3000-5000-35 series

The 3000–5000-35 series is a group of premium super long stroke reels, specifically designed for long distance casting. Compared with other Tournament models, they are the smallest in size and defined by their 35 mm stroke. This group splits into front drag 3000–5000 models and 35 models without drag. As they share a very similar design, they are all grouped together for clarity.

The GS models are the original entry-level reels and do not carry the ‘Tournament’ name, while the SS models are the original high-end reels. The Z and TS series are successors to the SS models, while the GS models never had a direct successor. In terms of technical features, the progression is GS, SS, and finally Z and TS.

Some models in this group are among the most sought-after cult classics of all, combining striking looks and great robustness. Despite their relatively compact size, they offer strong casting performance, generous line capacity, and a gear ratio that delivers plenty of power. Only the SS-3000, TS5000T and TS5000BE have been sold in Europe. The GS models, along with the SS-3000 and SS-5000, are the most sought-after. All models were introduced between 1988 and 1996, except the TS5000BE, introduced in 2015.

On this page, 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

The body is made of SiC Whisker reinforced carbon composite. The capsule design provides high torsional stiffness and protects from water and dirt. Two side covers and a rear cover are fitted, which is great for servicing. A bail kicker is mounted on the reel stem. It pushes the bail back after casting if it has not been closed by hand. SS-3000, SS-5000, TS5000T, TS5500T and TS5000BE feature a roller in the bail kicker.

Externally, the bodies are identical. Internally, the GS models and 35 series lack wormshaft ball bearings, so their housings differ because they have no recess in the wormshaft bore for the bearing, unlike the 3000–5000 series. So besides colours and decals, the GS-3000, GS-5000 and the 35 series share a common body, while the remaining models share a different common body.

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. Make sure that the flat end of this spring is correctly seated in the recess of the anti-reverse pawl. It consists of the following main components:

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

Worm gear oscillation

Featured on all Tournament models and superior at the time to the many seen locomotive oscillation mechanisms. Daiwa marketed this as ‘flat winding system’. The worm gear oscillation 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). This worm shaft is supported by ball bearings or bushes (3), depending on the model. 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. The worm shafts and worm shaft gears have remained unchanged over time, but there are two variants worm shafts: one for bushes and one for ball bearings. They are made of super duralumin and protected in a shield cover, which also functions as a guide for the slider. It consists of the following main components:

Worm shaft gear (1)
Worm shaft + shield cover (2)
Ball bearings or 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 (9) are installed with a thread-lock, and can be very tight when removed for the first time. Be careful, using the wrong screwdriver can easily damage them. Three different part numbers have been used over time, older models are fitted with black sliders, newer models with chrome ones. But they are all interchangeble. The oscillating slider houses the following components:

Oscillating pawl (5)
Pawl bush (6)
Pawl washer (7)
Cover plate (8)
Cover plate screws (9)

Drive train

The drive train transmittes the power. All models use hypoid gears, meaning the pinion gear is offset from the drive gear. This design provides smoother operation, higher torque, and greater durability. These gears are still very widely used today. It operates as follows: 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 defined by the teeth ratio of the drive gear to the pinion gear. Dividing the number of teeth gives the ratio: 37 ÷ 9 = 4.1, meaning that for every full turn of the drive gear (handle), the pinion (and with it the rotor) rotates 4.1 times. So the gear ratio affects line retrieval but also power because the torque changes with the ratio.

The drive train consists of two assemblies:

1: Pinion gear assembly

The pinion gears are made from super duralumin, a high-strength aluminium alloy, and finished in black almite (black anodised) to improve wear resistance and corrosion protection. Different part numbers for the older (E33-2201) and newer models (E33-2203) show a slight difference in the shape of the teeth, although they are all interchangeable. The pinion gear is supported by a bush and a ball bearing. It consists of the following:

Pinion holder (bush) (1)
Pinion gear (2)
Pinion washer (newer 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 one or two ball bearings depending on the model, housed in the side covers. It consists of the following:

Drive gear
Drive gear washer
One or two ball bearings
Anti-reverse pawl spring

Over time, different drive gears have been used. See the table for an overview.

Material and finish: All drive gears are made of super duralumin. Initially they featured a durable black almite finish, making them more suitable for saltwater use. Daiwa changed the re-release SS-3000, re-release TS5000T and the TS5000BE drive gears to tempered plain duralumin gears, considered less durable.

Drive type: Threaded, square and hex drive gears have been used. The threaded type is found on 35 series, fitted with screw-in handles. SS-3000, SS-5000 and GS-35 initially used square drives, while GS-3000 and GS-5000 used hex drive gears. Around 1994, SS-3000 and SS-5000 changed from square to hex drive type. This was after the SS-3000 was introduced to Europe, as the first European SS-3000’s still had square drives.

Square and threaded drives are obsolete, as are the black hex drives. Nowadays, only the G47-4901 can be ordered new. For square and threaded models, this means replacing the handle or finding an old drive gear in good condition, which can be a challenge.

Model	Release	Market	Part nr.
SS-35	1988	JDM	F00-6101
SS-35II	1991	JDM	F00-6101
Z35T	1995	JDM	F00-6101
SS-3000	1988	Both	F00-4201
SS-5000	1989	JDM	F00-4201
GS-35	1988	JDM	F00-4201
GS-3000	1988	Both	F00-6001
GS-5000	1989	JDM	F00-6001
SS-3000	±1994	Both	F00-6001
SS-5000	±1994	JDM	F00-6001
TS5000T	1995	Both	F00-6001
TS5500T	1995	JDM	F00-6001
TS5000T	Unknown	Export	G47-4901
SS-3000	2008	Export	G47-4901
TS5000BE	2015	Export	G47-4901

Main shaft assembly

These are fixed-spool reels, the main shaft does not rotate. It runs through the pinion gear and connects to the oscillating slider. The spool washer (1) sits in the holder (2). Line lay can be adjusted by adding or removing washers. A main shaft washer (3) sits beneath the holder. The 6 mm main shaft (4) is made from an 85% titanium alloy, making it light but strong. The GS models are an exception, as these use a heavier steel main shaft. The 35 series models require a 3000-5000 main shaft when converting. It consists of the following components:

Spool washer (1)
Click spring holder + 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. The rotor assembly consists of a rotor, line guard system and bail assembly. At first sight they all look the same, but there are differences. The 3000-5000 series share a common rotor and bail assembly, while the 35 series share a different common rotor and bail assembly. The odd one out is the GS-35: this model uses the same rotor as the 3000–5000 series, but the same bail assembly as the 35 series. It is also the only model in the 35 series that features a SiC line roller.

Rotor

The 3000–5000 series and GS-35 share the same ‘standard’ rotor, differing only in colours and decals. It is made of an aluminium alloy. The SS-35, SS-35II, and Z35T use a different (contra) rotor, which is made of an magnesium alloy, about 30 gr lighter. The line guard shafts are mirrored compared with the first type. The Procasters had to be as light as possible. The GS-35 uses the standard aluminium rotor, as the magnesium alloy version would have been too expensive for this entry level model.

Line guard system

Because the spools are skirtless, the line can get trapped underneath them, so these reels are fitted with a line guard system. This system consists of a set of rollers mounted on the rotor, that run along a rubber ring on the spool. This prevents line hangups. The line guard shafts differ for both rotor types. It consists of a set of the following components:

Line guard roller shaft (1)
Line guard rollers (2)
Roller shaft nut (3)

Although very reliable, this system is notorious for the squeaking ‘coffee grinder’ noises. A drop of reel oil or PTFE spray on the line guard shafts usually fixes it. If not, replace the spool rubbers and / or rollers. Removing the spool rubbers stops the noise but disables the system.

Bail assembly

Two bail types are used:

One-piece bail (3000-5000 series)
Also called ‘Big roller system’ by Daiwa, designed for extra strength. The bail arm and bail wire form a single piece, removing the line roller leaves the bail in place. It features a large line roller, secured with a large black or gold aluminium screw. An additional pin is used to secure the bail to the rotor. Early models are fitted with black SiC (silicon carbide) U-type line rollers, while newer models use gold-coloured TiN (titanium nitride) coated Twistbuster line rollers. The line rollers run on bushes. These can be upgraded to ball bearings, but doing so requires replacing the original line rollers. The SiC and TiN (Twistbuster) line rollers are not interchangeble.
Two-piece bail (35 series)
The bail arm and bail wire are seperate components, secured together by the line roller screw. GS-35 line rollers are U-type SiC, while the others use U-type TiN rollers, except for the Z35T which features the TiN Twistbuster design. GS-35 and SS-35 line rollers run on bushes, whereas the SS-35II and Z35T are supported by a ball bearing.

TiN-coated line rollers are generally regarded as better than the older SiC ones. While SiC is very hard and smooth, it is also more brittle. TiN-coated stainless steel rollers are tougher and more durable, especially when using braided line. The Twistbuster design dramatically reduces line twist according to Daiwa.

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. Some bail spring components differ between the 3000-5000 and the Procaster 35 models.

Spool and drag

As all reels in this group have a 35 mm stroke, the spools are interchangeble. The spools are made of graphite or anodised aluminium, with graphite spools being more prone to wear. All are optimized for distance casting, being long, shallow and tapered. The standard line clips are not suited for ‘hitting the clip’, these can be upgraded if desired.

The 35 series came with different and extra spools, each for their own application. All but the GS-35 came in light line and heavy line versions, of which only the spools differed. They feature a line memory system, allowing you to mark the size of PE line loaded so it can be easily identified later. For carp fishing, these are of no use since they have no drag. But spools from the 3000-5000 series, or Weston spools can be used.

The 3000-5000 models came with one or two (GS models) spools, all with a line reducer included. These models come in three line capacity sizes:

Lowest: GS-3000 (graphite)
Medium: GS-3000 (aluminium), SS-3000, TS5000T, TS5000BE
Highest: GS-5000, SS-5000, TS5500T

The drag system is mounted on the front of the spool and consists of five metal and five felt washers. All 3000-5000 models except the GS models feature a click spring in the (spring-loaded) drag knob, producing the clicking sound when adjusting. The adjustment range is very wide, but can be converted to quick drag if desired.

Handle

The models come with two handle styles. The first is the shaft-through handle, used on the 3000–5000 models and the GS-35. The shaft passes through the drive gear and is secured with a screw. These one-touch foldable handles can be folded with one hand and feature either a square or hex shaft, square ones have a black finish. All 3000–5000 models have a wooden handle knob, while the GS-35 has a hard plastic knob. On the TS5000T and TS5500T, the handle knob shaft includes two ball bearings for smooth rotation. These handles are ambidextrous, so they can be mounted on either side.

The second is the screw-in handle, where the threaded shaft screws directly into the drive gear. This type is used on all 35 series models except the GS-35. At the time, these handles were regarded as superior to the one-touch handles. The handles feature soft touch handle knobs of which the Z35T includes two bearings in the handle shaft. These handles are also ambidextrous.

Ball bearings

A closer look at the ball bearings highlights the premium build quality of these reels, as they feature large, high-quality bearings. The pinion gear uses a single ball bearing (10×20×5 mm, ID×OD×width) across all models. The drive gear uses the same ball bearings, with two on all models except the GS models. Worm shafts bearings (4x7x2 mm) are used in all but the 35 series and GS models. Handle knob bearings (5x8x2,5 mm) are only used in the TS5000T, TS5500T and Z35T. Only the SS35II and Z35T have a ball-bearing (5x8x2,5 mm) line roller.

Older models used Koyo bearings, known for precision and durability. Newer models initially used Thai-made bearings, but later switched to Cambodian-made ones. For example, the drive gear bearings were Koyo (637-6101), then Thai-made (G42-6301). If you order G42-6301 nowadays, you will receive Cambodian-made bearings.

Reels can be upgraded by adding or replacing ball bearings. On GS models, the drive gear bushing can easily be replaced with a bearing for a noticeable improvement. Worm shaft and handle knob bearings cannot be added, while upgrading to line roller bearings require replacing the complete line roller. See the table below for an overview.

Model name	Pinion gear	Drive gear	Worm shaft	Handle knob	Line roller	Total bearings
GS-3000 GS-5000	●	●	-	-	-	●●
SS-3000 SS-5000	●	●●	●●	-	-	●●●●●
TS5000T TS5500T	●	●●	●●	●●	-	●●●●●●●
TS5000BE	●	●●	●●	-	-	●●●●●
GS-35	●	●	-	-	-	●●
SS-35	●	●●	-	-	-	●●●
SS-35II	●	●●	-	-	●	●●●●
Z35T	●	●●	-	●●	●	●●●●●●