Procaster GS-30H

A true beauty to the eye, at least in our opinion. The Procaster GS-30H is a somewhat lesser known reel, as it was a JDM model and not part of the Longbeam series. Instead, it belongs to the Procaster range, where it sits as the entry-level model alongside the slightly lower specced ST-30H. Although it shares the same design as the Longbeam series, it does not feature a drag system. Once converted, a set of these will definitely catch attention on the bank.

History

The Procaster series were designed as long distance casting reels with no drag. In the late 80s, this range consisted of the high-end Tournament Procaster SS-45 and SS-35 models, with the more affordable entry-level models GS-35, GS-30H and ST-30H below them.

While the superior GS-35 was a 35 mm stroke model with a very similar design to the SS models, the other two featured a 30 mm stroke and a completely new design at the time. Just as the Longbeam series was introduced as a more affordable alternative to the SS/GS 3000–5000–9000 models, the GS-30H and ST-30H completed the Procaster range in the same way. These models were the only ones in the Procaster range to feature a high-speed gear ratio (H), increasing retrieval rates but at the expense of power.

First appearing in the 1990 catalogue, it mentions the following about the GS-30H: “With two spools, No. 3 and No. 5, this reel can handle everything from whiting to flounder, greenling, rockfish, and even butterfish.” Compared to the ST-30H, the GS-30H was technically slightly more advanced, although the difference was only an extra ball bearing on the drive gear, and an extra spool.

The GS-30H was discontinued after 1994, and succeeded by the Powercast X30H.

Releases

The GS-30H was released as a JDM model in 1989. Unlike the Longbeam models, this reel was only made in one size. It was the smallest of the four sizes in the Longbeam series, the same as the ST-30H, Longbeam 2000 and PM2600H. The spool dimensions are ⌀ 62/68 mm × 32 mm, matching the Longbeam 2000, PM2600H and Emblem 4500 spool sizes. But these spools are different as they have no drag. 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. As this reel was the most affordable Procaster model next to the ST-30H, the box only included a cloth bag.

Model comparison

Compared to other models in this family, the GS-30H stands out visually thanks to its anthracite metallic finish, with subtle turquoise and dark grey accents. The bail kicker has no roller, and is dark grey with a turquoise stripe. The handle with hard plastic knob is nearly identical to that of the Procaster ST-30H and the smaller PM-H and Longbeam ST-H models, but with gold instead of white lettering.

Technically, the GS-30H sits in the middle of the Longbeam range. It features two ball bearings, one of which is on the drive gear. Internally, this reel is identical to the ST-30H, except for one extra ball bearing. It is also very similar to the Longbeam GS series. The two smallest GS-H models are especially similar, as they use identical gears and other internal parts. However, unlike those models, the GS-30H features a hard plastic handle knob and no drag system. The high-speed gear ratio is 5.1:1, as found in the ST-30H and in the smaller models within the Longbeam ST-H, Longbeam GS-H and PM-H series.

Collectabillity

The GS-30H is a rare model in Europe. As they need to be converted first, they are not very sought-after. In Japan, they are sold for relatively low prices, but conversion makes them quite expensive in the end. Longbeam 2000, PM2600H or Emblem 4500 parts are typically used, but as these are no longer in production, this involves cannibalising other reels. The end result, however, is a set of unique and beautiful reels that very few people own.

Specifications

All models in this group are very similar in terms of technical design. Click the button ‘Longbeam series’ for general technical information, or further info on certain subjects below.

General specifications

Model: Procaster GS-30H
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 1989 till 1994
Catalogue weight: 525 g

Body & rotor

Body material: Carbon
Rotor material: Carbon
Balanced rotor: No

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: 2 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 1 BB (9×17×4 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 spool: 0.205-300, 0.235-200
– PE5 spool: 0.37-200, 0.405-160
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: SiC, different types

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 Longbeam models: