A term to describe a longer Shell design on the PIN half (plug or receptacle) of a connector. The longer shell allows the pin contacts, which protrude from the face of the connector, to be recessed sufficiently SO as not to be damaged IF the mating shell is “scooped” into it during mating process. This prevents pins from being bent and/or contacts from being electrically shorted during mating. This is especially important when using size 22 contacts, which because of their small size, bend easily.