[hannaar85]

Check the first American made and crafted Tenkara rod I got the opportunity to do a review on here:

http://www.backwoodstenkara.com/2014/09/riverworks-zx-rod-review-born-in-usa.html

This thing looks B.A.!!!! It also preforms awesome!

(Oh yeah he also makes some B.A. western rods as well that are also carbon fiber!)

 

[Zman]

So whats the price tag didnt see it in the write up?...

 

[hannaar85]

He has 4 models ranging from $199-$450. Each has the same blanks but the handles are different.

 

[explodedlad]

Woah, did you try out one of the carbon fiber rods?

 

[hannaar85]

I did, and boy is it sweet! Nothing else like it. The owner has revamped the website, there are other options now as well to incorporate color in the carbon fiber weave. But if you do, know that you are getting a carbon fiber/fiberglass hybrid weave as the fiberglass can be dyed for color where as the black/gray standard is 100% carbon fiber. If you look at my blog, you can view a company profile post I did of this company and how in depth they are with their rod build, with pictures! This guy is legit, and so are his western rods.

 

[trout4steak]

This company's prices, across the board, every make, model and part, are absolutely egregious.

 

[JFDenver]

Price aside they are some sweet looking rods

 

[koldkut]

It's production level craftsmanship, and he's only got $20(materials) in those carbon grips, so that's a huge markup IMO.

 

[hannaar85]

not to mention rod blanks, the time for hand crafted labor, machined rod tubes......you're paying for quality. his clientel isnt everyone......there are rods that arent at that level that are more affordable. some of which i have

 

[koldkut]

I'm tellin' ya, they could do better work. The seams between differing materials could be much better. Carbon fiber work is labor intensive, no doubt, but the pics appear to show sagging finish work. Rod tubes are mostly a mysterio things, nothing anyone else couldn't do on their own if they knew where to get the parts. Maybe it's just the perfectionist nature and trained rod building eye, but I don't see any reason to believe they are better than the others just yet.

 

[Luke the Dog]

They look well-built to me...not that I'm into tenkara...

 

[tarsa]

This thing looks B.A.!!!! It also preforms awesome!

This is a pretty interesting thread. I don't personally have any interest in Tenkara rods or where they are made, but Tenkara (be sure to roll that r) touts itself as the "simple," minimalist alternative to conventional fly fishing. Now we see the gear promoted as "bad ass" and with awesome performance. I especially like the quote in the linked article that says "This rod drips with testosterone!" and the comparison to Harley Davidson motorcycles. C'mon, it's only got to flip a line 12 feet.

 

[Luke the Dog]

I read this on a blog the other day: "The hardest part about getting into tenkara is telling your parents you're gay"...I laughed out loud.

Seriously though, I met the guy that runs Tenkara USA at the fly fishing show this year, he's cool but I doubt he rides a Harley...

 

[hobiecat]

Seems like a lot of money for basically a collapsible cane pole.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Cane-Poles/product/10201578/

http://www.basspro.com/B39;n-39;M-R...les/product/10222877/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

http://www.basspro.com/B39;n-39;M-Black-Widow-Crappie-Rod/product/27747/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

 

[hannaar85]

So my writing style for the article was to highlight the how different the rod is from the rest of Tenkara rods. I stand by what I wrote no matter whatever anyone says or decides to take jabs at. I put myself down a gun range for certain types of people when i write a blog about tenkara, people who have an opinion, like myself, and dont agree with my voice. I applaude you and encourage you to write your own. Most in this forum I know do not "aim" to really cut me down, only voice their non-agreed opinion.

As for price I can tell you most retailers have a 500% mark up from the cost of the product. Riverworks doesn't even come close to that usual #. Most American hand made western fly rods are hanging around $1000+ as are his, so a tenkara rod hand made...his price point fits- and it's not for everyone.

 

[hannaar85]

I read this on a blog the other day: "The hardest part about getting into tenkara is telling your parents you're gay"...I laughed out loud.

Seriously though, I met the guy that runs Tenkara USA at the fly fishing show this year, he's cool but I doubt he rides a Harley...

I read that article as well and still am laughing. And no, Daniel doesn't ride a Harley. The quote fom the article I can find very acurate for certain circles of fishermen. Too funny!

 

[tarsa]

Sorry, hannaar. Honestly didn't mean to offend you. I read through your blog, and the information you present seems useful to those interested in Tenkara rods. And there's a natural tendency for those who are excited by something to get, well, excited by it. It's just that your blog struck me as out of character for what Tenkara claims to be. But I suppose you're free to present a different image of the sport if you choose. The trouble with hyperbole, though, is what if a rod comes along that you actually like better? What's it gonna drip with?

 

[Luke the Dog]

^What exactly is the 'character' that is appropriate for tenkara? If you're not interested in tenkara, why do you continue to have issues with the rod review?

 

[hannaar85]

Sorry, hannaar. Honestly didn't mean to offend you. I read through your blog, and the information you present seems useful to those interested in Tenkara rods. And there's a natural tendency for those who are excited by something to get, well, excited by it. It's just that your blog struck me as out of character for what Tenkara claims to be. But I suppose you're free to present a different image of the sport if you choose. The trouble with hyperbole, though, is what if a rod comes along that you actually like better? What's it gonna drip with?

Hey tarsa, i didnt think your intention was to offend. My blog is definititely out of character with Tenkara in some regards. I am not a purist, I'm an American- by that I mean make it my own, adapt it rather than me adapt to it. Which technically any Japanese tenkara angler will tell you is the essence of Tenkara, making it your own with a rod, line and fly. The quote about testosterone was not from me but rather another party. If there is a rod i like better, it can drip with whatever words i feel like accurately describe it. My personal favorite rod is the Oni Type 1 Rod. If I described that rod it would be compared into some language copying the One Ring from the Lord of the Rings.....One Rod to rule them all!

 

[tarsa]

One Rod to rule them all!

That I like:smile: