Longbeam SS series

Positioned as the high‑end variant within a mid‑range series, the looks of the Longbeam SS series leave little doubt about its premium status, with a light grey finish, gold accents and a wooden handle knob. Technically, the SS series was quite a step up from the GS-H/P series. These reels featured Whisker Carbon bodies, super duralumin gears and four ball bearings, including one in the oversized line roller. Within this group of reels, the SS series was the only one, besides the PM‑H series, that was actually sold in Europe.

History

The Longbeam series is a wide range of reels designed for long distance casting. The series was available in multiple grades, sizes and gear ratios to suit different applications, and was developed as a more affordable alternative to the Tournament models.

With the entry-level ST-H series and mid-range GS-H/P series already in place, the high-end SS series completed the line-up. First appearing in the Japanese 1991 catalogue, it mentions: “Easy to use spinning reel, ultra lightweight, high performance. A wooden handle knob used, designed for powerful, robust operation.”

The SS series was priced a lot higher, nearly twice that of the ST-H models, but included many upgrades. The reels feature lightweight Whisker Carbon bodies, super duralumin gears, four ball bearings (including one in the oversized line roller), and a wooden handle knob, improving performance while reducing overall weight. They were perhaps positioned as a direct alternative to the Tournament models, as the gear ratios are identical. The three smallest models match the GS/SS 3000–5000, while the largest power model matches the GS/SS 9000.

In 1992, Daiwa began selling the SS series in Europe, although the full range was not available in all markets. For example, in the Netherlands, only the SS-3000 and SS-9000P were sold by Albatros, Daiwa’s Benelux distributor. In France, the SS-9000P was not included in the 1992 catalogue. Here, the reels were described as being built for strength, specifically designed for long distance fishing such as surfcasting or carp fishing.

The series was discontinued after 1994, and succeeded by the (white) Emblem Z series.

Releases

The SS series was released in Japan in 1990, with the full range introduced in a single release. Like other Longbeam models, it was offered in four sizes. The smallest models, the SS-2000 and SS-3000, share the same body size and use a 30 mm stroke. The larger SS-5000 and SS-9000P also share a common body size, using a 35 mm stroke instead. All models, except the SS-9000P, have a standard 4.1:1 gear ratio, while the largest model uses a 3.4:1 power ratio. All reels were supplied with a cloth bag, spool reducer, and a maintenance kit.

In 1992, the SS series was introduced to several European markets. It was never sold in the UK. In France, all models except the SS-9000P first appeared in the 1992 catalogue. The series was probably also sold in Germany, although specific information confirming this has not yet been found. In the Netherlands, the SS-3000 and SS-9000P appeared in the 1992 and 1993 catalogues of Albatros, the Dutch Daiwa distributor. The Longbeam SS series was probably discontinued in Europe after 1994, as in Japan. Any additional information regarding these markets would be greatly appreciated.

Model comparison

Compared to other models in this family, the SS series stands out visually thanks to its light grey finish, and gold side decals. The bail kicker features a roller, just like the GS-H/P and PM-H series. It is the only model in the Longbeam series with a wooden handle knob and the only one with a non-black handle.

Technically, the SS series sits at the top end of the Longbeam series. With extra ball bearings, including one in the oversized line roller, these reels run smoother than other models. But there are many more features that set this series apart. The line roller is metal, unlike other models, which use ceramic line rollers. The body is made from lightweight Whisker Carbon. The drive gears are made from super duralumin with a black almite finish. All sizes use super duralumin worm shafts and black almite worm gear shafts, unlike the other series, where only the larger models use these components. The gear ratios in this series also differ from other models, with all but the largest using a 4.1:1 ratio. Like the GS-H/P models, the polished metal spool lip helps reduce friction and line wear.

Collectabillity

The SS series is still reasonably sought-after. Although they were sold in both Japan and Europe, they are not widely seen today. Despite being the high-end range within the Longbeam series, they are less sought-after than the black GS-H/P models and are therefore generally priced somewhat lower, although reels in mint condition are still quite expensive.

Specifications

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

General specifications

Model: Longbeam SS-2000 & SS-3000
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 1990 till 1994
Catalogue weight:
– Longbeam SS-2000: 525 g
– Longbeam SS-3000: 535 g

Body & rotor

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

Internal mechanics

Drive gear: Hex, Super duralumin
Pinion gear: Brass
Worm shaft gear: Super duralumin
Worm shaft: Super duralumin
Gear ratio: 4.1 : 1 (both)
Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
Main shaft: Steel, Ø6 mm
Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
Ball bearings: 4 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (9×17×4 + 9×14×3 mm)
– Line roller: 1 BB (5×8×2,5 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 30 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Graphite
Spool lip: Polished metal
Line capacity (mm/m):
– SS-2000: 0.32-350, 0.35-280, 0.40-210
– SS-3000: 0.35-370, 0.40-280, 0.45-220
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: Flat-bottomed V-type metal (with ball bearing)

Drag system

Drag type: Front drag
Drag washers: 5 felt + 5 metal
Clicker sound: No

Handle assembly

Handle type: Power, foldable
Handle shaft: Silver-coloured hex
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: Wooden
Ambidextrous: Yes

General specifications

Model: Longbeam SS-5000 & SS-9000P
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 1990 till 1994
Catalogue weight:
– Longbeam SS-5000: 580 g
– Longbeam SS-9000P: 590 g

Body & rotor

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

Internal mechanics

Drive gear: Hex, Super duralumin
Pinion gear: Brass
Worm shaft gear: Super duralumin
Worm shaft: Super duralumin
Gear ratio:
– Longbeam SS-5000: 4.1 : 1
– Longbeam SS-9000P: 3.4 : 1
Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
Main shaft: Steel, Ø6,5 mm
Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
Ball bearings: 4 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (9×17×4 + 9×14×3 mm)
– Line roller: 1 BB (5×8×2,5 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 35 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Graphite
Spool lip: Polished metal
Line capacity (mm/m):
– SS-5000: 0.45-270, 0.50-210, 0.55-185
– SS-9000P: 0.50-290, 0.55-220, 0.65-175
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: Flat-bottomed V-type metal (with ball bearing)

Drag system

Drag type: Front drag
Drag washers: 5 felt + 5 metal
Clicker sound: No

Handle assembly

Handle type: Power, foldable
Handle shaft: Silver-coloured hex
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: Wooden
Ambidextrous: Yes

Schematics

See the schematics below for all four Longbeam SS models. While the exploded views are original Daiwa drawings, the parts lists have been added separately. Some original part numbers may have been replaced with newer compatible part numbers.

Other Longbeam models: