Tournament SS-3000 & SS-5000

The Tournament SS-3000 and SS-5000 are widely regarded as true icons among cult classic reels. Especially the SS-3000 remains a favourite among many carp anglers. It was not the first big pit reel, but it certainly set the benchmark for many that followed. After its arrival in Europe, it had a strong influence on carp fishing, allowing anglers to cast at greater distances and changing the way carp fishing was approached. Both were released alongside the entry-level GS-3000 and GS-5000, with the SS models offering higher specs.

The SS-5000 is essentially the same as the SS-3000, but with a deeper spool. As a JDM model, it is much rarer.

History

In 1987, Daiwa’s medium sized front drag reels for heavy lines included the all-round Whisker Carbo SS-3000 and SS-5000 models and the Whisker ISO SS Ento series, dedicated to long distance casting. Both had skirted spools, resulting in a short stroke, with the latter already featuring worm gear oscillation. In 1988 and 1989, however, Daiwa introduced the Tournament SS-3000 and SS-5000, which can be seen as the successors to these. They featured a skirtless long spool with a longer 35 mm stroke for much better casting. According to the catalogue, they were built for targeting powerful fish around rocky shores, with a smooth progressive drag. Neither reel was ever meant for the European market, but that was about to change.

Some years earlier, Team Daiwa was launched, giving professional anglers a voice in rod and reel development. Kevin Nash, a UK Team Daiwa angler at the time, had already helped design the famous Amorphous carp rods and was looking for a reel to match, one capable of casting heavy lines further. He found the SS-3000 in a Japanese Daiwa catalogue and began using this front drag surf reel at a time when baitrunners dominated. Nash also converted the drag knob on his own SS-3000s into a quick drag, setting the trend for big pit reels with front drag, now the standard. Impressed by its potential, he persuaded Daiwa UK to introduce the SS-3000 to the UK market. Daiwa introduced the SS-3000 to European markets in 1991.

The SS-3000 was discontinued after 1995 in Japan and most European countries, and succeeded by the TS5000T, while the SS-5000 was followed up by the TS5500T in the same year. In France, the SS-3000’s final appearance was alongside its successor in the 1996 catalogue.

In 2008, Daiwa celebrated its 50th anniversary by bringing back the iconic SS-3000 in a limited edition re-release. It proved an instant success, with many buying an extra set to store away, seeing it as a good investment. And they were absolutely right!

Releases: SS-3000

The SS-3000 was released for both Japan and export. In Japan, it was introduced in 1988 and discontinued after 1995. From 1991 onwards, it was introduced to several European markets. In the UK, it appeared in the 1991 to 1995 catalogues. In France, it also appeared in the 1991 catalogue, but its final appearance was in 1996, alongside its successor. It was also listed in at least the 1995 German catalogue. The availability of the re-release is unclear, and it is quite possible that it was only released in the UK.

There are three variants, with the latest being the re-release. The terms ‘original square’, ‘original hex’ and ‘re-release’ are commonly used. The first European ones were actually the original square drives, but around 1993-1994, the drive gear changed to hex. The following differences are easy to spot:

Original square drive (1988 – ±1994)

Black square handle shaft
Badged metal handle decal
Flat inner spool lip
Black SiC line roller

Original hex drive (±1994 – 1995)

Silver-coloured hex handle shaft
Badged metal handle decal
Flat inner spool lip
Black SiC line roller

Re-release hex drive (2008)

Silver-coloured hex handle shaft
Sticker handle decal
Slightly raised inner spool lip
Gold-coloured TiN Twistbuster line roller

The re-release also differs in materials, finishes, and coatings. Comparing original with re-release shows that 55 of 79 parts retain their original partnumbers. But most components are still compatible. Original square and hex models are of the highest quality, although the re-release is said to have a more durable coating. All releases included a line reducer, cloth bag and maintenance kit in the box.

Releases: SS-5000

The SS-5000 was released exclusively in Japan, introduced in 1989 and discontinued after 1995. It is mostly identical to the SS-3000, with only the spool, handle and rear cover decals differing. Besides having a higher line capacity, the spool also has a slightly raised inner lip, just like the re-release SS-3000 spool. The ‘power’ handle has a printed decal, just like the GS-5000. The SS-5000 also had two variants, both JDM models. The square drive changed to hex at the same time as the SS-3000, around 1993-1994.

Square drive (1989 – ±1994)

Black square handle shaft
Printed handle decal
Slightly raised inner spool lip
Black SiC line roller

Hex drive (±1994 – 1995)

Silver-coloured hex handle shaft
Printed handle decal
Slightly raised inner spool lip
Black SiC line roller

Model comparison

Compared to other 3000–5000-35 models, these reels stand out visually with black bodies and rotors, combined with silver spools. The black bail kicker features a roller, just like the TS5000T, TS5500T and TS5000BE. The folding handle features a premium wooden knob.

Technically, the SS-3000 and SS-5000 sit at the upper end of the 3000–5000-35 series. They run smoother then the GS-3000 and GS-5000, having an extra ball bearing on the drive gear and a ball bearing supported worm shaft. They also feature a click-adjustable drag knob. The GS models were released in the same year as more affordable reels, which explains their lower specification. The TS5000T and TS5500T are technically more advanced, with extra ball bearings in the handle and Twistbuster line rollers, as their successors. The drive gears have a durable black almite finish on the original releases, while the re-release features a plain drive gear.

Regarding line capacity, the SS-3000 matches the GS-3000 (aluminium spool), TS5000T and TS5000BE. The SS-5000 matches the GS-5000 and TS5500T.

Collectabillity

The SS-3000 is probably the most popular one of the Tournament models. Besides its looks and performance, its history and influence also make this reel highly sought-after. This is the reel that a a lot of anglers envied back then, but could not afford when they were young. Although there are quite many around, the original hex drives are rarer. The re-released model is the easiest to find in mint condition, as many people bought these at the time purely as an investment, intending to sell them later at the right price. The reels hold their value well and are generally expensive when in good condition. The SS-5000 is much rarer but not necessarily more expensive.

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: Tournament SS-3000 & SS-5000
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period:
– SS-3000: 1988 till ±1994
– SS-5000: 1989 till ±1994
Catalogue weight:
– SS-3000: 575 g
– SS-5000: 565 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: Titanium alloy, Ø6 mm
Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
Ball bearings: 5 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Worm shaft: 2 BB (4x7x2 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 35 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Aluminium
Spool lip: Aluminium
Line capacity (mm/m):
– SS-3000: 0.33-350, 0.40-250
– SS-5000: 0.33-500, 0.40-350
Retrieve speed: ±85 cm/turn
Bail type: One-piece
Line roller: U-type SiC

Drag system

Drag type: Front drag
Drag washers: 5 felt + 5 metal
Clicker sound: Yes

Handle assembly

Handle type:
– SS-3000: One-touch, foldable
– SS-5000: Power, foldable
Handle shaft: Black square
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: Wooden
Ambidextrous: Yes

General specifications

Model: Tournament SS-3000 & SS-5000
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: Both ±1994 till 1995
Catalogue weight:
– SS-3000: 575 g
– SS-5000: 565 g

Body & rotor

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

Internal mechanics

Drive type: Hex 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: 5 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Worm shaft: 2 BB (4x7x2 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 35 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Aluminium
Spool lip: Aluminium
Line capacity (mm/m):
– SS-3000: 0.33-350, 0.40-250
– SS-5000: 0.33-500, 0.40-350
Retrieve speed: ±85 cm/turn
Bail type: One-piece
Line roller: U-type SiC

Drag system

Drag type: Front drag
Drag washers: 5 felt + 5 metal
Clicker sound: Yes

Handle assembly

Handle type:
– SS-3000: One-touch, foldable
– SS-5000: Power, foldable
Handle shaft: Silver-coloured hex
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: Wooden
Ambidextrous: Yes

General specifications

Model: Tournament SS-3000
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 2008 (limited)
Catalogue weight: 575 g

Body & rotor

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

Internal mechanics

Drive type: Hex 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: 5 (Thai made)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Worm shaft: 2 BB (4x7x2 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 35 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Aluminium
Spool lip: Aluminium
Line capacity (mm/m):
– 0.33-350, 0.40-250
Retrieve speed: ±85 cm/turn
Bail type: One-piece
Line roller: Twistbuster TiN

Drag system

Drag type: Front drag
Drag washers: 5 felt + 5 metal
Clicker sound: Yes

Handle assembly

Handle type: One-touch, foldable
Handle shaft: Silver-coloured hex
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: Wooden
Ambidextrous: Yes

Schematic

See below for the parts list of the original square and re-release SS-3000. The exploded view and parts lists have been added separately, but all part numbers are copied exactly from both original schematics. All (square) SS-5000 part numbers are identical to the 1988 parts list except for no. 2 (spool), no. 40 (rear cover) and no.77 (handle).

Other 3000-5000-35 models: