POISON ULTIMA
Shimano's JDM flagship bass series with Spiral X Core blanks and carbon monocoque grips
- Models
- 18
- Length
- 6.5'–7.3'
- Price
- $599.99–$989.99
- Type
- Casting / Spinning
The Poison Ultima is Shimano's top-tier bass rod series, bringing JDM-grade construction to the North American market. Blanks are built with Spiral X Core technology, which layers carbon tape using Toray Nanoalloy material to deliver up to 10% more torsional rigidity and up to 15% more compressional rigidity compared to standard Spiral X construction. Hi-Power X wrapping adds a second layer of diagonal carbon tape to resist blank twist under load, and Nanopitch tape application improves circularity and overall blank strength during the baking process.
Casting models carry a Full Carbon Monocoque grip, an entirely hollow carbon rear handle that eliminates EVA foam and increases sensitivity by roughly 28% over the standard Carbon Monocoque grip. Spinning models use a Carbon Shell Grip, a lightweight hollow carbon structure that transmits underwater vibration directly through the hand. Both configurations run Shimano X-Guides, which combine a 3D-molded one-piece frame at the tip section with Aero Titanium X guides in the butt section for reduced weight and trouble-free line flow. The reel seat is CI4+ material, 2.5x more rigid than base CI4 for secure reel lockup with minimal weight penalty.
The series covers fast-action casting blanks in 6'6" and 7'0" lengths across Medium, Medium Heavy, and Heavy power ratings, plus fast-action spinning blanks in 6'6" and 7'0" in Medium Light and Medium. Line ratings run 6-25 lb mono depending on model, with lure ratings from 3/32 oz up to 1 oz. All models carry a single-piece blank construction.
Deeper Dive
A closer look at notable models.
6'6" fast-action spinning rod in Medium power. Rated 6-16 lb mono and 1/8-1/2 oz lures. Broader line range than the 66ML allows use of fluorocarbon or braid-to-leader setups for slightly heavier finesse applications at a manageable overall length.
6'6" fast-action casting rod in Medium Heavy power. Rated 10-20 lb mono and 5/16-3/4 oz lures. The added backbone compared to the 66M makes it more suitable for heavier jigs, big swimbaits, and spinnerbaits fished around heavier structure at close to mid range.
6'6" fast-action casting rod in Medium power. Handles 8-16 lb mono and 3/16-1/2 oz lures. The shorter length and medium power make it a compact option for pitching and flipping around cover or working reaction baits in tighter quarters where a 7-footer is unwieldy.
6'6" fast-action spinning rod in Medium Light power. Handles 6-12 lb mono and 3/32-3/8 oz lures. A compact spinning option for lighter presentations such as drop shots, shaky heads, and small finesse jigs where feel and light line control are the priority.
7'0" fast-action spinning rod in Medium power. Rated 6-16 lb mono and 1/8-1/2 oz lures. The longest and most versatile spinning model in the series, suited to a range of finesse presentations where added blank length aids both casting range and fighting leverage.
7'0" fast-action spinning rod in Medium Light power. Handles 6-12 lb mono and 3/32-3/8 oz lures. Adding length to the ML power configuration improves casting distance for techniques like Ned rigs, wacky rigs, and drop shots that benefit from longer reach and a softer tip.
7'0" fast-action casting rod in Heavy power. Rated 12-25 lb mono and 3/8-1 oz lures. The heaviest power in the casting lineup, built for punching matted vegetation, working heavy swimbaits, or applying maximum pressure on fish in thick cover.
7'0" fast-action casting rod in Medium Heavy power. Rated 10-20 lb mono and 5/16-3/4 oz lures. A versatile all-around casting length for broad technique coverage including jigs, Texas rigs, and medium-running crankbaits where additional reach aids hook sets.
7'0" fast-action casting rod in Medium power. Handles 8-16 lb mono and 3/16-1/2 oz lures. The extra length over the 66M adds casting distance and leverage for longer presentations while keeping the same medium power rating for finesse-leaning casting techniques.
Rods in this series
| Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLTS66M | 6'6" | M | $599.99 |
| PLTC66MH | 6'6" | MH | $599.99 |
| PLTC66M | 6'6" | M | $599.99 |
| PLTS66ML | 6'6" | ML | $599.99 |
| PU1610MA | 6'10" | M | $979.99 |
| PU270LP | 7'0" | L+ | $979.99 |
| PU270M | 7'0" | M | $979.99 |
| PLTS70M | 7'0" | M | $599.99 |
| PLTS70ML | 7'0" | ML | $599.99 |
| PLTC70H | 7'0" | H | $599.99 |
| PU170MHA | 7'0" | MH | $979.99 |
| PLTC70MH | 7'0" | MH | $599.99 |
| PLTC70M | 7'0" | M | $599.99 |
| PU270ML | 7'0" | ML | $979.99 |
| PU172HA | 7'2" | H | $979.99 |
| PU172MA | 7'2" | M | $979.99 |
| PU174MHA | 7'4" | MH | $989.99 |
| PU274MLP | 7'4" | ML+ | $989.99 |