Powercast S30T
The Powercast S30T is a casting reel without drag, and the casting sibling to the Emblem S-T series, with which it shares its dark grey rear cover. Sold exclusively in Japan, it remains little known today. Like the Emblem S-T series, it enjoyed a considerably longer production run than other reels in this family. Due to its less appealing looks and the fact that it requires conversion, relatively few are found in Europe today.
History
The Powercast S30H was an entry-level casting reel without drag, positioned alongside the X30H. It was introduced in 1993. The Powercast S30T is its successor.
The S30T was released in Japan in 1995 together with the higher specced X30T. The new models featured Twistbuster, a TiN-coated line roller designed to reduce line twist, along with a new look. Furthermore, the model name was now printed on the side cover instead of a sticker. A plastic worm shaft gear also replaced the brass one. First appearing in the 1996 catalogue, it carried the tagline: “A dedicated casting reel equipped with Twist Buster and Gyro Spin.” It further mentions: “For size 2–3 line, choose the No. 3 type; for size 5–6 line, choose the No. 5 type. Choose between the two types according to the line you use. Twistbuster and Gyrospin help eliminate problems caused by line twist, while also reducing wobble and vibration during the retrieve.“ Compared with the X30T, the S30H was technically less advanced, with one ball bearing instead of three and no extra spool. Rather than supplying both a PE3 and PE5 spool, two separate versions were released, each with a different spool, in order to keep retail price as low as possible.
Unlike the X30T, which was discontinued in 1999, the S30T remained in production considerably longer, until it was discontinued after 2004 along with the Emblem S-H series.
Japanese Daiwa catalogue (1996)
Releases
The S30T was released in 1995, only to be sold in Japan. Like its predecessors, it was produced in a single size. It was the smallest of the four sizes in the Emblem series, alongside the X30T 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.
The early models feature the familiar bail kicker design with a coloured stripe. Just like the Powercast X30T and most other Twistbuster equipped Emblems, later models have a different bail kicker without the stripe. These were still made in Japan.
Like the Emblem S-T series, the S30T had a considerably longer production run than other related models. As the former was later manufactured in Thailand, this was likely also the case for later Powercast S30T variants. However, this remains unconfirmed.
Model comparison
Compared with other Twistbuster-equipped models in this family, the S30T stands out with its metallic grey body, dark grey rotor and matching dark grey details. 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 with a hard plastic knob is identical to that of smaller Emblem S-T models.
Technically, the S30T sits at the lower end of the updated T-Emblem series. It features only one ball bearing, placed on the pinion gear, just like the Emblem S-T series. Internally, this reel is identical to the smaller Emblem S-T series and the X30T, although the X30T has two additional ball bearings. The high-speed gear ratio is identical to the X30T and the smaller sizes within the Emblem S-T and X-T series. As a powercast model, it features no drag system.
Collectability
The S30T is not particularly sought-after. Despite limited demand in Europe, it is the most widely produced Powercast model. As a JDM model, it remains relatively rare in Europe. Like the other Powercast models, it needs to be converted before it can be used for carp fishing, using parts from the Longbeam 2000, PM2600H or Emblem 4500. Its low price also makes it a useful source of parts for repairs and upgrades to other Emblems. Its rear cover is also identical to those of the smaller Emblem S-T models, making it a useful replacement for a damaged cover.
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 S30T
- Country of manufacture: Japan, Thailand
- Production period: 1995 till 2004
- 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: Plastic
- 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: 0.235-300, 0.285-200
- – PE5 version: 0.37-200, 0.405-160
- Retrieve speed: ± 103 cm/turn
- Bail type: Two-piece
- Line roller: TiN Twistbuster
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: