The Tanuki XL1 it’s a 4m rod so it’s apples and oranges. I’m not sure what would be comparable really. Nothing I have is quite the same. It’s slightly more robust in the mid section yet very flexible top two sections. My Oni itoshiro is maybe the closest comparison. Maybe the itoshiro is a 3.4 m.
By “robust” I primarily mean that the whole rod is - tough, durable, hardwearing, rugged, long-lasting, resilient, etc. Not just one section of the rod. A secondary meaning of being full-flavored, having a depth of character or characteristics that will be revealed over time and use.
I too am coveting this rod! Thanks for bringing to my attention. With that level of service and quality getting a new tip should be no problem.
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Ken, welcome to 10CT forum. Thanks for checking in.
Welcome to the forum Ken. Thanks for joining us.
I finding a real hard time comparing the Wasabi with any other rod. The blank diameter in the lower sections is larger in diameter, which tapers faster than other rids of the same length. Thus would lead people to think it’s a stiff rod, but it’s not. I think it “feels” like a 6/4 pushing a 7/3.
The rod is extremely light in hand especially fished next to … well any rod I have. The casting is very accurate and easy for my style of casting. Hook sets are precise and easy. The rod is also very sensitive and you feel takes as well as seeing them.
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I agree totally with your assessment. 
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The worse part is I now want to try their 4.00 rod…
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Yeah, I’ve thought about getting one too but I think I’m done getting new rods for a while. I’m happy with the TB40 and Oni type I as 400 cm rods. Maybe someday.
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How does the T bum compare to the XL1?
The TB40 is a little more tip flex. The XL1 is more mid flex. Both are light with great balance and low swing weight. The TB40 feels more robust. The XL1 has a better handle length and shape, IMO. Both throw a long #2.5 level line well. I like and use them both, but I prefer the TB40 overall.
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I fished my Xl more than any other rod last year. It’s also my sons favorite (could be because I haven’t let him fish the Oni yet)
As much as I hate to admit it I will be ordering the 4m rod in the near future
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How does the Wasabi compare to the TenkaraBum 36?
I’ve never fished the ten bum rods but really really want to.
I think @tvdavisid might be the only one who’s tried both… They both look great for the kind of quasi-western hybrid tenkara I plan on doing more of.
dctenkara , thanks for dropping into 10CT forum. Please tell us more about your method of - quasi-western hybrid tenkara.
I don’t know anything about the Tenkarabum (Suntech) 36. But I do have the TB 40 and like it a lot.
Thanks David, as my name might indicate I live and work in the DC region, and so while I can go out and fish small streams in the mountains in about 2 hours, most of my fishing closer to home is on the Potomac and its tributaries. Accordingly, the fishing around here is mostly for striped bass, smallmouth bass, shad, largemouth bass, catfish, and the elusive (for fly fisherman) giant snakehead. Most of the fishing is with larger baitfish flies, currently I’m using a Daiwa Kiyose 43 M-Y.
With that said, I’d like to spend some more time on the smaller streams in the vicinity, and will likely someday invest in a more traditional 36mm tenkara rod, so I’d like to know what’s out there.
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Thanks for joining the forum @dctenkara. Glad to have you here.
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