ARES ZEROSUM Tenkara

ZEROSUM is the flagship tier of Nissin's ARES range, and the tenkara family gathers three lines on one page. The core ZEROSUM Tenkara rods come in four lengths from 3.20 m to 4.50 m, each offered in a 6:4 or a 7:3 taper: the 6:4 runs 55 g at 3.20 m and the 7:3 five to ten grams heavier for the same length, so the choice is between a softer rod that protects fine tippet and a firmer one that casts a heavier line and sets faster. All eight close to 57 cm on a 97% carbon blank.

The Oni Tenkara rods were produced with Masami Sakakibara, the angler known in Japan as the demon of tenkara. Oni Tenkara Honryu is the big-water pair, 3.95 m and 4.50 m at 85 g and 100 g, rated a step heavier at 0.8 to 1.5 号 tippet and closing to 64 cm. Oni Tenkara 7:3 is the short, firm pair at 2.97 m and 3.47 m, built on only six and seven sections so the taper stays crisp.

Every rod is a fixed-line telescopic pole with no reel seat, rated for nylon harisu rather than PE, and made in Japan. Prices run ¥23,100 to ¥38,900 before tax.