I have the Tenkarabum Traveller 44 and love it. It's really my go to zoom rod because of how light it is and feels great. Doesn't seem to be near as much of a compromise on casting like other zoom rods I have.
I own two zoom rods for smallerstreams with overhead canopy. A TUSA Rhodo and a Dragontail Mizuchi. The Rhodo casts the same in all three lengths. The Mizuchi is a bit stiffer in it's shortest length. Which I believe was desired that way based on input from Tom Davis. While I do carry a couple of different lengths of line, Paul Gaskell suggests that on zoom rods, extend it to it's longest length and measure the line from the tip to the middle of the handle. I have done this and it works well. I've owned a couple of longer length two position zoom rods and didn't care for them. And eventually sold them.
I like both of those rods! I do something similar with my line length depending on where I’m going…sometimes I just do the length of the rod in its middle setting (for a 3 position rod) so it will be a little short at the longest length and a little long at the shortest length.
That's all I have is zoom rods, 3 Mizuchi's, 3 Hellbenders, 2 Mutants.. I fish a lot in the mtns soif I'm fishing for Bluegills or smaller bass I'll carry my 3 Mizuchi's or 2 Mutants. If I'm going for smallies or larger largemouth I'm carrying the 3 Hellbenders..all an all I love my zooms. Awesome video, learn a lot and love the fishing
Good overview. I've owned three-length rods by TUSA, Dragontail, and Suntech, but eventually sold them. I found I rarely fished the rods at all three lengths and that I prefer casting a fixed length or two-way zoom rod. The latter, at 10'6 and 12' lengths, adequately cover the trout streams I fish. Also, on hike and fish trips, I always have a backup rod on me, making a three-way zoom mostly unnecessary.
Separately, thanks for including the segment on the Wasatch rod. Tristan posted an unflattering review last week, and it was unfair as he was targeting sub-10” trout and charr. The RFI/rotational moment of Ruben’s rods seem more geared toward larger fish, similar to your Brown. It’s like concluding that you do not like the off-shore rod used to catch a Brookie.
Interesting. I didn’t see that video yet. The larger rods definitely require more work but they have a place. I haven’t fished them all yet, but after handling all of them (don’t have the samurai) I believe the middle fork in the 6:4 will be my a good dividing line between light/fun and not-so-light/requires more effort. Was Tristan using the 6:4 or 7:3. The 7:3 is pretty stiff based on Tom’s review, but I’ve seen many pics of it with steelhead! Wouldn’t be fun with brookies….that’s why I have the baby rodzilla and Quattro.
I have 4 zoom rods , Mutant, Mizuchi, Hellbender and TB 39 Traveler. I have the Shadowfire fixed length , I use the zoom rods usually at the two longest lengths mainly for the reach on the creeks that I fish or extend to the longest length to fight the fish. Unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to use the Shadowfire more than once this year to give an honest opinion on likes or dislikes of a fixed rod…..good luck in your new home…
Excellent topic, Kris. I have a few and enjoy the versatility of adjusting the rod’s length to the changing canopy cover or water conditions. Where zoom rods become an issue is when one rod incorporate lengths both under and over 4 meters: the rod’s rotational moment can really be felt and must be factored when making a presentation. Examples: I have both Daiwa Sagiri rods. The 39MC zooms between 340cm and 390cm, and I do not need to adjust much in casting either length. It’s like shifting gears while driving hills: I’m still driving the same car. It is much different when I adjust the 45MC from 390cm to 450cm. This rod feels like 2 completely different rods, and I usually keep it at one length (390) for the fishing session. The 390 length is like driving a Lexus, whereas the 450 is like driving a loaded dump truck.
I have both zoom and regular tenkara rods. I agree that the single length rods perform better…I have the Rivermaster Z2 from ESZ coming Monday for my first tactical nymphing tenkara rod and it is a single length. Zoom, however, sure is awesome on some of my favorite blue lines here in the Appalachian mountains of VA/NC
@@tenkaraonthetrail Kris, I have the 13’ coming in as well. My favorites for the blue lines are the Dragontail Foxfire and Mizuchi. I am going to be buying a Tanuki this summer because they are beautiful but can’t make up my mind between the 240 and 320.
Nice! I really like the foxfire as you may have seen from my recent videos. I will be doing some pocket ninja testing with the the 240/320 when the small freestones thaw here. I’ll include the previous version of the “11 foot” black/orange PN too. The new 320 is a bit thicker and heavier and want to see how they compare. When you do make the leap, you can get 5% off with my link/code too. Luong is great to deal with!
As much as I enjoy the pocket ninja, I probably prefer his other conventional tenkara rods even more as far as performance and feel and lightness in hand. For backpacking, however, the pocket ninja is hard to beat
I have found that most of the time I use my zoom rods at the longest length, and rarely zoom down. My new Wasatch T-hunter may be an exception to that this season though, 12-15 feet seems to be a wide and useful range. My new baby Rodzilla will be getting it's first workout this afternoon on a small brookie stream, so we'll see how many lengths I use there. Good fishing to all.
Thanks Rick and let me know what you think of the baby rodzilla…I’m looking forward to trying it. I’m similar…typically using the longest length. The exception being rods that straddle the 4m length where the shorter length can be more comfortable and easy to fish than than the longest length.
@@tenkaraonthetrail . Hi Kris, the baby Rodzilla is great, I think you'll enjoy it. Feels light and well balanced. Casted a 9 foot Tachi furled line and 4 foot tippet like a dream (windy). I only caught 7 brookies all between 6 and 8 inches, so not a great test. Definitely can handle some bigger fish, and definitely a tough rod. Can't wait to fish it again and see what a 12-13 incher feels like.
Hi Kris - I heard you mention the Bad Axe do you own one, if so your honest thoughts would be appreciated on the TAO version? I had an early one before the new owners. Fished it a lot, really liked it until it broke, never replaced it.
I used to think it would be a great stuff having a multi-position rod and it actualy is if you're going in an adenture and don't know the waters well. But if you fish same local waters i don't mind for them.
Kris, do you find the casting feeling from a 12’ rod different from a zoom rod set at 12’? I guess I’m asking if you knew you were going to need a 12 foot rod, would you prefer a fixed length rod over a zoom rod? Also, do you find the zoom rods feel differently when adjusted to different links, or is the feel consistent through the multi adjustments?
Greg, if I anticipate fishing a single length, I will normally grab a fixed length rod. They tend to be slightly lighter and are designed for maximum performance at that specific length, rather than being a compromise for various lengths, which leads to your second question….yes, zoom rods can feel different at the different lengths. Some more so than others. The examples I used were the foxfire, which varies greatly at the longest length and the mutant, which has a similar RFI across the 3 positions.
Hi Kris - I heard you mention the Bad Axe do you own one, if so your honest thoughts would be appreciated on the TAO version? I had an early one before the new owners. Fished it a lot, really liked it until it broke, never replaced it.
I do own one…also the UNC and the Scout. I bought them during this winter and unfortunately haven’t fish them (or much of anything) yet this year. I like the feel (and color) of them. They certainly aren’t fancy but I’m excited to use them. They feel like they have some backbone. I mentioned in the video that the Bad Axe now has o-rings on the end cap. From reading an old review from Tom, I don’t think it used to have them…just the that “friction tape” on the second section.
Hi Kris - I heard you mention the Bad Axe do you own one, if so your honest thoughts would be appreciated on the TAO version? I had an early one before the new owners. Fished it a lot, really liked it until it broke, never replaced it.
I thought I replied to this earlier but I don’t see it now. I do have it, but haven’t fished it or the other TAO rods yet just due to weather. I like the feel of them and I’m excited to try them. They feel like they have some backbone… I also like the simple OD green color
@@tenkaraonthetrail Thanks Kris - I liked the lengths and color, the zoom distance made sense. Mine had a rubber stud on the cap and the "friction tape" was an epoxy ring.
I have the Tenkarabum Traveller 44 and love it. It's really my go to zoom rod because of how light it is and feels great. Doesn't seem to be near as much of a compromise on casting like other zoom rods I have.
Nice. I really like the 39 as well. I haven’t used the 44 as much.
I own two zoom rods for smallerstreams with overhead canopy. A TUSA Rhodo and a Dragontail Mizuchi. The Rhodo casts the same in all three lengths. The Mizuchi is a bit stiffer in it's shortest length. Which I believe was desired that way based on input from Tom Davis.
While I do carry a couple of different lengths of line, Paul Gaskell suggests that on zoom rods, extend it to it's longest length and measure the line from the tip to the middle of the handle. I have done this and it works well.
I've owned a couple of longer length two position zoom rods and didn't care for them. And eventually sold them.
I like both of those rods! I do something similar with my line length depending on where I’m going…sometimes I just do the length of the rod in its middle setting (for a 3 position rod) so it will be a little short at the longest length and a little long at the shortest length.
That's all I have is zoom rods, 3 Mizuchi's, 3 Hellbenders, 2 Mutants..
I fish a lot in the mtns soif I'm fishing for Bluegills or smaller bass I'll carry my 3 Mizuchi's or 2 Mutants. If I'm going for smallies or larger largemouth I'm carrying the 3 Hellbenders..all an all I love my zooms.
Awesome video, learn a lot and love the fishing
That’s awesome! I would like to do some warm water fishing too. 3 mizuchis and hellbenders…that must be some kind of record!👍
Good overview. I've owned three-length rods by TUSA, Dragontail, and Suntech, but eventually sold them. I found I rarely fished the rods at all three lengths and that I prefer casting a fixed length or two-way zoom rod. The latter, at 10'6 and 12' lengths, adequately cover the trout streams I fish. Also, on hike and fish trips, I always have a backup rod on me, making a three-way zoom mostly unnecessary.
Thanks Jeremy, that makes perfect sense.
Separately, thanks for including the segment on the Wasatch rod. Tristan posted an unflattering review last week, and it was unfair as he was targeting sub-10” trout and charr.
The RFI/rotational moment of Ruben’s rods seem more geared toward larger fish, similar to your Brown.
It’s like concluding that you do not like the off-shore rod used to catch a Brookie.
Interesting. I didn’t see that video yet. The larger rods definitely require more work but they have a place. I haven’t fished them all yet, but after handling all of them (don’t have the samurai) I believe the middle fork in the 6:4 will be my a good dividing line between light/fun and not-so-light/requires more effort. Was Tristan using the 6:4 or 7:3. The 7:3 is pretty stiff based on Tom’s review, but I’ve seen many pics of it with steelhead! Wouldn’t be fun with brookies….that’s why I have the baby rodzilla and Quattro.
Good to hear. The samurai is the one from WTR that I don’t have yet.
I have 4 zoom rods , Mutant, Mizuchi, Hellbender and TB 39 Traveler. I have the
Shadowfire fixed length , I use the zoom rods usually at the two longest lengths mainly for the reach on the creeks that I fish or extend to the longest length to fight the fish. Unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to use the Shadowfire more than once this year to give an honest opinion on likes or dislikes of a fixed rod…..good luck in your new home…
Thanks George!
Excellent topic, Kris. I have a few and enjoy the versatility of adjusting the rod’s length to the changing canopy cover or water conditions.
Where zoom rods become an issue is when one rod incorporate lengths both under and over 4 meters: the rod’s rotational moment can really be felt and must be factored when making a presentation.
Examples: I have both Daiwa Sagiri rods. The 39MC zooms between 340cm and 390cm, and I do not need to adjust much in casting either length. It’s like shifting gears while driving hills: I’m still driving the same car.
It is much different when I adjust the 45MC from 390cm to 450cm. This rod feels like 2 completely different rods, and I usually keep it at one length (390) for the fishing session. The 390 length is like driving a Lexus, whereas the 450 is like driving a loaded dump truck.
I completely agree Mitch. That 4 meter mark is where they start to show their tip heaviness for sure and it can feel like a totally different animal.
I have both zoom and regular tenkara rods. I agree that the single length rods perform better…I have the Rivermaster Z2 from ESZ coming Monday for my first tactical nymphing tenkara rod and it is a single length. Zoom, however, sure is awesome on some of my favorite blue lines here in the Appalachian mountains of VA/NC
I just got my Z2 last week…13’ version. What rods do you like for the blue lines?
@@tenkaraonthetrail Kris, I have the 13’ coming in as well. My favorites for the blue lines are the Dragontail Foxfire and Mizuchi. I am going to be buying a Tanuki this summer because they are beautiful but can’t make up my mind between the 240 and 320.
Nice! I really like the foxfire as you may have seen from my recent videos. I will be doing some pocket ninja testing with the the 240/320 when the small freestones thaw here. I’ll include the previous version of the “11 foot” black/orange PN too. The new 320 is a bit thicker and heavier and want to see how they compare. When you do make the leap, you can get 5% off with my link/code too. Luong is great to deal with!
@@tenkaraonthetrail awesome. I really love his work…to have great quality with that level of esthetics is inspiring to me.
As much as I enjoy the pocket ninja, I probably prefer his other conventional tenkara rods even more as far as performance and feel and lightness in hand. For backpacking, however, the pocket ninja is hard to beat
I have found that most of the time I use my zoom rods at the longest length, and rarely zoom down. My new Wasatch T-hunter may be an exception to that this season though, 12-15 feet seems to be a wide and useful range. My new baby Rodzilla will be getting it's first workout this afternoon on a small brookie stream, so we'll see how many lengths I use there. Good fishing to all.
Thanks Rick and let me know what you think of the baby rodzilla…I’m looking forward to trying it. I’m similar…typically using the longest length. The exception being rods that straddle the 4m length where the shorter length can be more comfortable and easy to fish than than the longest length.
@@tenkaraonthetrail . Hi Kris, the baby Rodzilla is great, I think you'll enjoy it. Feels light and well balanced. Casted a 9 foot Tachi furled line and 4 foot tippet like a dream (windy). I only caught 7 brookies all between 6 and 8 inches, so not a great test. Definitely can handle some bigger fish, and definitely a tough rod. Can't wait to fish it again and see what a 12-13 incher feels like.
That’s funny right there! FYI, you can edit a post to correct for fat thumbs. 👍
@@tenkaraonthetrail 🤣, got it. Thanks Kris.
Hi Kris - I heard you mention the Bad Axe do you own one, if so your honest thoughts would be appreciated on the TAO version? I had an early one before the new owners. Fished it a lot, really liked it until it broke, never replaced it.
I've got one, a Hellbender. As a rule I don't like zoom rods because they seem to be a "jack of all trades and a master of none".
Thanks Dave. Nice of you take a break from fishing to watch me babble. You summed it up right there!
@@tenkaraonthetrail, I've only been out 24 times so far and won't get out again until tomorrow. 😂🤣
Poor guy…must be having withdrawal symptoms by how.
I used to think it would be a great stuff having a multi-position rod and it actualy is if you're going in an adenture and don't know the waters well. But if you fish same local waters i don't mind for them.
Thanks Carlos.
Kris, do you find the casting feeling from a 12’ rod different from a zoom rod set at 12’? I guess I’m asking if you knew you were going to need a 12 foot rod, would you prefer a fixed length rod over a zoom rod? Also, do you find the zoom rods feel differently when adjusted to different links, or is the feel consistent through the multi adjustments?
Greg, if I anticipate fishing a single length, I will normally grab a fixed length rod. They tend to be slightly lighter and are designed for maximum performance at that specific length, rather than being a compromise for various lengths, which leads to your second question….yes, zoom rods can feel different at the different lengths. Some more so than others. The examples I used were the foxfire, which varies greatly at the longest length and the mutant, which has a similar RFI across the 3 positions.
I have 2 pro spec 2way , a 27/32 and a 31/36 , I have others also
What one is your favorite?
@@tenkaraonthetrail I most enjoy fishing very small Mt. streams so the shorter one . What rod I take is normally determined by water and fish size .
Same here!
When I am hiking ,I like to take 1-2 zoom rods
Me too!
Hi Kris - I heard you mention the Bad Axe do you own one, if so your honest thoughts would be appreciated on the TAO version? I had an early one before the new owners. Fished it a lot, really liked it until it broke, never replaced it.
I do own one…also the UNC and the Scout. I bought them during this winter and unfortunately haven’t fish them (or much of anything) yet this year. I like the feel (and color) of them. They certainly aren’t fancy but I’m excited to use them. They feel like they have some backbone. I mentioned in the video that the Bad Axe now has o-rings on the end cap. From reading an old review from Tom, I don’t think it used to have them…just the that “friction tape” on the second section.
Hi Kris - I heard you mention the Bad Axe do you own one, if so your honest thoughts would be appreciated on the TAO version? I had an early one before the new owners. Fished it a lot, really liked it until it broke, never replaced it.
I thought I replied to this earlier but I don’t see it now. I do have it, but haven’t fished it or the other TAO rods yet just due to weather. I like the feel of them and I’m excited to try them. They feel like they have some backbone… I also like the simple OD green color
@@tenkaraonthetrail Thanks Kris - I liked the lengths and color, the zoom distance made sense. Mine had a rubber stud on the cap and the "friction tape" was an epoxy ring.