Tournament Surf Z35T

A reel that doesn’t really get the credit it perhaps deserves, the Daiwa Tournament Surf Z35T. This high‑end 35 mm stroke casting reel is released alongside its big brother, the Z45T. It is the successor to the SS‑35II, but carries a different name. The most notable upgrades are the Twistbuster line roller and two additional ball bearings in the handle. With its steel blue finish, it is less popular than most other Tournament models. Which is a shame because technically it is the most advanced variant of the 35 series.

History

In 1991, Daiwa introduced the SS-35II, a 35 mm stroke casting reel and the successor to the original SS-35 from 1988. A ball bearing was added to the line roller.

In 1995, Daiwa introduced its latest innovation across a wide range of spinning reels: Twistbuster, a TiN-coated tapered line roller designed to significantly reduce line twist. They believed so much in it, that many reels were re-launched with the Twistbuster roller included. The SS-35II and its big brother, the SS-45II, didn’t miss out either, returning as the Z35T and Z45T. But they carried a different name: instead of ‘Tournament Procaster’, they were labelled ‘Tournament Surf’, a name still used by Daiwa to this day. ‘Z’ was the new high-end model grade designation, replacing the earlier ‘SS’ prefix. ‘T’ stands for Twistbuster. They also gave the reels a new look.

First appearing in the 1996 catalogue, it carried the tagline: “Eliminates troubles caused by line twist, a super long cast reel.” Unlike the Tournament-S models released the same year, the Z35T featured a ball bearing in its new Twistbuster line roller. Just like the Tournament-S models, it had two extra ball bearings in the handle knob, ensuring smooth and fast winding even under heavy loads.

The Z35T was discontinued after 2001, with no direct successor, although a new 35 mm stroke casting reel returned to Daiwa’s lineup several years later.

Releases

The Z35T was released in 1995 as a JDM model. Just like its predecessors, it was released in two versions for use with light or heavy lines, differing only in their spools. The light line (PE2) version came with three 6-degree tapered shallow spools: a standard aluminium PE2 spool, an extra graphite PE2 spool and a graphite PE3 spool. The box also included two spool protectors, a cloth bag and maintenance kit. The heavy line (PE5) version included two 3-degree tapered spools: a standard aluminium PE5 spool and an additional aluminium PE5 spool. This version came with only one spool protector.

The catalogue also mentions a literally hidden feature: “Cast more than six colours and the TOURNAMENT SURF logo will appear.” Japanese surf anglers use coloured lines to judge casting distance, with each colour marking about 25 metres, so six colours means 150-175 meter. At that distance, the logo would appear on the spool.

Model comparison

Compared to other 3000–5000-35 models, the Z35T stands out visually thanks to its full steel blue finish. The bail kicker has no roller, and is dark grey with a silver stripe. Notably, the word ‘Whisker’ is missing from the kicker, most likely because Daiwa was phasing out the branding at the time rather than making any change in materials. The screw-in handle is silver and features a soft touch handle knob. It features holographic side decals as a special detail.

Technically, it sits at the upper end of the 3000-5000-35 series. With 6 ball bearings it runs very smoothly. While lacking worm shaft bearings, it makes up for this with extra bearings in the handle knob and line roller. As the final Procaster model, this reel is technically superior to its predecessors, SS-35 and SS-35II. Line wear is noticeably reduced, largely thanks to its ball bearing supported Twist Buster line roller. The Z35T features a drive gear with a durable black almite finish.

Collectabillity

Compared to many other 3000–5000-35 models, the Z35T is a less sought-after reel. It is nevertheless a well regarded cult reel, although prices are generally a bit lower than for most other Tournament models. As Procaster models, these reels were originally intended for the Japanese market only, making them rarer than the export models. As they are less sought-after, they are very rarely seen on the banks. Keep in mind that these reels need to be converted when used for carp fishing. However, most models offered for sale in Europe have already been converted.

Specifications

All models in this group are very similar in terms of technical design. Click the button ‘3000-5000-35 series’ for general technical information, or further info on certain subjects below.

General specifications

Model: Tournament Surf Z35T
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 1995 till 2001
Catalogue weight:
– Light line version: 460 g
– Heavy line version: 485 g

Body & rotor

Body material: Whisker Carbon
Rotor material: Magnesium alloy
Balanced rotor: No

Internal mechanics

Drive type: Threaded drive
Gear material: Super duralumin
Gear ratio: 4.1 : 1
Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
Main shaft: Titanium alloy, Ø6 mm
Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
Ball bearings: 6 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Line roller: 1 BB (5x8x2,5 mm)
– Handle knob: 2 BB (5x8x2,5 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 35 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Aluminium, graphite
Spool lip: Aluminium, graphite
Line capacity (mm/m):
Light line version (PE2):
– Aluminium: 0.205-250, 0.235-200
– Graphite: 0.205-250, 0.235-200
– Graphite: 0.235-300, 0.285-200
Heavy line version (PE5):
– Aluminium: 0.33-250, 0.37-200, 0.40-150
– Aluminium: 0.33-250, 0.37-200, 0.40-150
Retrieve speed: 84 cm/turn
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: TiN Twistbuster (with ball bearing)

Drag system

Drag type: No drag
Drag washers: N/A
Clicker sound: N/A

Handle assembly

Handle type: Screw-in
Handle shaft: Threaded
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: Soft touch (with ball bearings)
Ambidextrous: Yes

Schematics

See the schematic below. While the exploded views are original Daiwa drawings, the parts list has been added separately. Some original part numbers may have been replaced with newer compatible part numbers.

Other 3000-5000-35 models: