Powercast X30H

The Powercast X30H is an unknown reel to many, as it was a JDM model and not part of the Emblem series. Instead, it belongs to the Powercast series alongside the lower specced S30H. It is the casting sibling of the Emblem X-H series. Although it shares the same design as the Emblem series, it does not feature a drag system. Because of its less appealing looks, and the fact that it needs conversion, these reels are low in demand, and are hardly being converted.

History

The Procaster GS-30H was an entry-level casting reel without drag, positioned alongside the ST-30H. It was introduced in 1989. The Powercast X30H is its successor.

The X30H was released in Japan in 1993 together with the lower specced S30H. 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 describes the X30H as: “A casting reel designed for easier long distance casting and improved casting comfort. Supplied with a standard spool plus an extra spare spool (PE5). Expands the range of fishing situations and target species.” Compared with the S30H, the X30H was technically more advanced, featuring an extra ball bearing on the drive gear and one in the line roller. It also came with an extra spool, unlike the S30H. Compared with its predecessor, it featured an additional ball bearing, placed in the metal line roller.

The X30H was already discontinued after 1995 and succeeded by the Powercast X30T.

Releases

The X30H 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 S30H 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 came in a box containing two tapered graphite spools; a PE3 spool for long casting with light lines, and a PE5 spool for using heavier lines. Both are equipped with a line clip.

Model comparison

Compared with other original models in this family, the X30H stands out visually thanks to its metalllic grey finish and dark grey 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 S30H and smaller Emblem S-H models.

Technically, the X30H sits in the middle of the original Emblem series. It features three ball bearings, placed on the pinion gear, drive gear, and line roller, just like the Emblem X-H/P series. Internally, this reel is identical to the smaller Emblem X-H models and the S30H, although the S30H has two fewer ball bearings. The high-speed gear ratio is identical to the S30H and the smaller sizes within the Emblem S-H and X-H series. As a powercast model, it features no drag system.

Collectabillity

The X30H is not a sought-after reel, unlike the S30H. As these reels are JDM models, were only sold for a short period, and due to low demand, they are rare in Europe. They need to be converted before they can be used for carp fishing, using parts from the Longbeam 2000, PM2600H, or Emblem 4500. As they are quite cheap, they are useful for repairs and upgrades to other Emblems.

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 X30H
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: 3 (Thailand)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 1 BB (9x17x4 mm)
– Line roller: 1 BB (5x8x2,5 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 (with ball bearing)

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. While the exploded view is an original Daiwa drawing, the parts list has been added separately. Some original part numbers may have been replaced with newer compatible part numbers.

Other original Emblems:

Other updated T-Emblems: