Emblem X-T/PT series

The Emblem X-T and X-PT series are the successors to the Emblem X-H/P series. Like them, they were offered in both high-speed and power gear ratios. The X-T series was very popular among carp anglers in Europe for many years, and the X5000T even returned as a re-release in at least France. This is hardly surprising, given their strong technical performance and relatively affordable price at the time. However, among collectors today, these reels are less sought after because the steel blue finish is simply not to everyone’s taste.

History

The Emblem X-H/P series were mid-range long cast reels, introduced in Japan in 1993 and released for export in 1994. The Emblem X-T/PT series is their successor.

In 1995, Daiwa introduced Twistbuster, a TiN-coated line roller designed to reduce line twist. Like many others, the Emblem X-H and X-P series were re-launched with the new roller as the X-T and X-PT series. ‘T’ stands for Twistbuster, while ‘P’ stands for Power. They also gave the reels a new look. First appearing in the Japanese 1996 catalogue, it carried the tagline: “The standard model for rock-casting, with Twistbuster.” Just like their predecessors, and the models before them, these reels came in both high-speed and power models. The line-up is identical to that of their predecessors, as the smallest model came only in a high-speed variant. The gear ratios remained the same across the different models, except for the X5000PT, whose power ratio changed from 3.2:1 to 3.4:1. In terms of specifications and technical design, they were very similar to their predecessors. The main improvement was the line roller. Furthermore, a plastic worm shaft gear replaced the brass one. 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.

Just like most other updated T-Emblems, early models feature a bail kicker design similar to that used on the Longbeams and original Emblems. Later models have a different bail kicker. As far as is known, these were still made in Japan until they were discontinued in 1999. The X5000T was later re-released for certain markets, with this model being made in Thailand, as clearly marked on the reel foot. As far as is known, these Thai-made X-T reels are limited to the 5000 size.

The X-T/PT series was discontinued after 1999 in Japan and succeeded by the Emblem X-A series. In Europe, it was still sold in 1999, although it may have remained available for longer. A re-released X5000T was sold in at least France from around 2015 until around 2020.

Releases

In Japan, all models in the series were released in 1995. The X-T series came in four sizes, while the X-PT series was limited to three, as the smallest model wasn’t offered. The X4500T, X5000T and X5000PT share a body size and 30 mm stroke. The larger X5500T/PT and X6000T/PT also share a common body size, using a 35 mm stroke instead. The smaller X-T models feature a 5.1:1 high-speed gear ratio, while larger X-T models use a 4.6:1 ratio. The X-5000PT has a 3.4:1 power ratio, with larger X-P models geared at 3.1:1. All reels were supplied with a spool reducer.

In 1996, the X-T (high-speed) series was introduced in Europe. In the UK, the X5000T and X5500T were introduced in 1997, while the X6000T was added in 1999. In France, all four sizes were introduced in 1996. The X5000T was also offered there in at least the 2016 and 2017 catalogues, making it likely a re-release. Information regarding Germany is currently unknown. In the Netherlands, only the X5000T and X6000T are listed in the 1996 Albatros (distributor) catalogue. The series was discontinued in Japan after 1999. It may have been discontinued in Europe at the same time, although this is uncertain. The X-PT (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.

There are different variants. The early models feature a bail kicker design similar to that used on the Longbeams and original Emblems and were made in Japan. At some point, this was replaced by a version without the familiar coloured stripe, probably around 1999, when other Daiwa reels featuring the same bail kicker design appeared. A re-release X5000T variant was made in Thailand. As far as is known, this is the only Thai-made X-T model, as the other X-T and X-PT models were already being discontinued by the time Emblem production was moved to Thailand.

Model comparison

Compared with other updated T-Emblems, the X-T/PT series stands out visually thanks to its full steel blue finish, including its handle. The bail kicker has no roller and is dark grey with a silver stripe on the early models, like all others except the Z-T series. The handle features a soft touch handle knob, just like the X5000T Black.

Technically, the X-T/PT series sits in the middle of the updated T-Emblems. They feature three ball bearings, placed on the pinion gear, drive gear, and line roller, just like the Powercast X30T. 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-T series, which clearly stands apart. The X-T high-speed gear ratios are identical to the S-T series, and in the two smaller sizes they also match the Powercast models. The X-PT models have the lowest gear ratios, resulting in lower retrieve rates but higher torque. Like the Z-T models, the polished metal spool lip helps reduce friction and line wear.

Collectability

Although the X-T series was very popular and widely sold at the time, these reels are now less sought-after by anglers and collectors. This is mainly due to the steel blue finish, which does not appeal to everyone today. As they are less sought-after and widely available, prices remain relatively low. As far as is known, the X-PT series was only sold in Japan, and even there it appears to be a rare series that is not often seen. Prices are perhaps slightly higher, as these reels are considerably rarer.

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.