Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod, box, sock.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen 6 4 close up.jpg
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Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod at angle.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod, box, sock.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen 6 4 close up.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod at angle.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod end extended.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod end.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod handle.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod lillian.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod opened.jpg
Royal Stage Tenkara Zen rod at angle.jpg

NEW - Nissin Royal Stage Tenkara Zen 360 (6:4) - 12 ft.

$229.95

Made in Japan.

Introducing the Nissin Royal Stage Tenkara Zen, a fresh look for one of our favorite Japanese tenkara rods. The Zen is Nissin’s udpate on the venerable Royal Stage. Much of the update relates to the design: The Zen replaces the original’s blue-green decorative accents with a coordinated black-and-gold design, featuring a broad metallic-gold band and a more continuous view of the woven-carbon pattern along the handle section. Classic gold lettering and a flowing “zen” signature complete the updated look, while the familiar contoured cork grip and gold metal tip plug preserve the Royal Stage’s distinctive character.

Beyond its refreshed appearance, the Zen continues to emphasize smooth casting, precise fly control, and comfortable handling. Both 360 models retain their predecessors’ published dimensions and weights, with 6:4 and 7:3 actions available to suit your casting preference.

The Royal Stage Tenkara Zen 360 (6:4) action is the softer version of the 7:30, which we think so highly of. If your main use case is dry flies / tenkara flies, then this is the rod for you. It is an excellent choice for casting level lines beautifully.

Made in Japan.

Introducing the Nissin Royal Stage Tenkara Zen, a fresh look for one of our favorite Japanese tenkara rods. The Zen is Nissin’s udpate on the venerable Royal Stage. Much of the update relates to the design: The Zen replaces the original’s blue-green decorative accents with a coordinated black-and-gold design, featuring a broad metallic-gold band and a more continuous view of the woven-carbon pattern along the handle section. Classic gold lettering and a flowing “zen” signature complete the updated look, while the familiar contoured cork grip and gold metal tip plug preserve the Royal Stage’s distinctive character.

Beyond its refreshed appearance, the Zen continues to emphasize smooth casting, precise fly control, and comfortable handling. Both 360 models retain their predecessors’ published dimensions and weights, with 6:4 and 7:3 actions available to suit your casting preference.

The Royal Stage Tenkara Zen 360 (6:4) action is the softer version of the 7:30, which we think so highly of. If your main use case is dry flies / tenkara flies, then this is the rod for you. It is an excellent choice for casting level lines beautifully.

6:4 vs. 7:3

Compared to the 7:3, the 6:4 is a noticeably softer rod. The CCI of this rod is 13 pennies (the # of pennies required to bend the rod a full third) vs. 17 for the 7:3. Not surprisingly, the rod has more body flex, extending into the midpoint and just beyond of the rod. All of this is reflected in the RFI value of 3.61 which translates into a slower action rod. This rod is wonderful to cast and will load lighter level lines enabling delicate presentations.

This rod is also 13% lighter than the 7:3 (2.31 vs. 2.66 oz). While this is not much, it is noticeable and makes for an effortless, all day casting rod.

The handle on Royal Stage is cork and its shape has a concave profile to it. This is typical in Tenkara rods, but I found the concave profile of the Royal Stage to be slightly more pronounced. After fishing it many hours one afternoon, I came to greatly appreciate the subtleties of this grip. It’s a design that instinctively promotes a light grip and facilitates an oily smooth wrist action. All this of course, leads to a delicate cast that drops your fly softly onto the water.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Nissin Royal Stage Tenkara Zen 360 (6:4)

  • Soft material case

​ROD SPECS

  • SECTIONS: 8

  • EXTENDED LENGTH: 3.6 meters / 12 feet

  • COLLAPSED LENGTH: 22.3 inches collapsed

  • WEIGHT: 2.31 oz (2.45 oz with plug)

  • ACTION: Slow action

  • TIPPET: 5X - 3.5X

  • ROD FLEX INDEX(RFI): 3.61 / CCS of 13 Pennies. Find out more. 

  • SPECIES:  Trout, Bluegill

FISHING APPLICATIONS

  • Dry & Wet flies

FINAL THOUGHTS​

An excellent level line Tenkara rod.

CASTING GUIDE:

Cast it lightly, taking the rod back to the 12 o’clock position, holding the rod with your index finger pointed forward and using your wrist. The Bow Cast works well in situations where it is required.