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If you’ve spent any serious time on the water chasing large pelagics with metal jigs, you know that the rod is not just a tool—it’s the mediator between you and the fish. But when we talk about rods, few names carry the prestige, the history, and the sheer engineering weight of Tenryu (天龍).
For years, I admired their reputation from afar. I knew their rods were legendary, meticulously crafted in Japan. But the flagship line, the Tenryu Infinity series, always sat in a category that demanded a serious investment.
I finally took the plunge and added an Infinity (specifically the JIG-B632MH) to my arsenal last season. Let me tell you, it wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a revelation.
If you’ve been contemplating whether this premium rod series is truly worth the price tag, stick around. We’re going to dive deep into the technology, the feel, and the performance that makes the Infinity series the ultimate goal for serious jig anglers.
Section 1: More Than a Rod—It’s the Tenryu Philosophy
Tenryu’s philosophy, rooted in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, centers entirely on the blank. They believe that a rod’s performance, durability, and sensitivity must originate from the carbon fiber itself, rather than trying to compensate with fittings.
The Infinity series is the pinnacle of this philosophy, designed primarily for vertical jigging techniques—from high-pitch speed jigging for Yellowfin to the nuanced movements required for slow-pitch jigging (SPJ).
What sets the Infinity apart isn’t just its “Made in Japan” stamp; it’s the proprietary blend of materials and construction techniques that translate into a level of sensitivity I had previously only dreamed of.
Section 2: The Engineering Marvel: Infinity’s Core Features
When you pick up an Infinity rod, the first thing you notice is the impossibly light weight coupled with an immediate sense of power. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s the result of carefully selected, high-end components working in harmony.
Key Technical Innovations of the Infinity Series:
C.N.T. (Carbon Nano Tube) Blank Technology: This is the secret sauce. Tenryu incorporates Carbon Nano Tube resin into the blank material. This process dramatically increases the breaking strength and resilience (compression memory) of the carbon fibers without adding bulk or weight. In practical terms, it means you have incredibly thin, light blanks that can handle tremendous load, reducing the risk of rod failure under extreme pressure.
Advanced Guide System: The Infinity uses Fuji Titanium frames fitted with Torzite rings. Torzite is lighter and thinner than traditional SiC, allowing the builders to use a larger inside diameter ring for the guide size. This optimization improves line flow, increases casting distance (on spinning models), and reduces line friction—a critical factor when fighting large fish deep.
Variable Action Taper: Unlike many multi-purpose rods, the Infinity blanks feature tapers optimized for specific jigging actions. Slow-pitch models have a very powerful butt section combined with a soft, forgiving tip that dictates the jig’s fall perfectly. Heavy models, conversely, have a faster recovery speed to lift fish quickly.
Premium Fittings: The rods are finished with custom-designed aluminum parts, comfortable EVA grips, and high-quality Fuji reel seats that ensure zero flex under load.
“The moment you feel the subtle tap of a fish sniffing the jig 300 feet down, you understand that the Infinity isn’t just powerful; it’s communicative. It brings the deep sea right to your fingertips.” — Captain Ryohei Tanaka, Offshore Guide
Section 3: My Experience on the Water
My first real test of the Infinity B632MH came during a deep-water Snapper trip. My previous rods, while good, often felt like I was battling them as much as the fish. The Infinity changed the game entirely.
Sensitivity is King: I could feel the difference between the current dragging my line, the sway of the boat, and the actual texture of the bottom substrate. More importantly, when a fish inhaled the jig, the transfer of vibration was immediate and unmistakable. It didn’t feel like I was reading a signal; it felt like I was directly connected.
The Invisible Power: When setting the hook and fighting a strong fish, the rod loads effortlessly and instantly moves into its power curve—the C.N.T. working its magic. There’s no sudden ‘dead stop’ or alarming creak; just a beautiful, continuous arc that efficiently transfers power to the line. This efficiency means less fatigue for me and faster, cleaner fights for the fish.
I found myself relying less on brute force and more on the rod’s parabolic recovery to pump the fish toward the surface.
Section 4: Choosing Your Weapon – A Look at Key Models
The Infinity series covers a wide range of jigging styles. Whether you prefer overhead (baitcasting) or spinning gear, there is a tailored model for your specific needs.
Here is a brief comparison of some popular options within the core series:
Model Designation Action Style Line Rating (PE) Jig Weight (Grams) Ideal Application Key Feature
JIG-B632MH Jigging/Baitcast PE 1.5 – 3.0 Max 200g Versatile Slow Pitch Excellent feel, ideal mid-weight backbone.
JIG-B631S Jigging/Spinning PE 1.0 – 2.0 Max 150g Light Offshore Snapper/Kingfish Ultra-sensitive tip for precise jig manipulation.
JIG-B632H Jigging/Baitcast PE 2.0 – 4.0 Max 300g Heavy Duty Power Jigging Maximum lifting power for Amberjack and Tuna.
JIG-B652M Jigging/Spinning PE 1.0 – 2.5 Max 180g High-Speed Vertical Jigging Longer blank for covering ground and rapid retrieves.
Section 5: The Verdict from the Community
It’s easy for me to wax poetic about a rod I own, but the sentiments surrounding the Tenryu Infinity are consistent across the serious angling community.
The common theme is the perfect balance between featherlight feel and brute strength—a combination often thought impossible.
“When you’re dropping a jig in deep water, the difference between a cheap rod and an Infinity isn’t just sensitivity; it’s confidence. I pull harder, knowing the blank won’t fail. It’s the only rod I trust with my PB fish.” — Hiroshi Saito, Tournament Jig Angler
“I was skeptical about the cost, but after landing a 50kg Yellowfin on the heavy spinning model, my skepticism disappeared. The fight was controlled, clean, and the rod handled pressure that would have shattered lesser blanks. It’s an investment in success.” — Sarah Jenkins, Offshore Enthusiast
Conclusion: Is the Tenryu Infinity Worth the Investment?
The Tenryu Infinity series sits at the top tier of the offshore rod market. Is it expensive? Absolutely. But high-end carbon construction, proprietary C.N.T. technology, and flawless Fuji Torzite components are not cheap to produce, especially when every rod is handcrafted in Japan.
For the serious angler whose time on the water is precious, and whose goal is landing trophy fish in punishing environments, the Infinity provides an undeniable edge. It translates into better technique, reduced fatigue, and ultimately, more fish landed.
If you are looking to truly elevate your jigging game—moving from simply catching fish to mastering the art of the presentation—the Tenryu Infinity is the rod waiting to become an extension of your own fishing arm. Go ahead, experience the difference. You won’t look back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Tenryu Infinity
Q1: What is the primary difference between the Tenryu Infinity and other high-end jigging rods?
A: The primary difference lies in Tenryu’s proprietary blank composition, specifically the use of the C.N.T. (Carbon Nano Tube) resin system. This results in a blank that is significantly tougher, lighter, and more resilient than standard carbon fiber blanks, allowing for unparalleled sensitivity while maintaining immense lifting power.
Q2: Are the Infinity rods suitable for entry-level anglers?
A: While any angler could technically use an Infinity rod, they are high-performance tools designed for experienced anglers who can properly utilize the responsiveness and specialized action of the blank. For beginners, the precision may be overlooked, and a more moderately priced rod might be a better starting point before committing to the premium price point.
Q3: Does the Tenryu Infinity series include specific models for Slow Pitch Jigging (SPJ)?
A: Yes, many models, particularly those designed for lighter jigs (under 250g) and featuring softer tips, are perfectly suited for true slow-pitch presentation where the rod’s recoil dictates the jig’s action. Look for models with the ‘JIG’ designation followed by a suitable weight rating.
Q4: Since they are high-end rods, how is the warranty or repair service?
A: As Tenryu rods are hand-built in Japan, their service procedure usually involves sending the rod section back to Japan for assessment and repair or replacement. While the quality control is excellent, maintenance and repair processes can take longer than those for domestically mass-produced brands due to international shipping and specialized manufacturing. Check with your local authorized dealer for specific warranty terms.