Powercast S30H

The yellow baboons! The Powercast S30H is a somewhat lesser known reel, as it was a JDM model and not part of the Emblem series. Instead, it belongs to the Powercast series alongside the higher specced X30H. It is the casting sibling of the Emblem S-H series. Although it shares the same design as the Emblem series, it does not feature a drag system. Unlike the X30H, this reel is much more sought after due to its resemblance to the S-H series. A set like this on the bank is sure to get a few looks.

History

The Procaster ST-30H was an entry-level casting reel without drag, positioned alongside the GS-30H and below the premium Tournament Procaster models in the Procaster range. It was introduced in 1989. The Powercast S30H is its successor.

The S30H was released in Japan in 1993 together with the higher specced X30H. The new models carried a different name and grade designation. They shared the same design specifications as the Emblems, which replaced the Longbeams.

First appearing in the 1994 catalogue, it carried the tagline: “The winding feel is different because of the Gyro.” It further mentions: “There are two types, allowing you to choose according to the line you use: The No.3 type for PE2-3 lines, and the No.5 type for PE5-6 lines. The Gyro Spin system eliminates wobble and vibration during winding. It is the basic form of a dedicated casting reel, developed with emphasis on the two functions of casting and retrieving.” Compared with the X30H, the S30H was technically less advanced, with one ball bearing instead of three and no spare spool. Cost savings were also made cosmetically, most notably the use of stickers for the model designation rather than a printed finish on the body, as on the Emblem S-H series.

The S30H was already discontinued after 1995 and succeeded by the Powercast S30T.

Releases

The S30H was released in 1993, only to be sold in Japan. Like its predecessor, it was produced in a single size. It was the smallest of the four sizes in the Emblem series, alongside the X30H and Emblem 4500. The spool dimensions are ⌀62/68 mm × 32 mm, matching those of the Emblem 4500, though without a drag system.

Just like its predecessor, it was released in two versions, differing only in their spools. The reel was supplied with a tapered graphite PE3 or PE5 spool, both fitted with a line clip.

Model comparison

Compared with other original models in this family, the S30H stands out visually thanks to its blue-grey finish and distinctive yellow rear covers. The bail kicker has no roller and is dark grey with a red stripe, like all others except the Z series. The handle with its hard plastic knob is identical to that of the X30H and smaller Emblem S-H models. Unlike other models in the range, and like the Emblem S-H series, the model designation is a sticker rather than printed on the body.

Technically, the S30H sits at the lower end of the original Emblem series. It features only one ball bearing, placed on the pinion gear, just like the Emblem S-H series. Internally, this reel is identical to the smaller Emblem S-H series and the X30H, although the X30H has two additional ball bearings. The high-speed gear ratio is identical to the X30H and the smaller sizes within the Emblem S-H and X-H series. As a powercast model, it features no drag system.

Collectabillity

The S30H is a reasonably sought-after reel. It is certainly more popular than the X30H, due to its striking looks and its resemblance to the Emblem S-H series. As these reels are JDM models and were only sold for a short period, like other original Emblems, they are quite rare in Europe. However, as they are still reasonably sought after, they are imported in higher numbers than other JDM Powercast models. These reels need to be converted before they can be used for carp fishing, using parts from the Longbeam 2000, PM2600H, or Emblem 4500.

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: Powercast S30H
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 1993 till 1995
Catalogue weight: 540 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: 5.1 : 1
Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
Main shaft: Steel, Ø6 mm
Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
Ball bearings: 1 (Thailand)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 30 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Graphite
Spool lip: Graphite
Line capacity (mm/m):
– PE3 version: 0.205-300, 0.235-200
– PE5 version: 0.37-200, 0.405-160
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: Flat-bottomed V-type metal

Drag system

Drag type: No drag
Drag washers: N/A
Clicker sound: N/A

Handle assembly

Handle type: Power, foldable
Handle shaft: Black hex
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: T-shape, hard plastic
Ambidextrous: Yes

Schematics

See the schematic below. The drawing and parts list have been added separately. Some original part numbers may have been replaced with newer compatible part numbers.

Other original Emblems:

Other updated T-Emblems: