Speed Stick TSS
Low-modulus JDM baitcasting series with glass-rod feel for cranks and plugs; all-casting, no spinning
The Tenryu Speed Stick TSS is a Japanese bass baitcasting series that consciously evokes the feel of classic glass rods while remaining light. Tenryu places it as a revival of an early Japanese bass fishing era, now re-built with contemporary materials. The target angler appreciates a soft, parabolic loading feel for cranks, topwater, and plugs, not the stiff, tip-heavy sensitivity typical of high-modulus modern sticks. It is a poor choice for soft plastics or jigs where direct tip contact matters.
Blanks are low-modulus carbon at 85–89% carbon / 11–15% glass by weight, delivering compliance closer to fiberglass while cutting weight over a true glass construction. Guides are K-type with SiC-S rings and stainless frames. Handles use an offset PTS reel seat and full grip. All six rods are 2-piece grip-joint baitcasting models, rod weights ranging 100–141 g. Actions run RS (Regular Slow) on the shortest two models to RF (Regular Fast) on the majority, with one true R (Regular) model.
Lure ceilings step from max 18 g (5/6 oz) on the short models up to max 42 g (1.5 oz) on the longest. The six models scale from 5'6" to 6'11" in length. The short 5'6" and 6'0" RS models target accuracy and finesse plug work in close cover. The 6'4"–6'7" range fills mid-distance crankbait and topwater roles. The 6'11" TSS#4 is the long-distance and heavy-resistance model for vibration baits and deep divers.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 6 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 6 casting
- Length
- 5'6"–6'11" 1.68–2.11 m
- Power
- ML–H 4 classes
- Inferred
- Action
- RF–R
- Line
- up to 25 lb
- Lure
- 5/16–1 1/2 oz 42 g
Rods in this series
6 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSS#1L-256B | 5'6" | MLI | — | |
| TSS#1L-260B | 6' | MLI | — | |
| TSS#1-264B | 6'4" | MI | — | |
| TSS#2-266B | 6'6" | MHI | — | |
| TSS#3-267B | 6'7" | MHI | — | |
| TSS#4-2611B | 6'11" | HI | — |
I Power rating inferred from the lure / line-weight recommendation — not specified by the manufacturer.
Model notes
3 of 6 modelsShortest in the series at 5'6" RS. Designed for pinpoint casting in tight cover where rod length would foul on overhanging trees. Handles plugs up to 5/8 oz. The RS taper makes it a crossover model for light topwater and jerkbait work.
The one true Regular (R) action in the lineup, the softest blank, optimised for shallow cranking and topwater at mid-distance. Paired with moderate retrieve speed, it unloads baits with a characteristic glass-like punch.
The longest and most powerful model at 6'11" RF, max 42 g (1.5 oz), max 25 lb. Serves long-distance crankbait retrieves, heavy vibration baits in weed, and large topwater plugs. Higher glass content (15%) than other models adds resistance to high-load retrieves.