If you have followed my blog or YouTube channel for any length of time, you will know that my favorite rods are the Suntech Suikei TenkaraBum series of tenkara rods. For my casting stroke, water type and preferred techniques, they work the best for me.
But these rods are not classical in their action and performance when it comes to Japanese tenkara. They are tip flex rods with stiffer mid-sections, and their action is stiffer than what it seems the Japanese prefer. I’m not exactly sure why, but it might have something to do with the size of the trout and char tenkara anglers usually catch in Japan, and what tradition holds as to what the action of a tenkara rod should be. Whatever it is, it seems that the Suikei TenkaraBum series of rods are on their way out, and a new series is to replace them.
Replacing them are the Tenkarakyo TenkaraBum rods. Already released is the Tenkarakyo 40F TenkaraBum and the new Tenkarakyo 36F TenkaraBum rods. These rods have an action more inline with what the Japanese tenkara tradition dictates a tenkara rod should be. The tips are stiffer and the mid sections are softer than the Suikei TenkaraBum rods. This makes them feel quite a bit different. So, even though both rod series have the word TenkaraBum in them, they are not the same rods.
Description
As far as the 36F, it looks very similar to the 40F. The handle is exactly the same on the two rods, but the 40F is longer when nested. So, for the sake of brevity, I’ll refer you to my review of the 40F for the aesthetic details.
Measurements
| Characteristic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Nested (w/ tip plug) | 55 cm (21.6 in.) |
| Extended | 359 cm (11 ft., 9.3 in.) |
| Handle | 24 cm (9.4 in.) |
| Weight (w/o tip plug) | 79.9 g (2.8 oz.) |
| CCS | 19.5 pennies |
| RFI | 5.4 |
| Sections | 8 |
Performance
As can be seen from the 10 Penny Bend Profile, the 36F has a much stiffer T1 (tip) section than the TB36. The mid sections, however, are softer and bend easier than the TB36 counterparts. This makes the rod feel different when compared to the TB36. Although the 36F has a slightly higher RFI (due to that stiff tip section), it feels softer or a little slower than the TB36 does, because of those softer mid sections. Hook sets are fast and decisive, however, also because of that stiff T1 section.
Suntech describes the Tenkarakyo rod series like this: “Featuring a 1.0mm solid tip that ensures a stable drift of the fly and excellent handling of heavy, long lines. The slow taper design, which concentrates power in the tip, combines cutting-edge technology with traditional Japanese craftsmanship—a balance that works to your advantage during long casts and when fighting large fish. The NPF design, adopted for the first time in a tenkara rod, is proof of this evolution that enables masterful performance. You can truly feel its delicacy and power. The 3.6m model offers a sharp swing feel and reduced weight in the hand. With a balance that directly conveys the angler’s intent, this Tenkara rod delivers new discoveries.” (DeepL translation)
I find the 36F casting stroke to be rich and smooth. The casting arc is longer than the TB36, because of the soft mid sections. It’s a pleasant casting stroke and one that doesn’t make you work too hard.
As I previously said, hook sets are solid and quick. The stiff tip section engages the line quickly to tighten it up without a lot of slop. It’s a different feel than the TB36, which is a tip flex rod. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s not that much of an issue. Fish fighting power is excellent, but I had to adjust my timing when anticipating pulling a trout away from underwater snags. Because there is more give in the mid sections, I had to start pulling sooner, or I’d find myself trying to untangle the fish from the underwater twigs and roots.
Personally, I still prefer the TB36’s action over the Tenkarakyo 36F. I find tip flex or upper mid-flex rods to be more intuitive and easier to control. I also find them to throw a tighter loop than mid-flex rods, but that’s just me (I approach tenkara casting from an Oni point of reference). But Chris Stewart believes the Tenkarakyo rods will make you a better caster.
Chris states, “The casting feel may be different than you are used to, but I truly believe the rod will make you a better caster. You don’t get better by being lazy and letting the rod do all the work. The Tenkarakyo 36F will reward good form and good timing, and I am pretty sure that with it you can achieve much better accuracy than you have gotten with any other rod.” (Ref.)
I’m not convinced about that last statement, but hey, it’s Chris Stewart, and he knows what he’s talking about.
Here’s a video of me using the Tenkarakyo 36F on a small stream:
Conclusion
The Suntech Tenkarakyo 36F TenkaraBum is a very nice rod (with a very long name), and I really like it! It has a smooth, traditional tenkara casting stroke with good line control and fish fighting abilities. It does make me work at my casting more than its cousin, the Suikei TenkaraBum 36, but that’s OK, I need a change every once in a while anyway. As the saying goes, change is inevitable, but growth (or improvement) is optional. I like the rod’s balance and action, and although it’s designed for unweighted flies, I think it would be a very versatile rod for any anglers collection.
Personally, I prefer the Suikei TenkaraBum 36 over the Tenkarakyo 36F, but maybe I just need to give it more time. It takes me sometime to grow into certain rods and the 36F will likely fall into this category. In the meantime, I hope Suntech doesn’t discontinue the Suikei TenkaraBum series of rods. That would be a great loss for the worldwide tenkara community, IMO. TenkaraBum is no longer importing the Suikei TenkaraBum series of rods, but for now they are still available in Japan. Let’s hope they keep producing them for a while. That way we can have two excellent tenkara rods series from Suntech, not just one.
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 Tenkarakyo 36F TenkaraBum at retail price from TenkaraBum. I have no formal affiliation with Suntech, TenkaraBum or Tenkara-Ya.
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