I’ve tried a lot of different Tenkara line spools, some are light, some are cheap, and some are rich in features. Each brings its own pros and cons to the table. And the fact that there’s so many types of spools out there shows that one size doesn’t fit all. However, I still think there’s room do better, because I have never seen a spool the winds itself.
Let me explain myself a little. Since day one on Tenkara I’ve been bothered by how tedious it is to change lines. Slowly and carefully winding line around the spool is by far my least favorite part of the system. Some spools make this easier than others, but none can actually do it for you. At first this was just a funny idea, but it stuck with me. Every time I wound up a line, I found myself wondering how it might work. Eventually, an idea coalesced into a design.
Over a year of development later and I’m nearly done. Take a look:
You drop the spool into a pocket-sized winding tool. Internal gears multiply your speed so a whole line can be wound up in seconds.
I suspect this design will make winding line easier for those with unsteady hands or coordination issues, but I haven’t tested this theory.
While the winding tool isn’t quite done yet, the spools are. This is their final form factor.
They work with every kind of line and come in fun colors.
The spools have a slim profile and magnetically clip together:
Depending on how much time I can find, I hope to have the spools and winding tool on the market sometime in April.
Anyone have any thoughts? I’ve largely been working on this alone and would love to get some other perspectives. Open to color requests too.
