Tournament Surf Z45T & Z45T-PE

The final model of the Tournament Procaster 45 mm stroke reels came under a new name: the Tournament Surf Z45T. It is a true casting reel, released alongside the smaller Z35T as the successor to the SS-45II. Technically, it stands as the most advanced model in the 45 series. The most notable upgrades are the Twistbuster line roller and two additional ball bearings. It comes in left- and right-handed versions.

The Z45T-PE is identical to the Z45T but with a reversed tapered spool, dedicated for long-distance casting with braided lines.

History

In 1995, Daiwa introduced Twistbuster across a wide range of spinning reels, a TiN coated tapered line roller designed to reduce line twist. Many models were re-launched with this feature, including the SS-45II, which returned as the Z45T under the new ‘Tournament Surf’ label.

First appearing in the 1996 catalogue, it mentions the following: “Born from an uncompromising commitment to casting distance, this ultra long casting reel is equipped with the Twistbuster, dramatically reducing line twist. The line roller and bail arm have been completely re-engineered from a fresh perspective, finally succeeding in eliminating problems caused by line twist. The ball bearing equipped titanium Twistbuster line roller ensures that even under repeated harsh casting conditions, light lines can be used with complete confidences. The spool features a super long stroke of 45 mm (Z45T) and 35 mm (Z35T). It is also designed with the optimum lip angle and taper angle to match different line diameters, greatly expanding casting performance.” The new models also included two extra ball bearings in the handle knob, ensuring smooth and fast winding even under heavy loads. In 1996, Daiwa released the Z45T-PE, which was fitted with a reversed tapered ABS spool, dedicated for long distance casting with braided lines.

The Z45T and Z45T-PE were discontinued after 2001, and succeeded by the Tournament Surf Z45C.

Releases

The Z45T came in two releases for light or heavy lines, offered in left- and right-handed versions. Both were launched in 1995 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 spool. The heavy line (PE5) version included two 3-degree tapered spools: a standard aluminium PE5 and a black die-cast aluminium PE5 spool. Rather than releasing an extra light sport casting version like its predecessors, Daiwa offered separate aluminium spools in PE1, PE1.2 and PE1.5 sizes. Each box also contained spool protectors for the extra spools, a cloth bag, and a maintenance kit.

In 1996, Daiwa released an additional version, the Z45T-PE. The reel itself was identical to the Z45T, but featured a reversed tapered ABS spool. Two spool sizes were included, PE0,8/1,0 and PE1,2/1,5.

Model comparison

Compared to other 45 models, the Z45T stands out visually thanks to its full steel blue finish. The bail kicker is dark grey with a silver stripe. Notably, the word ‘Whisker’ is missing from the kicker, most likely because Daiwa was phasing out the branding at the time rather than making any change in materials. The screw-in handle is silver and features a soft touch handle knob. It features holographic side decals as a special detail.

Technically, it sits at the upper end of the 45 series and runs very smoothly with 7 ball bearings. As the final Procaster model, it is technically superior to its predecessors, the SS-45 and SS-45II. Line wear is noticeably reduced thanks to its ball bearing supported Twist Buster line roller. It features a handle containing two ball bearings. The Z45T features a drive gear with a durable black almite finish.

Collectabillity

The Z45T 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 Z45T are rare in Europe. The Z45T is less sought after than its predecessors. Unconverted, they are sometimes being used for spodding. Although it is the least sought after of the 45 models, a converted set of three is still fairly expensive.

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 Surf Z45T
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 1995 till 2001
Catalogue weight:
– Light line version: 505 g
– Heavy line verion: 540 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): 7 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 + 8x14x3,5 mm)
– Line roller: 1 BB (5x8x2,5 mm)
– Handle knob: 2 BB (5x8x2,5 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):
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):
– Alu.: 0.37-300, 0.40-250, 0.43-200
– Alu.: 0.37-300, 0.40-250, 0.43-200
Retrieve speed: 83 cm/turn
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: TiN Twistbuster (with ball bearing)

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

General specifications

Model: Tournament Surf Z45T-PE
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 1996 till 2001
Catalogue weight: 525 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): 7 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 + 8x14x3,5 mm)
– Line roller: 1 BB (5x8x2,5 mm)
– Handle knob: 2 BB (5x8x2,5 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 45 mm
Spool type: Long cast (PE line special)
Spool material: Aluminium
Spool lip: Aluminium
Line capacity (mm/m):
– PE0.8/1.0: 0.148-200, 0.165-200
– PE1.2/1.5: 0.185-200, 0.205-200
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: TiN Twistbuster (with ball bearing)

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: