@bossbob50 Interesting. Reminds me of those blind wine taste tests you hear about where the expert sommeliers end up choosing some off-brand boxed wine as the best.
Regardless of their (not so hidden) disdain towards Zen and Tanuki, it’s good information - especially if you download their testing guide pdf (linked in the article) so you know how to look for what is objectively good in a rod. Now, an objectively good rod doesn’t necessarily mean it will feel the best or work for your casting, but it’s good information to know if you want to spend your money wisely.
I’d be pissed if I bought a $200+ Tenkara Rod Co rod expecting a higher end piece of gear… only to find uneven wall thickness, poor section overlap, or uneven cuts. I have no doubt that many people would struggle to tell the difference between a lower end Japanese rod and a nicer Chinese rod like a TUSA Rhodo. There is however, a noticeable difference in casting quality when you start to handle a nicer Suntech, Nissin, Shimano, Oni, Daiwa, etc. I’d happily take a tenkara rod blindfold test.
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