45 series
The 45 series comprises three successive super long stroke reels, which were originally the most expensive of the Tournament models. They shared the range with the smaller 35 mm Procasters, but featured a longer 45 mm stroke. Unlike the models with a drag, these were built to cast extreme distances for surf fishing along the Japanese coast, targeting fish that remain in deeper water far from the shore. They were also very popular for sport casting, setting several records.
As they have no drag, carp anglers initially used them for spodding. Later, someone discovered they could be converted using Basia parts, making them popular for big pit fishing thanks to their casting performance. They came in right- or left-handed versions, the latter being rarer. The SS-45 is the most sought-after today. The models were introduced successively between 1987 and 1996.
On this page, you will find general technical information. The reel is broken down into different segments presented in the order in which the reel is typically assembled. For detailed model info, click the models below.
Body assembly
The body is made of SiC Whisker reinforced carbon composite. The capsule design provides high torsional stiffness and protects from water and dirt. Two side covers and a rear cover are fitted, which is great for servicing. A bail kicker is mounted on the reel stem. It pushes the bail back after casting if it has not been closed by hand.
Besides colours and decals, the bodies within the 45 series are identical. They came in left- and right-handed versions, so side covers can differ depending on the handle position. Compared with the 3000‑5000‑35 bodies, they are quite similar, but longer at the front to fit an extra ball bearing. Because of this extra support point, they have no pinion holder and therefore no pinion holder housing in the body.
SS-45 side cover set, right-handed version
Anti-reverse
The anti-reverse mechanism is housed inside the body and uses a pawl (2) that engages with the ratchet (3) on the pinion gear. When the anti-reverse lever (1) is activated, a small double torsion spring pushes the pawl into the ratchet. During forward handle rotation, a freely turning spring (4) on the drive gear lifts the pawl slightly, allowing the ratchet teeth to pass and enabling normal retrieve. When the handle is turned backwards, this spring forces the pawl back into the ratchet teeth, preventing backwinding. When the lever is switched off, it lifts the pawl clear of the ratchet, allowing the pinion gear to rotate freely in both directions. In this position, the spring on the drive gear no longer acts on the pawl, as it can no longer push it down. Identical components are used for all three models, only the lever colour varies. It consists of the following main components:
- Lever (1)
- Pawl (2)
- Ratchet (pinion) (3)
- Pawl spring (drive gear) (4)
Anti-reverse on a left-handed SS-45
Worm gear oscillation
The worm gear oscillation or ‘flat winding system’ translates rotary motion into an up-and-down movement of the spool, ensuring an even and smooth line lay. The pinion gear drives the worm shaft gear (1), which turns the worm shaft (2). The worm shaft is supported by bushes (3). Ball bearings don’t improve line lay and only add weight, so they were probably left out on the Procasters for that reason. As it turns, the oscillating slider (4) that is attached to the main shaft follows the grooves on the worm shaft via an oscillating pawl, translating this motion into the up-and-down movement. The wormshaft is made of super duralumin and protected in a shield cover, which also functions as a guide for the slider. It consists of the following main components:
- Worm shaft gear (1)
- Worm shaft + shield cover (2)
- Bushes (3)
- Oscillating slider (4)
Worm gear oscillation on a SS-45
The oscillating slider houses the oscillating pawl (5) in a bush (6) and tiny washer (7), secured by a cover plate (8). Although the washer is shown in the schematics of each model, it is not always present. It is possible that it was deliberately left out during factory assembly because this allowed for a better adjustment. However, it may also simply have been forgotten during factory assembly or later servicing. Two cover screws may be installed with thread-lock, and can be very tight when removed for the first time, especially on the Z45T. Be careful, using the wrong screwdriver can easily damage them. The oscillating slider houses the following components:
- Oscillating pawl (5)
- Pawl bush (6)
- Pawl washer (7)
- Cover plate + screws (8)
Oscillating slider components on a SS-45II
Drive train
The drive train transmittes the power. All models use hypoid gears. The drive gear, powered by the handle, drives the pinion gear, which is directly connected to the rotor. In addition to rotating the rotor, the pinion gear also drives the worm gear oscillation system. Regardless of the handle position, the dentition of the drive gear is always to the left side of the pinion gear, so the rotor rotation is equal for both the left and right handle versions.
The gear ratio is 4.1:1, just like the 3000-5000-35 series. So for every full turn of the handle, the rotor rotates 4.1 times. The dimensions of the spool affect the line retrieve; when the original deep (PE5) spool is used, the line retrieve is 83 cm according to the catalogue. While adequate for general carp angling, it is worth bearing in mind when using these reels unconverted for spodding, as most modern or dedicated spod reels have a considerably higher retrieve speed.
The drive train consists of two assemblies:
1: Pinion gear assembly
The pinion gear is made from super duralumin, a high-strength aluminium alloy, and finished in black almite (black anodised). The pinion gear is supported by two ball bearings. Unlike the 3000-5000 models, no pinion holder is used. All three models use identical components, Z45T has an additional washer between the pinion teeth and the ratchet. It consists of the following:
- Pinion gear (1)
- Anti-reverse ratchet (2)
- Pinion washer (3)
- Spacing sleeve (4)
- Ball bearing (5)
- Spacing sleeve (6)
- Spacer (7)
- Ball bearing (8)
- Bearing washer (9)
Pinion gear assembly on a SS-45II
2: Drive gear assembly
The drive gear is also made from super duralumin and finished in black almite. All three models use a threaded drive type, as they are fitted with screw-in handles. Although the drive gears are identical across all models, they differ between left- and right-handed versions. Right-handed models use a large ball bearing on the handle side and a smaller one on the opposite side. Left-handed models also use the large ball bearing on the handle side, but have an adapter sleeve on the shaft end to fit an even smaller bearing opposite the handle. The two ball bearings supporting the drive gear are housed in the side covers. The assembly consists of the following:
- Drive gear (1)
- Drive gear washer(s) (2)
- Two ball bearings (different sizes) (3)
- Anti-reverse pawl spring (4)
Left- and right-hand drive gears (left numbered)
Main shaft assembly
The 6 mm main shaft (1) is made from an 85% titanium alloy, making it both light and strong. As there is no drag, it does not require a click spring holder. The spool washer (2) and main shaft washer (3) sit together. All components are identical, except for the main shaft on the Z45T, which has a different part number. The differences are minor, though, and the main shaft is still interchangeable with the others. It consists of the following:
- Main shaft (1)
- Spool washer (2)
- Main shaft washer (3)
- Rotor nut + holding plate (4)
SS-45II main shaft assembly
Rotor assembly
The rotor assembly is attached to the pinion gear using a rotor nut, secured with a rotor nut holding plate. The rotor nut on these reels is right-hand threaded, so it loosens by turning anti-clockwise. The rotor assembly consists of a rotor, line guard system and bail assembly. Besides colours and decals, all components are identical for the three models, except for the bail and line roller components.
Rotor
The rotor is made from a magnesium alloy in order to save weight. As with the 35 series, the line guard system is positioned opposite to that of the 3000–5000 and 6000–9000 models. Perhaps this was a practical choice so that, during factory assembly, 45 mm magnesium and aluminium rotors (GS-9000 and SS-9000) could be distinguished.
Line guard system
This system consists of a set of rollers mounted on the rotor, that run along a rubber ring on the spool. This prevents line hangups. Although very reliable, this system is notorious for the squeaking ‘coffee grinder’ noises. A drop of reel oil or PTFE spray on the line guard shafts usually fixes it. It consists of a set of the following components:
- Line guard roller shaft (1)
- Line guard rollers (2)
- Roller shaft nut (3)
The line guard shafts are mirrored compared with those on the 6000–9000 series, making them non-interchangeable. The SS line guard shafts also feature a black coating on the upper side, likely to distinguish them from the other type during assembly in the factory.
Line guard system on a Z45T-PE
Bail assembly
The bail assembly is where the most important technical difference between the models is found. Each successive model received an upgraded line roller, making the complete bail assembly different. As a result, upgrading an SS model requires replacing the entire assembly.
The bail arm (1) and bail wire (2) are secured together by the line roller screw (3). Two bail arm screw retainers (4) connect the bail to the rotor. A coil spring in the rotor controls the opening and closing of the bail arm. It consists of the following components:
- Bail arm (1)
- Bail wire (2)
- Line roller components (3)
- Bail arm screw retainers (4)
- Bail spring shaft (5)
- Bail spring washer (6)
- Bail spring (7)
- Bail trip cover (8)
Bail assembly on a SS-45
The SS-45 uses a U-type TiN-coated lineroller that runs on a bushing. The SS-45II is fitted with a ball bearing inside the flat-bottomed V-type TiN roller, reducing line twist and line wear. It is also oversized, allowing for smoother line pick-up. The Z45T is the most technically advanced of the three, featuring a TiN Twistbuster line roller with a ball bearing that greatly reduces both line twist and line wear.
SS-45II line roller
Z45T line roller
Line roller components of all three models
Spool and drag
As the spool is crucial for long distance casting, the three models came in different versions with different spools, each for their own application.
Each was supplied with at least one aluminium spool, and a varying number of additional aluminium or graphite spools, depending on the version. The spool line-up is extensive, ranging from 4-degree tapered, ultra-shallow PE1 spools to the deepest 3-degree tapered PE5 spools, as well as reversed tapered spools designed for braided lines. They also feature a line memory system, allowing users to mark the size of PE line loaded, so it can be easily identified later. All reels included at least one spool protector. When using the original spools for spodding, be aware that some spools are ultra shallow and not all feature a line clip. If you intend to use these for this purpose, a PE2 or PE5 spool is recommended, both offering sufficient line capacity for either a mono or braided main line with a shock leader, with the PE5 offering the most capacity.
All reels in this group have a 45 mm stroke, so the spools are interchangeble. Since all models have no drag, the reels can be converted if desired, using Basia or custom 45 mm spools.
Different spools for different applications
Handle
SS-45, SS45II and Z45T handle
Handles on the 45 series are quite similar to those on the 35 series, although the 35 series is ambidextrous while the 45 series is not. So the reels come in left- or right-handed models. Left-handed ones, used by most of us, are harder to find.
All models feature 85 mm screw-in handles, the threaded shaft screws directly into the drive gear. At the time, these handles were regarded as superior to the one-touch handles. The handles feature soft-touch handle knobs. Although these are comfortable to use, they are known to become brittle and hard over time due to ageing and exposure to sunlight and other elements, and may eventually break. On the Z45T, the handle knob shaft includes two ball bearings for smooth rotation. This handle is silver coloured, while the handles on the SS models are black. The black handles have slightly different part numbers, although they appear to be identical. The handles are interchangeable across all models, although the left- and right-hand versions cannot be swapped due to their left- and right-hand threads.
Ball bearings
The pinion gear uses two ball bearings (10×20×5 mm, ID×OD×width), just like the 6000–9000 models. The drive gear also uses two bearings, but these differ between left- and right-handed models. Both variants use a large ball bearing (10×20×5 mm) on the handle side. Right-handed models use a smaller ball bearing (9×17×4 mm) on the left side, while left-handed models use an even smaller ball bearing (8×14×3,5 mm) on the right side. Handle knob bearings (5×8×2,5 mm) are only used on the Z45T. The SS45II and Z55T use a 5×8×2.5 mm ball bearing (5x8x2,5 mm) in the line roller.
The SS-45 used Koyo bearings only, known for precision and durability. The later SS-45II and Z45T can be found with both Koyo and Thai-made bearings.
Upgrading these models by adding ball bearings is limited. Worm shaft and handle knob bearings cannot be added, while upgrading the SS-45 to line roller bearings require replacing the complete line roller. See the table below for an overview.
Ball bearings on a left-handed SS-45II