Longbeam series

The Longbeam series is a family of long stroke reels designed for long distance casting with heavy lines, introduced from 1989 onwards as a more affordable alternative to the expensive Tournament models.

Renowned for their reliable performance, excellent value for money and distinctive looks, they have earned a cult following among carp anglers and collectors.They are also the direct predecessors of the Emblem series, which share a very similar technical design, underlining the strength of the original concept. This group brings together reels from three different series, but they all share the same design. The largest series is the Longbeam series, featuring the ST-H, GS-H/P and SS models. Second is the PM-H series, which are export variants of the ST-H models, but they do not carry the ‘Longbeam’ name. Third are the ST-30H and GS-30H, which are part of the Procaster series, a range of surf casting reels without drag. These different series and models are technically very alike. For clarity, they are grouped all together as ‘Longbeam series’.

Below, 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

Different materials are used for the bodies. The SS models feature lightweight Whisker carbon bodies, whilst the others use a different unspecified carbon material. One side cover is fitted. Once removed, the rear cover can be taken off, allowing the worm shaft to be removed from the rear, as a hole becomes visible. A bail kicker is mounted on the reel stem. It pushes the bail back after casting if it has not been closed by hand. The PM-H, GS-H/P and SS models feature a roller in the bail kicker, while the remaining models do not.

The bodies come in two sizes: a smaller size for the 30 mm stroke models and a larger size for the 35 mm stroke models. So aside from materials, colours and decals, all models in this group share a common body, in one of these two sizes. Side decals vary across models, with some featuring domed versions. These models are notorious for the side decals coming off over time, especially the right-side one. To be safe, it is recommended to remove and re-glue them.

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. Besides the lever, some components differ between the small and the large models. It consists of the following main components:

Lever (1)
Pawl (2)
Ratchet (on pinion gear) (3)
Pawl spring (on drive gear) (4)

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), that is supported by bushes (3). 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 design of these grooves ensure a slightly crossed line lay, improving casting distance. Smaller models use identical worm shafts (except SS), likely brass with wear-resistant nickel plating. Larger models also share identical worm shafts (except SS), made from super duralumin. SS models use super duralumin worm shafts across all sizes, though larger SS models have different part numbers than other large models for unknown reasons. Worm shaft gears differ between size groups (30 mm stroke and 35 mm stroke) and gear ratios. In terms of materials: Smaller models (except SS) use brass gears. Larger models and the complete SS series use super duralumin worm shaft gears with a black almite finish. It consists of the following main components:

Worm shaft gear (1)
Worm shaft (2)
Bushes (3)
Oscillating slider (4)

The oscillating slider houses the oscillating pawl (5) in a bush (6) and tiny washer (7), secured by a cover plate (8). Two cover screws are installed with a blue thread lock, and are very tight when removed for the first time. Be careful, using the wrong screwdriver can easily damage them. The oscillating slider differs for the two size groups. Unlike the Tournament models, the wormshaft on the longbeam models is not protected by a shield cover. As a result, the slider is guided by the wormshaft itself rather than the shield cover. The oscillating slider houses the following components:

Oscillating pawl (5)
Pawl bush (6)
Pawl washer (7)
Cover plate + screws (8)

Drive train

The drive train transmittes the power. 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.

The gear ratio is determined by the number of teeth on the drive gear compared to the pinion gear. It affects both line retrieval and power, as torque changes with the ratio. High-speed ratios provide faster line retrieve but less power, while power ratios offer more torque but slower line retrieve. The Longbeam models come in high-speed, standard and power ratios:

5,1:1 High-speed: Small ST-H / GS-H / PM-H and Procaster ST-30H / GS-30H
4,6:1 High-speed: Large ST-H / GS-H / PM-H
4,1:1 Standard: SS-2000 / SS-3000 / SS-5000
3,4:1 Power: SS-9000P
3,2:1 Power: GS-3000P
3,1:1 Power: GS-5000P / GS9000P

The drive train consists of two assemblies:

1: Pinion gear assembly

The pinion gears are made of brass for all models. They are identical between models that have both the same size and the same gear ratio. The pinion gear is supported by a bush and a ball bearing. Spacing sleeves can differ between models. Although not shown in the schematics, some reels feature a pinion washer between the pinion gear teeth and the ratchet. It consists of the following:

Pinion holder (bush) (1)
Pinion gear (2)
Pinion washer (some models) (3)
Anti-reverse ratchet (4)
Spacing sleeve (5)
Ball bearing (6)
Bearing washer (7)

2: Drive gear assembly

The drive gear is supported by two, one, or no ball bearings, depending on the model, with the bearings housed in the side covers. All drive gears (except SS) are die-cast aluminium with machined teeth. The SS drive gears are fully machined from super duralumin with a black almite finish. Part numbers are shared by models with the same gear ratio and size group. This also applies to SS models; however, due to their different material, those have different part numbers. The die-cast aluminium drive gears are prone to corrosion as they have no protective finish. If corrosion occurs, it can prevent the ball bearings from sliding off the drive gear shaft during removal. If the bearing is stuck, carefully sand the end of the shaft to help free it. It consists of the following:

Drive gear (1)
Drive gear washer (2)
Bushes / ball bearings (3)
Anti-reverse pawl spring (4)

Main shaft assembly

The main shaft runs through the pinion gear and connects to the oscillating slider. The spool washers (1) sit in the holder (2). Line lay can be adjusted by adding or removing washers. A main shaft washer (3) sits beneath the holder. The main shaft (4) differs between the two size groups. The smallest sizes feature a 6 mm main shaft, while the larger sizes feature a 6,5 mm main shaft, which offers up to 37% higher stiffness, a significant increase from just a 0,5 mm difference. In terms of materials, all shafts are made of steel. The Procaster models require a Longbeam 2000, PM2600H or Emblem 4500 main shaft assembly when converting. It consists of the following components:

Spool washer(s) (1)
Click spring holder + click spring (2)
Main shaft washer (3)
Main shaft (4)
Rotor nut + holding plate (5)

Rotor assembly

The rotor assembly is attached to the pinion gear using a rotor nut, secured with a rotor nut holding plate. Be aware that the rotor nut on these reels is left-hand threaded, so it loosens by turning clockwise. The rotor assembly consists of a rotor, line guard system and bail assembly.

Rotor

The rotors are available in four sizes, with each size having its own rotor to match the different spool diameters. All models feature carbon rotors made from an unspecified carbon material. So each series shares the same rotor within a given reel size, differing only in colours and decals.

Line guard system

Because the spools are skirtless, line can get trapped underneath them, so the reels use a line guard system. A new ‘centrifugal’ mechanism was introduced, likely in response to noise issues with the original system. In this updated design, spring loaded line guard shafts sit against the spool to prevent tangles and lift away during retrieval by centrifugal force, allowing smooth winding. The system is very reliable, although at slow retrieval speeds the shafts do not lift, causing slightly more resistance. The thin O-ring on these spools is also much more durable than the Tournament’s thick flat rubber ring, which is known to deteriorate over time.

The components are largely the same, but there are a few differences between models. On the mid-range and high-end versions, the shafts are finished in black, whereas the entry-level models and both Procasters feature bare metal shafts. In addition, the larger models are fitted with longer line guard shafts. The spring components are located in the rotor, behind the bail spring cover. It consists of a set of the following components:

Line guard shaft (1)
Line guard retainer (2)
Line guard plate (3)
Line guard spring (4)

Bail assembly

All models feature a very similar bail assembly, consisting of a bail arm, bail wire and line roller components. A coil spring in the rotor controls the opening and closing of the bail arm. Daiwa marketed this as ‘Lifetime bail spring’, as these coil springs last significantly longer than earlier springs. The bail spring components are the same across all models, although the power models (GS-P and SS-9000P) and Procasters use different spring part numbers, indicating a stronger spring or different material. The line roller is fitted between the bail arm and bail wire, which are secured together by the line roller screw.

All models (except SS) feature black ceramic SiC line rollers on bushes. These line rollers use both U-grooves or flat-bottomed V-grooves on the same reels, indicating a design change over time. The SS series differs by using a ball bearing in the (oversized) line roller, meaning both the line roller components, the bail arm and the bail wire differ on the SS series. The line rollers on the SS series are made of metal instead of SiC. Furthermore, across all models, the bail wire varies by reel size and is finished in either bare metal or black. The bail assembly consists of the following main components:

Bail arm (1)
Line roller screw (2)
Line roller collar (3)
Line roller (4)
Line roller bush or bearing (5)
Bail wire (6)
Bail spring components (7)

Spool and drag

As the reels come in different sizes, the spools vary as well. There are four spool sizes available (front diameter / rear diameter – length):

Longbeam 2000 / PM2600H: 62/68-32 mm
Longbeam 3000 / PM4000H: 66/72-33 mm
Longbeam 5000 / PM7000H: 67/73-38 mm
Longbeam 9000 / PM9000H: 71/77-38 mm
Procaster ST-30H / GS-30H: 62/68-32 mm

While the spool dimensions of the Procasters are equal to the smallest models in the other series, these spools have no drag. This means they must be replaced with Longbeam 2000, PM2600H or Emblem 4500 spools when used for carp fishing. All spools are made of graphite, with some featuring a polished metal spool lip to reduce friction and line wear. All are optimised for distance casting, with a long tapered design. The standard line clips are not suited for “hitting the clip” but can be upgraded if desired. The O-rings on the spools for the line guard shafts come in three sizes. The two mid-sized models share the same O-ring, while the smallest and largest models each use their own size.

The front mounted drag system uses five metal and five felt washers. All spring-loaded drag knobs are identical in size across different sizes, making them interchangeable. The drag knobs have no click spring, so there is no clicking sound when adjusting. The adjustment range is very wide, but it can be converted to quick drag if desired.

Handle

All reels feature 85 mm shaft-through foldable handles, where the shaft passes through the drive gear and is secured with a screw. Hex shafts vary in length and finish across the two size groups. Larger models use longer silver shafts, while smaller models and Procasters use shorter black ones. The SS series is an exception, using silver-coloured shafts across all sizes. Within both the smaller models and Procasters, different shaft lengths also exist, suggesting design changes over time, with newer models likely using the shortest shafts. But handles can still be swapped between the smaller models without any issues. On SS models, the handle matches the reel colour.

The most obvious difference is the handle knob, which varies by model grade. Entry-level models and both Procasters use basic hard plastic knobs. Mid-range models (GS-H/P) feature soft-touch knobs, while high-end SS models come with premium wooden knobs. All handles are ambidextrous and can be mounted on either side.

Ball bearings

The pinion gear uses a large single ball bearing (10×20×5 mm, ID×OD×width) across all models. The drive gear has one bearing in the GS models and two in the SS series; these are smaller bearings (9×17×4 mm). The SS series also has a second ball bearing on the right-hand side of the drive gear; this bearing (9×14×3 mm) is smaller than the other one. In addition, the SS series features a ball bearing (5×8×2,5 mm) in the line roller.

All models are originally fitted with Koyo bearings, known for their precision and durability. For the drive gears, both Koyo marked bearings and bearings without Koyo markings have been found. It is possible that the bearings used on the drive gears changed during the production run, although they may also have been replaced during servicing.

Reels can be upgraded by adding or replacing ball bearings, although adding them is limited to the drive gear. This can make a noticeable difference, especially on models originally fitted with bushes only (ST-H, PM-H, ST-30H). Ball bearings cannot be added to the worm shafts or handle knobs, adding one to the line roller requires replacing the entire bail assembly.

Model name	Pinion gear	Drive gear	Worm shaft	Handle knob	Line roller	Total bearings
ST-H series	●	-	-	-	-	●
GS-H/P series	●	●	-	-	-	●●
SS series	●	●●	-	-	●	●●●●
PM-H series	●	-	-	-	-	●
ST-30H	●	-	-	-	-	●
GS-30H	●	●	-	-	-	●●