TenkaraUSA Iwana 12' replacement handle

[johnclyde]

Whatever happened to the handle which transformed it to a 9'3 version? I can't find any for sale nor any info saying they are no longer available.

I could really do with one of those for some of the smaller overgrown streams near me. Has anyone used one? 

[Paul G]

They are really good - but I believe they are/have been phased out in favour of the Rhodo (triple zoom rod for tiny/overgrown streams). You might get one on ebay if you are lucky (perhaps from people who have bought the Rhodo...)

[phil]

Hi John

I've emailed Daniel at TenkaraUSA your quiry. Like Paul says they appear to have been phased out. If I get a reply I'll let you know.

Cheers

Phil

[johnclyde]

Thanks for that Phil. That is very kind.

There are a few local streams I'm itching to return to with a tenkara rod, each guaranteed to transform my lovely 12' Iwana into a 9' whether I intend to or not!



This pool for example that I first fished as a wee lad I returned to a few years back when I got back into fly fishing with a 9' rod and 6# line! Needless to say its so cramped I was fishing an improvised tenkara with only the leader in the water. As a glistening brownie took, a merlin flew through the dense branches above to watch. Ecstasy!

[phil]

Hi John

Here's the reply from Daniel at Tenkara USA:

'Hi Phil,

I believe we have a few available, at least at the USA warehouse.

TJ, can you tell us about the availability of the 9'3" handles?

Daniel'

Fingers crossed that they can find one for you.

Lovely image and description too.

Phil

[phil]

Hi John

Second reply from TJ at Tenkara USA:

'We have some 9'3" conversion handles in USA if you want to add them back to the website for sale. I am not aware of any mass shipments we are doing to UK soon where we can send a few so the order would have to ship by itself from USA at this point so the cost of shipping will be higher and possible customs and duties fees.

But yes, we have stock of these.

TJ'

So, it looks like you might be able to get your hands on one. Hopefully, I'll get a reply from Daniel as to how we get one to you.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Phil

[johnclyde]

Thats great! Thank you for the help Phil. Very kind of you.

Maybe I should email TJ directly?

[phil]

Jan 28, 2014 17:31:47 GMT johnclyde said:

Thats great! Thank you for the help Phil. Very kind of you.

Maybe I should email TJ directly?

Your more than welcome to or wait for Daniel's reply.

Fingers crossed that you can source the conversion.

Cheers

Phil

[johnclyde]

Thanks Phil. Any word from Daniel?

[phil]

Jan 29, 2014 17:07:52 GMT johnclyde said:

Thanks Phil. Any word from Daniel?

None as yet John.

If nothing comes of it by tomorrow then contact TJ at TUSA via their contact email relating your query and this conversation to them. With any luck we can sort you out with a conversion handle.

Cheers Phil

[johnclyde]

Good old TJ. All sorted!

[phil]

Excellent news. Great service from TUSA.

Phil

[dbl]

This is a bit late as a contribution, but I got one of these off John Pearson last year to modify my 12' Iwana on tight streams. I guess the Rhodo has taken this spot over now for TUSA, but I find the shorter Iwana very comfortable to use in tighter spots, where the 12' would be prone to tangling with overhanging branches. I keep the level line down to about the same length as the rod, (8' + max 2' tippet) and I find it crisp and precise. It also gives good control of a fish when hooked. It is a slight fiddle to change over, so I tend to do it at home, but it only takes a couple of minutes if you keep the extensions in your car boot. Worth getting (if you can source one!) if you are using the standard Iwana.