Procaster GS-35
The Daiwa Procaster GS-35 is a true cult classic. While there are Tournament models with better specs, its the looks that people love about this one. A beautiful reel in glossy black, with red and gold accents, absolutely lovely! As part of the Procaster 35 series, it is a casting reel without drag, and something of an odd one in the range. Released as the entry-level reel of the Procaster 35 series, it nonetheless gained quite a following among carp anglers.
History
Japanes Daiwa catalogue, GS-35 on top (1992)
From 1987 onwards, Daiwa introduced the 35 mm and 45 mm super long stroke reels. By combining lightweight materials, worm gear oscillation and skirtless long cast spools, they created a range in a class of its own, delivering outstanding casting performance. This family of reels can be split into the front-drag 3000–5000 and 6000–9000 models, and the Procaster 35–45 models without drag.
The Procasters were specifically designed for long distance casting, focusing on minimal line resistance and weight. The 45 series was regarded as superior, while the 35 series was less effective due to its shorter stroke, yet still performed very well. Within the 35 series, two different grades were available. The SS-35 was the high-end model, while the GS-35 was the more affordable entry-level variant and didn’t carry the ‘Tournament’ name. Heavier components were used, including a heavier rotor and main shaft. It also featured a one-touch handle, SiC line roller and one fewer bearing on the drive gear. It came with only graphite spools, rather than both aluminium and graphite spools. At that time, Daiwa’s Procaster range consisted of the high-end SS models, with the more affordable GS-35, GS-30H, and ST-30H below them. Of these, the GS-35 was clearly superior, costing roughly twice as much as the Procaster ST-30H. The GS-30H and ST-30H were 30 mm stroke casting reels, sharing the same design as the Longbeams.
While the SS-35 had already been succeeded by the SS-35II in 1991, the GS-35 continued to be sold until it was discontinued after 1994. It was withdrawn at the same time as the GS-30H and ST-30H, but unlike those models, the GS-35 had no successor.
Releases
The GS-35 was released as a JDM model around 1988. It came in a box containing two 6-degree tapered shallow graphite spools. The standard spool was optimized for PE2 lines and an extra spool that was optimized for PE3 lines, both equipped with a line clip. Both come in spools with a print and with a sticker wrap, displaying ’35’. The box also included a spool protector, a cloth bag and maintenance kit. The GS-35 was discontinued in 1994 together with the ST-30H and GS-30H, whereas the other GS models (GS-3000, GS-5000 and GS-9000) were already discontinued in 1992.
Original GS-35 spools
Model comparison
Compared to other 3000–5000-35 models, the GS-35 stands out visually with its glossy black body and rotor. The bail kicker has no roller, and is black with gold lettering. It is the only model in the 3000-5000-35 series with a hard plastic handle knob, an old design also used on the original Procaster 7000 back in 1976. It is the only Procaster model with a one-touch handle.
Technically, it sits at the lower end of the 3000–5000–35 series and is something of an odd one in the range. As a Procaster, it shares features with the other 35 series reels, such as the lack of worm shaft ball bearings, the same bail type and the lack of a drag system. However, it also has several features from the 3000–5000 series, including an aluminium rotor, a SiC line roller, and a one-touch folding handle. The square drive gear is similar to that of the original SS-3000, unlike the other reels in the 35 series. As the entry-level Procaster, some cost saving choices were made. Weight saving features like magnesium rotors were left out, and there are fewer bearings and a cheaper handle type. However, most of these compromises are not really a downside for carp anglers. They mainly affect the overall weight, which is not a major concern for most of us. The one-touch handles are even exactly what many like about these reels. The GS-35 features a drive gear with a durable black almite finish.
A rare complete GS-35 set
Collectabillity
The GS-35 is a popular reel because of its looks. As they were originally JDM reels, they are somewhat harder to come by. They are, however, more frequently offered on Japanese second-hand markets than the high-end SS-35. A few years ago these reels were highly sought after: during Covid, people paid up to £1800 for a set of three in the UK. But demand now seems to have eased somewhat and prices have come down, although a set still costs a fair amount. Keep in mind that these reels need to be converted when used for carp fishing. However, most models offered for sale in Europe have already been converted.
GS35s on the bank
Specifications
All models in this group are very similar in terms of technical design. Click the button ‘3000-5000-35 series’ for general technical information, or further info on certain subjects below.
General specifications
- Model: Procaster GS-35
- Country of manufacture: Japan
- Production period: ±1988 till 1994
- Catalogue weight: 525 g
Body & rotor
- Body material: Whisker Carbon
- Rotor material: Aluminium alloy
- Balanced rotor: No
Internal mechanics
- Drive type: Square drive
- Gear material: Super duralumin
- Gear ratio: 4.1 : 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 (10x20x5 mm)
Spool & bail system
- Spool design: Skirtless spool
- Stroke: 35 mm
- Spool type: Long cast
- Spool material: Graphite
- Spool lip: Graphite
- Line capacity (mm/m):
- – PE2 spool: 0.205-250, 0.235-200
- – PE3 spool: 0.235-250, 0.285-200
- Retrieve speed: 84 cm/turn
- Bail type: Two-piece
- Line roller: U-type SiC
- Drag type: No drag
- Drag washers: N/A
- Clicker sound: N/A
Handle assembly
- Handle type: One-touch, foldable
- Handle shaft: Black square
- Handle length: 85 mm
- Handle knob: Black, hard plastic
- Ambidextrous: Yes
Schematics
See the schematic below. Unfortunately, the parts list is unavailable. If you are looking for specific part numbers, it is recommended to refer to the GS-3000 schematic (for comparable internal parts) and the SS-35 schematic (for the bail assembly and main shaft assembly). Please be aware that not all part numbers are identical.
