Shimano Review, Is Shimano Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 3 graded products, Shimano averages Good (67/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 2 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from Shimano Good or better, safest first
Shimano
Exage Monofilament Fishing Line
Monofilament nylon fishing line
UV degradation and material embrittlement
Nylon monofilament degrades under sunlight exposure, becoming brittle and prone to…
Microplastic shedding from wear
Nylon breaks down into particles through abrasion on guides and through the water; the…
Low concern; standard monofilament rarely contains PFAS without transparency.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Shimano
PowerPro Power Pro Braided Line
Braided polyethylene/nylon fishing line
Microplastic shedding during use
Braided line abrasion against rod guides and during casting may release microfibers of…
Thermal fume release (misuse)
If user attempts to melt or heat line to seal ends, polyethylene releases irritant fumes…
Nylon degradation products (if nylon-blended)
Some Shimano braided blends include nylon fibers. Nylon slowly hydrolyzes in saltwater…
Ingestion/choking hazard (non-chemical)
Braided line fragments pose a risk to pets and wildlife if discarded improperly. This is…
Low concern for braided line without typical coating treatment.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Shimano
Mastiff FC Fluorocarbon Line
Fluorocarbon fishing line (PVDF or similar polyvinylidene fluoride)
PFAS
Fluorocarbon (PVDF) is chemically composed of carbon-fluorine bonds; PFAS is not an…
Microplastic shedding from line degradation
Fluorocarbon lines can crack, fray, or degrade under UV exposure and mechanical stress.…
Environmental persistence and bioaccumulation
PFAS compounds from fluorocarbon fishing line fragments have been detected in freshwater…
Coating embrittlement and loss of integrity
Extended UV exposure, temperature cycling, or chemical contact (sunscreen, insect…
Skip unless fluorocarbon is essential; PFAS is built into this material.
⚠Fluoropolymer coating
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →