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 ...

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 Tenryu 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 what I thought would be my final rod purchase from Tenryu I ordered one of each. I haven't fished the baitcaster 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 ordered a bunch of Tenryu rods, including the Tenryu Rayz Integral RZI484B-UL. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten out to use mine as much as I would like, but I can attest that they're not just for trout!

Tenryu-Rayz-Integral-484B-UL-perch

I am happy to say the rod is well past the "proof of concept" stage. The photo below, showing a very nice cutthroat caught by a very happy fellow BFS Bum, is proof the Tenryu Rayz Integral RZI484B-UL is just what I'd hoped it would be. 

AK's cutthroat

To catch cutties like that you have to hike in. If you are going to hike in it makes a lot more sense to bring a 4-piece rod rather than a 2-piece rod. The photo below shows the previous Tenryu Rayz Integral 4-piece spinning rod with a modest backpack. The current Tenryu Rayz Integral 4-piece baitcasters and spinning rods actually pack down about an inch shorter than the rod in the photo.

tenryu-rzi50ul4.jpg

I loved the Tenryu Rayz Integral RZI50UL-4, the spinning rod that was the predecessor of the current RZI484S-UL spinning rod and RZI484B-UL baitcaster. I loved the action, but it was just so convenient to carry 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!

RZI484B-ULTenryu Rayz Integral RZI484B-UL

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 RZI484B-UL can handle lightweight plugs around 3g, spoons and spinners. It is hard to find plugs lighter than 3g anyway, but I know for a fact that the rod can handle 2g spoons very well indeed.

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

RZI484B-UL
Wild (stream)
4’ 8 1/2"
4
15 1/4"
3.1 oz
Max 4 lb
Max 6 g (about 3/16 oz) 
Free shipping to US and Canada.
Made in Japan

If the button says
Add to cart
the rod is in stock.

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 BFS-HG ('17)

Warning:

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

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