In 2003, Shimano revolutionized cast control technology with the award winning Calcutta TE DC Total Efficiency Digital Control, the world’s first self-energizing digital-braking baitcasting reel.

Traditionally, centrifugal and magnetic braking systems are used to control spool-speed rotation on baitcasters. These systems give accurate casts and minimize backlashes, but they have drawbacks. Magnetic cast-control systems lack a true freespool setting, because the magnets cannot be shut off. Magnets also apply the same braking force during the fast spool speeds at the beginning of the cast as they do during slow speeds at the end of the cast. Centrifugal brake-weight systems solve this issue, applying different forces throughout the cast for consistent spool speed and a longer, more manageable cast.