Tenryu Rayz Integral RZI484B-UL

The Tenryu Rayz Integral RZI484B-UL - YES! Finally! (Fist pump!)

For years, I asked (pestered is more accurate) Tenryu to make a baitcaster using the 4-piece Rayz Integral RZI50UL-4 spinning rod blank. I knew it would be very nice, as I had done a "proof of concept" trip, putting a BFS reel on my Integral RZI50UL-4. It worked beautifully.

I knew they were working on one but they never did release it.

Tenryu Rayz Integral spinning rod with BFS reelTenryu Rayz Integral RZI50UL-4 with BFS reel as proof of concept.

To my surprise and delight, when they updated all the Integral rods in 2023 they introduced a 4-piece baitcaster and a new 4-piece spinning rod built on the same newly designed 4' 8" blank. In my final rod purchase from Tenryu (I really am retiring, I promise) I ordered one of each. I haven't fished either one yet (it's a very long story which will have to wait for another time). It is a bittersweet development. I wish it had been earlier because I knew they would sell well, but I am so glad that it did in fact happen.

[2025 update - I failed retirement. I just ordered a bunch of Tenryu rods, including the Tenryu Rayz Integral RZI484B-UL.]

tenryu-rzi50ul4.jpg

The previous 4-piece RZI50UL-4 spinning rod, introduced in 2015, was softer than the 2-piece Rayz RZ53UL. I loved it for that reason in addition to the convenience of carrying a 4-piece rod in the woods rather than a 2-piece rod. When attached to my backpack, the 2-piece rod would get caught in low overhead branches and the vines that cross some of the stream-side trails in NY, which can be little more than deer trails. The 4-piece rod easily fit in my backpack's water bottle pocket, and would even fit inside the backpack if I had to bushwack through the forest where branches could catch the rod and pull it out of the pocket - and don't think that doesn't happen!

The new model has ultra-low modulus carbon in the tip and 2nd sections, providing more flexibility to allow "casting with minimal motion." The description of the RZI484S-UL, the Ultralight spinning model, says the ultra-low modulus sections allow "snap casting" (maybe they've been reading my website). I am pretty sure that means it is more flexible than their current Rayz RZ4102B-UL or the previous generation Rayz Integral RZI50UL-4.

The description also indicates that the Ultralight RZI484B-UL can handle lightweight plugs around 3g, spoons and spinners. It is hard to find plugs lighter than 3g anyway, but I am confident that the rod will handle spinners and spoons lighter than 3g!

RZI484B-ULTenryu Rayz Integral RZI484B-UL

Model
Type
Length
Sections
Breakdown Length
Rod Weight
Line Weight
Lure Weight

RZI484B-UL
Wild (stream)
4’8"
4
15 1/4"
2.9 oz
Max 4 lb
Max 6 g (just under 1/4 oz)
Made in Japan

One last point - when you put the two sections together there will be a gap as shown in the photo below. That is normal. Don't force it.

The gap between sections.There is supposed to be a gap. Don't force it.

Finesse-Fishing Home > Bait Finesse System > Tenryu Rayz Integral RZI484B-UL

Header photo: Tenryu Rayz RZ4102B-UL, Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFSHG ('17)

Warning:

The hooks are sharp.
The coffee's hot.
The fish are slippery when wet.