Shakespeare · Fishing Tackle & Gear
Shakespeare Tiger Spinning Combo
No identified PFAS risk factors.
Standard fiberglass rod and aluminum reel without specialized water-repellent coatings or treatments. Shakespeare does not disclose PFAS information.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Fiberglass rod, aluminum reel, plastic/metal components
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Aluminum reel corrosion and leaching
Aluminum can corrode in salt water or if left wet, potentially releasing trace metals; risk is low during normal use but increases with poor maintenance.
Microplastics
Plastic handle, knobs, and grip sections can crack or shed fragments under UV exposure and thermal cycling; this is not a food-contact hazard but can enter aquatic environments through fishing.
Source, EPA ↗Fiberglass dust from rod damage
If the rod is cracked or broken, fiberglass splinters and dust can irritate skin and lungs; risk occurs only after damage, not during normal fishing.
Bacterial or mold growth in reel housing
Moisture trapped in the reel mechanism if not dried promptly can support fungal or bacterial biofilm; this poses no ingestion risk but can degrade performance and emit odors.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Shakespeare Tiger combo uses a fiberglass rod, which is an inert epoxy-glass composite that does not leach chemicals into food or water during normal use. The aluminum reel is a non-corrosive metal that resists degradation in freshwater and saltwater environments when properly maintained. Plastic components (handle, drag knobs) are typically non-toxic polymers but can degrade if exposed to prolonged UV or extreme heat. Metal hardware (guides, bail, seat) poses minimal chemical risk but can rust or corrode if not dried after use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Shakespeare (owned by Pure Fishing) does not publicly disclose detailed material composition or chemical testing for fishing tackle products. No recalls or established safety controversies for this rod model are on record. The brand is a mainstream recreational fishing manufacturer with typical industry transparency, neither leading nor lagging in material disclosure for anglers.
How it compares in its category
Fiberglass rods are considered entry-level and durable; they are heavier and less sensitive than carbon fiber alternatives but more affordable and forgiving of rough handling. Aluminum reels are standard in this price tier and category. This combo represents typical recreational fishing equipment with no unusual material choices or hazard profiles compared to competing budget-brand spinning combos.
If you buy it
Rinse and dry the reel and rod after each freshwater outing, and always after saltwater use, to prevent corrosion and mold in the drag system. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV exposure can make plastic components brittle over years of storage. Replace the monofilament line annually or if it shows signs of fraying, cloudiness, or reduced strength. Store in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperature swings to prevent epoxy joint stress.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Shakespeare has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More fishing tackle & gear grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.