Emblem X-H/P series
The Emblem X‑H and X‑P series are the successors to the popular Longbeam GS‑H and GS‑P series, but unlike those, they are less sought‑after. The reels stand out with their metallic grey finish and dark grey details, with the rear cover colour likely carried over from the GS‑H series. Just like the Longbeam GS-H/P series, they were offered in both high-speed and power gear ratios. Their shorter production run makes them scarcer and more sought after than the updated Emblem X-T/PT series.
History
Ihe Longbeam GS-H/P series were mid-range long cast reels, introduced in 1989. The Emblem X-H/P series is their successor.
The series was released in Japan in 1993 as the mid-range series, alongside the entry-level S-H series. Unlike those, these reels came in both high-speed and power models, as the gear ratios differ between them. Their line-up is identical to their predecessors, as the smallest model came only in a high-speed variant. Also, the gear ratios for the different models are equal to the Longbeam models. First appearing in the 1993 Japanese catalogue, it carried the tagline: “Casting is different, retrieval is different!” For export, they were released a year later, in 1994. As Daiwa changed its grade system, the Longbeam GS-H/P series became the Emblem X-H/P series. ‘X’ indicated the mid-range grade within the lineup. It may stand for ‘crossover’ or ‘eXtra’, although this is purely speculative.
In terms of specifications and technical design, they were very similar to their predecessors. The largest improvement was Gyrospin, which is a balanced rotor for improved smoothness. The X-H/P series featured oversized metal line rollers running on a ball bearing, unlike their predecessors, which used ceramic line rollers on bushings. These metal line rollers are actually identical to the ones in the Longbeam SS series. However, there were also cost-saving measures; the bail kicker with roller was replaced by a standard bail kicker. Furthermore, the body and side cover showing the model name was now printed instead of side decals. As mid-range variants in the new Emblem series, they featured three ball bearings (including one in the line roller) and a soft-touch handle knob.
The X-H/P series was already discontinued after 1995 and succeeded by the Emblem X-T/PT series.
Japanese Daiwa catalogue (1994)
German Daiwa catalogue (1995)
Releases
In Japan, all models in the series were released in 1993. The X-H series came in four sizes, while the X-P series was limited to three, as the smallest model wasn’t offered. The X4500H, X5000H and X5000P share a body size and 30 mm stroke. The larger X5500H/P, and X6000H/P also share a common body size, using a 35 mm stroke instead. The smaller X-H models feature a 5.1:1 high-speed gear ratio, while larger X-H models use a 4.6:1 ratio. The X-5000P has a 3.2:1 power ratio, with larger X-P models geared at 3.1:1. All reels were supplied with a cloth bag and spool reducer.
The X-H (high-speed) series was offered in several European countries, first appearing in 1994. It was never sold in the UK. It was sold in France and Germany, as well as in the Netherlands via Albatros. There, only the X5000H and X6000H were listed in the 1994 and 1995 catalogues. The series was sold in Belgium via Arca, a Daiwa distributor. The Emblem X-H series was discontinued in Europe after 1995, as in Japan. The X-P (power) series was probably never released in Europe and, if so, was far less widely distributed than the high-speed models. Any additional information regarding these markets would be greatly appreciated.
X5000H box
Model comparison
Compared with other original Emblems, the X-H/P series stands out visually thanks to its grey metallic finish with dark grey and subtle red accents. The bail kicker has no roller and is dark grey with a red stripe, like all others except the Z series. They are the only ones with a soft touch handle knob.
Technically, the X-H/P series sits in the middle of the original Emblem series. They feature three ball bearings, placed on the pinion gear, drive gear, and line roller, just like the Powercast X30H. In terms of body and rotor material, as well as line roller and gear materials, they are identical to the other models in the Emblem series, with the exception of the Z series, which clearly stands apart. The X-H high-speed gear ratios are identical to the S-H series, and in the two smaller sizes they also match the Powercast models. The X-P models have the lowest gear ratios, resulting in lower retrieve rates but higher torque. Like the Z models, the polished metal spool lip helps reduce friction and line wear.
Collectabillity
The Emblem X-H/P models are less sought after within the Emblem series, although they are more popular than the updated X-T/PT series. Like other original Emblems, they are quite rare due to their shorter production run.
Specifications
All models in this group are very similar in terms of technical design. Click the button ‘Emblem series’ for general technical information, or further info on certain subjects below.
General specifications
- Model: Emblem X4500H & X5000H/P
- Country of manufacture: Japan
- Production period: 1993 till 1995
- Catalogue weight:
- – X4500H: 580 g
- – X5000H/P: 590 g
Body & rotor
- Body material: Carbon
- Rotor material: Carbon
- Balanced rotor: Yes
Internal mechanics
- Drive gear: Hex, aluminium alloy
- Pinion gear: Brass
- Worm shaft gear: Brass
- Worm shaft: Brass, plated
- Gear ratio:
- – X4500H & X5000H: 5.1 : 1 (both)
- – X5000P: 3.2 : 1
- Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
- Main shaft: Steel, Ø6 mm
- Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
- Ball bearings: 3 (Thailand)
- – Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
- – Drive gear: 1 BB (9x17x4 mm)
- – Line roller: 1 BB (5x8x2,5 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):
- – X4500H: 0.32-350, 0.35-280, 0.40-210
- – X5000H/P: 0.35-370, 0.40-280, 0.45-220
- Bail type: Two-piece
- Line roller: Flat-bottomed V-type metal (with ball bearing)
- 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: Emblem X5500H/P & X6000H/P
- Country of manufacture: Japan
- Production period: 1993 till 1995
- Catalogue weight:
- – X5500H/P: 630 g
- – X6000H/P: 635 g
Body & rotor
- Body material: Carbon
- Rotor material: Carbon
- Balanced rotor: Yes
Internal mechanics
- Drive gear: Hex, aluminium alloy
- Pinion gear: Brass
- Worm shaft gear: Super duralumin
- Worm shaft: Super duralumin
- Gear ratio:
- – X5500H & X6000H: 4.6 : 1 (both)
- – X5500P & X6000P: 3.1 : 1 (both)
- Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
- Main shaft: Steel, Ø6,5 mm
- Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
- Ball bearings: 3 (Thailand)
- – Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
- – Drive gear: 1 BB (9x17x4 mm)
- – Line roller: 1 BB (5x8x2,5 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):
- – X5500H/P: 0.45-270, 0.50-210, 0.55-185
- – X6000H/P: 0.50-290, 0.55-220, 0.65-175
- Bail type: Two-piece
- Line roller: Flat-bottomed V-type metal (with ball bearing)
- 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 X-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 original Emblems:
Other updated T-Emblems:
- Emblem S-T series
- Emblem X-T/PT series
- Emblem Z-T series
- Powercast S30T
- Powercast X30T