Tenkara Tanuki has been known for producing rods that are functional works of art, but Luong Tam may have recently outdone himself. While most recent Tanuki rods have focused on outstanding and unequalled art work as part of the rods decoration, Tanuki recently has released two rods that push tenkara rod artfulness to its pinnacle. These are the Wabi 360 and Wabi 400. This quick look will be for the former, the Wabi 360.
Because the Tenkara Tanuki Wabi 360 is currently classified as a prototype, its characteristics and measurements may change by the time Tanuki decides to release a production version, if he decides to. Therefore, this is just going to be a “quick look” and not a full review.
Luong states, “For the first time ever, I’m opening up a limited number of Wabi 360 prototypes for discounted purchase—a unique opportunity for those who want to be part of the development process. This early release comes in response to customer requests to get involved and help shape the next evolution of Tenkara rods.“
Regarding the rod he states, “Built on the foundation of my popular Barebones Nymphing 360, the Wabi 360 introduces a refined twist inspired by traditional Japanese wazao craftsmanship. It features a partial bamboo-textured finish, a hand-wrapped rattan grip, and sleek black lacquer-style inner sections. Modern in performance, timeless in spirit—this rod blends tradition, simplicity, and understated beauty in every cast.“
Description
The Tenkara Tanuki Wabi 360 is a stunningly beautiful rod. It almost is too pretty to use and looks more like a collectors item than a rod that is designed to be fished. That said, it is designed to be fished! It comes with a plastic rod tube, and a rod sleeve stamped with the Kunoichi 360 logo. The handle section of the rod is painted and sculpted to look like bamboo — and it really does! The workmanship is amazing and needs to be viewed to really be appreciated.
The handle is in a category of its own. While it has the svelte looking, new generation Kunoichi torpedo shape, it has something that other Tanuki rods don’t have, rattan and thread wrappings! Yes, the handle is carefully wrapped with rattan (split cane) alternating with black thread. This makes for a visually stunning handle!
The tip plug is wood and seats very nicely into the handle section. It has a loop of lilian material attached. The butt cap is black nylon plastic and is knurled to aid in removal.
The lilian is red and is attached to the T1 (tip) section via a perfectly executed micro-swivel. It is so perfect that I’ve not seen a better example, except for maybe on the Gamakatsu Suimu line of tenkara rods. The T1 section can be removed through the T2 section, therefore the entire rod can be disassembled for cleaning and drying.
Measurements
| Characteristic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Sections | 8 |
| Nested (w/tip plug) | 61.5 cm (24 in.) |
| Extended | 345 cm (11 ft. 4 in.) |
| Weight (w/o tip plug) | 91.4 g (3.2 oz.) |
| CCS | 32 |
| RFI | 9.3 |
Performance
The Tenkara Tanuki Wabi 360 is a stiff rod. This is immediately appreciated upon picking up the rod and giving it a false cast. You can also see this in the 10 Penny Bend Profile image above. I consider the DRAGONtail Mizuchi to be a moderately stiff power rod, and as you can see in the image, the Wabi 360 is considerably stiffer than it! Although I didn’t place the Wabi 360 in the Rod Flex Index table, because it’s a prototype and not a production rod, if it were there it would be one of the stiffer rods that I have felt. An RFI of 9.3 would place the rod in the “Very Fast/Minimal Flex. 8:2” category.
The rod is also heavy for its 345 cm length. It has good balance overall, but it has high inertia, due to its weight (compared to other 340 cm rods I have used).
The handle feels good when gripping it near the upper-middle. It’s grippy and it fills your hand nicely. No hand cramping in the amount of time I used it.
I cast the rod using a #3 fluorocarbon level line and although it did OK with this line, I feel that a heavier line would answer better. Since the rod uses the Barebones 360 nymphing rod blank, heavier flies such as tungsten Euro nymphs should be no problem with the Wabi 360. The rod is not designed to be used with unweighted kebari (although it can be). Luong states that the Wabi rod designed for kebari use is the Wabi 400.
Conclusion
The Wabi 360 is a tenkara rod worthy of the collectors display rack. It is stunningly beautiful and yet is functional enough for on-stream use. Luong has really outdone himself in designing and manufacturing this rod. Since the Wabi 360 is billed as a prototype rod, I do have some thoughts (when don’t I 😊).
First, I am disappointed that while the rod is advertised as a 360 cm rod, it is far shorter at 345 cm. While it that may not sound like much, 15 cm (6 inches) is a lot when it comes to tenkara rod feel and function. One or maybe two inches OK, but 6 inches short, that’s a lot.
Second, while the handle is beautiful, I wonder about its durability. How will it stand up to water, dirt and grime, and the wear and tear of fishing? Rattan handles have been time tested in the traditional split-cane fly rod world, but will Tanuki’s hold up? Time will tell.
Thirdly, many tenkara anglers prefer to hold their tenkara rods near the butt for full use of rod’s length and to utilize it’s natural pivot point. A traditional two hump or hyotan handle shape allows multiple grip positions with enough anchor points to adjust for fishing conditions and to reduce hand fatigue. The torpedo shape of the Wabi 360 realistically only allows one anchor point and grip position.
Finally, it’s too heavy for a 345 cm rod. I know that 91.4 grams (3.2 oz.) doesn’t sound very heavy, but if you’re extending your arm and holding the rod horizontal while Euro nymphing for a few hours, it will certainly feel heavy.
Still, the Tenkara Tanuki Wabi 360 is a work of art. And if you are looking for a classical wazao looking tenkara rod, especially a fast action Euro nymphing one, the Wabi 360 is likely to answer your call!
Disclaimer: My opinion regarding this rod is just that, my opinion. Your opinion may differ. Also, your rod may not have the same length, issues, or functionality as my rod. There are variations between rods, even in the same production run. No description can fully tell you how a rod feels or fishes. For this, you must personally hold, cast, and fish the rod then make up your own mind. I purchased the Wabi 360 at retail price. I have no formal affiliation with Tenkara Tanuki.
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I saw these on the website and could not stop myself from buying one. I had already fallen in love with the Tanuki Ninja and while the lengths are similar, the handle caught my eye as being something unique. When it arrived I had to do some “street fishing” out in front of my house. I really love the feel of the handle. The grip is unlike anything out there and in my opinion gives me at least an improved sense of control with the casting. It is just a wonderful tactile feel that it has. As for practicality, it does cast nicely. I like the feel of the bend and it plays a fish just fine. I wasn’t really fond of the decorative rods that were put out. Just my own personal taste. But this….This is a good esthetic that I connected to. How nice that it fishes well too. It’s in my bag, packed for my trip to Austria in September.