodate one, two, or three fingers comfortably, with minimal protrusions to reduce interference with the fingers. Their streamlined design allows for a compact grip, providing a seamless connection with low-profile reels and enabling delicate handling. The spinning models are equipped with Fuji Industrial's VSS reel seats set in a down-lock configuration. This design allows for a firm yet compact grip, facilitating both powerful and delicate actions.

>> Grip End : 

▲ Bait

▲ Spinning

The AJING series features different shapes for spinning and bait models. While delicate, these rods are also designed to handle unexpected hits from large-sized horse mackerels ('giga aji'). We repeatedly adjusted the length of the rear grip to find the optimal size, ensuring it doesn't hinder wrist movement. Through extensive testing, we refined the shape to provide the best possible performance.

>> Center cut 2 pieces

The two-piece rod features a spigot joint connected precisely in the middle. By boldly changing the materials of the tip and butt sections, we were able to represent two different worlds with a single rod, achieving a delicate 'follow-the-waves' action at the tip without excessively moving delicate rigs, even on a swaying boat.

▲ Reinforcement with aramid fiber eliminates the blank's vulnerability and gives it suppleness and torquey power.