Longbeam GS-H/P series
Widely regarded as the most striking models in the Longbeam series, the Longbeam GS‑H and GS‑P truly stand out, finished in glossy black with distinctive domed decals. Unlike the cheaper ST‑H series released at the same time, they were offered in both high‑speed and power gear ratios. Among carp anglers, the GS‑3000H is probably the most popular reel in the entire Longbeam series, combining the best looks with excellent practicality in terms of size, line capacity and gear ratio.
History
Japanese Daiwa catalogue (1990)
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.
The GS-H/P series were the mid-range models, released alongside the entry-level ST-H models. Unlike those, these reels came in both high-speed and power models, as the gear ratios differ between them. The 1990 Japanese catalogue mentions the following: “Equipped with long casting capabilities and a smooth progressive drag. An ideal model for power demanding casting styles such as surf casting with heavy lines and rock-shore basket fishing.”
Compared with the cheaper ST-H series, the GS models featured soft touch handle knobs, a bail kicker roller, black coated bail wires, line guard shafts and screws, and a polished metal spool lip to reduce friction during casting. They also had one extra ball bearing, positioned on the drive gear. Besides the side decals, the GS-H and GS-P models differ in their drive gears, pinion gears, and worm shaft gears, which determine the gear ratio. The power models also feature a stronger bail spring.
The series was discontinued after 1994, and succeeded by the Emblem X-H/P series.
Releases
The GS-2000H, GS-3000H and GS-3000P were released in 1989, followed a year later by the GS-5000H, GS-5000P, GS-9000H and GS-9000P. They were sold in Japan and North America, and possibly other markets. The GS-H series came in four sizes, while the GS-P series was limited to three, as the smallest model wasn’t offered. The GS-2000H and GS-3000H/P share a body size and 30 mm stroke, while the GS-5000H/P and GS-9000H/P share a larger body size with a 35 mm stroke. The smaller GS-H models feature a 5.1:1 high-speed gear ratio, while larger GS-H models use a 4.6:1 ratio. The GS-3000P has a 3.2:1 power ratio, with larger GS-P models geared at 3.1:1. All reels were supplied with a cloth bag and spool reducer, and came in two different boxes: a box with a clear plastic window or a full carton box.
GS-3000P box
GS-9000H box
Model comparison
Compared to other models in this family, the Longbeam GS-H/P series stands out visually thanks to its glossy black finish and domed side decals. The GS-H decals are grey, while the GS-P decals are red. The bail kicker features a roller, just like the SS and PM-H series. They are the only ones in the Longbeam series with a soft touch handle knob.
Technically, the GS-H/P series sits in the middle of the Longbeam series. They feature two ball bearings, one of which is placed on the drive gear. In terms of body and rotor material, as well as line roller and gear materials, they are identical to the other models in the Longbeam series, with the exception of the SS series, which clearly stands apart. The GS-H high-speed gear ratios are identical to the ST-H and PM-H models. The GS-P models have the lowest gear ratios in the Longbeam series, resulting in lower retrieve rates but higher torque. Like the SS models, the polished metal spool lip helps reduce friction and line wear.
GS-9000P side decals
Collectabillity
The Longbeam GS-H/P models are the most sought-after reels in the Longbeam series, largely for their looks. The GS-H models are especially popular due to their higher gear ratios, with the GS-3000H being the most sought-after of them all. As JDM models, they are harder to come by, but their popularity has led to many being imported into Europe. They are also the most expensive models in the Longbeam series.
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: GS-2000H & GS-3000H/P
- Country of manufacture: Japan
- Production period: 1989 till 1994
- Catalogue weight:
- – GS-2000H: 570 g
- – GS-3000H/P: 590 g
Body & rotor
- Body material: Carbon
- Rotor material: Carbon
- Balanced rotor: No
Internal mechanics
- Drive gear: Hex, aluminium alloy
- Pinion gear: Brass
- Worm shaft gear: Brass
- Worm shaft: Brass, plated
- Gear ratio:
- – GS-2000H & GS-3000H: 5.1 : 1 (both)
- – GS-3000P: 3.2 : 1
- Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
- Main shaft: Steel, Ø6 mm
- Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
- Ball bearings: 2 (Koyo)
- – Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
- – Drive gear: 1 BB (9×17×4 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):
- – GS-2000H: 0.32-350, 0.35-280, 0.40-210
- – GS-3000H/P: 0.35-370, 0.40-280, 0.45-220
- Bail type: Two-piece
- Line roller: SiC, different types
- Drag type: Front drag
- Drag washers: 5 felt + 5 metal
- Clicker sound: No
Handle assembly
- Handle type: Power, foldable
- Handle shaft: Black hex
- Handle length: 85 mm
- Handle knob: Soft touch
- Ambidextrous: Yes
General specifications
- Model: GS-5000H/P & GS-9000H/P
- Country of manufacture: Japan
- Production period: 1990 till 1994
- Catalogue weight:
- – GS-5000H/P: 600 g
- – GS-9000H/P: 620 g
Body & rotor
- Body material: Carbon
- Rotor material: Carbon
- Balanced rotor: No
Internal mechanics
- Drive gear: Hex, aluminium alloy
- Pinion gear: Brass
- Worm shaft gear: Super duralumin
- Worm shaft: Super duralumin
- Gear ratio:
- – GS-5000H & GS-9000H: 4.6 : 1 (both)
- – GS-5000P & GS-9000P: 3.1 : 1 (both)
- Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
- Main shaft: Steel, Ø6,5 mm
- Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
- Ball bearings: 2 (Koyo)
- – Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
- – Drive gear: 1 BB (9×17×4 mm)
Spool & bail system
- Spool design: Skirtless spool
- Stroke: 35 mm
- Spool type: Long cast
- Spool material: Graphite
- Spool lip: Polished
- Line capacity (mm/m):
- – GS-5000H/P: 0.45-270, 0.50-210, 0.55-185
- – GS-9000H/P: 0.50-290, 0.55-220, 0.65-175
- Bail type: Two-piece
- Line roller: SiC, different types
- 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: Soft touch
- Ambidextrous: Yes
Schematics
See the schematics below for all seven GS-H/P 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: