Emblem Z series

The Longbeam SS series were high-end long cast reels, introduced in Japan 1990 and released for export in 1992. The Emblem Z series is their successor.

With the entry-level S-H and mid-range X-H/P series already in place, the high-end Z series completed the line-up a year later in 1994 in Japan. While the line-up remained identical, the gear ratios slightly changed compared to their predecessors, although they still featured standard gear ratios, and a power ratio for the largest size.

First appearing in the 1995 Japanese catalogue (always one year after the release year in Japan), it carried the tagline: “Outstanding casting distance, silky-smooth feel, and exceptionally balanced rotation.” For export, they were released a year later, in 1995, and again, a year later than the entry-level and mid-range series. As Daiwa changed its grading system, ‘Longbeam SS series’ became ‘Emblem Z series’. ‘Z’ likely refers to ‘Zenith’, a term used by many companies to indicate their highest grade, although this is unconfirmed.

In terms of specifications and technical design, they were quite similar to their predecessors. Like those, they stand out from the other grades, and they were also priced at roughly double the entry-level variants. The Longbeam SS series featured a Whisker Carbon body, but it is uncertain whether the Z series inherited this, as it is not specifically mentioned in the catalogue. However, by 1995, ‘Whisker Carbon’ was no longer referenced, as it had become standard technology. Combined with the very similar catalogue weights to its predecessors, the same body material would be expected. Like their predecessors, they also featured super duralumin gears and premium wooden handle knobs.