Tournament Procaster SS-45

As one of the finest casting reels of its time, the Tournament Procaster SS-45 is highly regarded, especially in Japan. This casting reel without drag belongs to the same series as the smaller SS-35. Both were designed for long distance casting, though the SS-45 was regarded as superior. As the first of the Tournament models, it introduced several innovations, most notably the skirtless spool design combined with a 45 mm stroke, as Daiwa’s first model to feature this. Beyond surf casting, the SS-45 was also highly popular for sport casting, having set several casting records. It comes in left- and right-handed versions.

History

The SS-45 marked the culmination of Daiwa’s long cast reel development, which began in 1976 with the Procaster 7000. The 1982 Procaster SS series introduced the flat winding system (worm gear oscillation), and the 1985 Whisker THE Caster models brought in lightweight Whisker carbon. However, these reels still used skirted spools with limited stroke. That changed in 1987 with the SS-45 and its long-awaited skirtless spool design, enabling a much longer 45 mm stroke. Combined with the flat winding system and lightweight materials, this completed the three key elements of long distance casting, finally brought together in a single reel.

In the 1990 catalogue, it carried the tagline: “A super long casting reel born from an uncompromising pursuit of casting distance.” Unlike the smaller Procaster 35 series, which came in both entry-level and high-end versions, the 45 mm stroke model was offered only as a high-end version, built without compromise.

In 1990, Daiwa released a version identical to the original, but with ultra-shallow spools for extra thin lines, designed for extreme casting distances. These were aimed at sport casting competitions, where casting skill is measured by distance.

The SS-45 was discontinued after 1991, and succeeded by the SS-45II.

Releases

Initially, the SS-45 came in two releases for light or heavy lines, offered in left- and right-handed versions. All were launched in 1987 as JDM models. Apart from the handle position, the versions differ only in their spools.

The light-line (PE2) version included three 6-degree tapered shallow spools: a standard aluminium PE2, a graphite PE2, and a graphite PE3. The heavy-line (PE5) version had two 3-degree tapered spools: a standard aluminium PE5 and an extra black aluminium PE5 spool. Each box also contained spool protectors for the extra spools, a cloth bag and a maintenance kit. In 1990, Daiwa released an extra light line version that came with three ultra shallow aluminium spools: a 4-degree tapered PE1 spool, a 4-degree tapered PE1.2 spool and a 5-degree tapered PE1.5 spool. These were dedicated for sport casting.

Model comparison

Compared to other 45 models, the SS-45 stands out with its metallic grey body and black rotor. The bail kicker is white with black lettering and a red stripe. The screw-in handle is black and features a soft touch handle knob, just like the SS-45II.

Technically, it sits at the lower end of the 45 series, which is logical, as the 45 series are successive models, with the SS-45 being the first and original of them. As a Procaster, it lacks ball bearings on the worm shaft. The SS-45 is very similar to its successors, the SS-45II and Z45T, with the main difference being the line roller. This reel uses a U-type TiN line roller, run on a bushing. The later models feature a ball bearing. The SS-45 features a drive gear with a durable black almite finish, just like its successors.

Collectabillity

The SS-45 is not often seen on the banks, partly because these reels need to be converted. But especially because there are left- and right-handed versions, of which the left-handed ones are much rarer. For these reasons, the 45 mm stroke casting reels such as the SS-45 are rare in Europe. Because of its looks, many prefer this one over the SS-45II and Z45T, despite being technically lower specced. Unconverted, they are sometimes being used for spodding. Prices are quite high for a set of three.

Specifications

All models in this group are very similar in terms of technical design. Click the button ’45 series’ for general technical information, or further info on certain subjects below.

General specifications

Model: Tournament Procaster SS-45
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period:
– Extra light line version: 1990 till 1991
– Light line version: 1987 till 1991
– Heavy line version: 1987 till 1991
Catalogue weight:
– Extra light line version: 495 g
– Light line version: 495g
– Heavy line version: 550 g

Body & rotor

Body material: Whisker Carbon
Rotor material: Magnesium alloy
Balanced rotor: No

Internal mechanics

Drive type: Threaded drive
Gear material: Super duralumin
Gear ratio: 4.1 : 1
Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
Main shaft: Titanium alloy, Ø6 mm
Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
Ball bearings (left-handed): 4 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 + 8x14x3,5 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 45 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Aluminium, graphite
Spool lip: Aluminium, graphite
Line capacity (mm/m):
Extra light line version (PE1):
– Aluminium: 0.148-250, 0.165-200
– Aluminium: 0.185-200
– Aluminium: 0.205-200
Light line version: (PE2):
– Aluminium: 0.205-250, 0.235-200
– Graphite: 0.205-250, 0.235-200
– Graphite: 0.235-300, 0.285-200
Heavy line version (PE5):
– Aluminium: 0.37-300, 0.40-250, 0.43-200
– Aluminium: 0.37-300, 0.40-250, 0.43-200
Retrieve speed: 83 cm/turn
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: U-type TiN

Drag system

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

Handle assembly

Handle type: Screw-in
Handle shaft: Threaded
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: Soft touch
Ambidextrous: No

Schematics

See the schematic below for the left-handed version. Some original part numbers may have been replaced with newer compatible part numbers.

Other 45 models: