Shimano LLS36 NBThe Shimano LLS36 NB is Shimano's entry level tenkara rod. When I asked Dr. Ishigaki about the rod before I purchased one, he explained that the main difference between this rod and the Shimano LLS36 NX is in the cosmetics. Although it may not be quite as nice, it is still a very handsome rod and if you didn't have the NX model to compare it to, you would never think it was cosmetically inferior to anything. The more expensive NX model has a very nice olive finish, while the less expensive NB model is a deep brown with very minute bright flecks in the finish. 
Bright flecks in the deep brown finish.
There are two other differences that to my mind are a little more important. The grip has a slightly different shape, with the forward half of the grip tapering gradually. In contrast, the NX grip has the two distinct gripping areas (the "humps" that led to it's "camel grip" nickname).
The tapered Shimano LLS36 NB grip.
The other difference is that the Shimano LLS36 NB is 7% glass while the NX is 1.2% glass. The larger percentage of glass explains the weight difference, with the NB weighing 2.6 ounces compared to 2.4 for the NX. Still, it is a very light rod. By way of comparison, the Tenkara USA 12' Iwana weighs 2.7 ounces.
When fishing, though, the two Shimano rods really feel pretty similar. Unfortunately, I cannot show a photo comparing the bends of the two Shimano rods, as I borrowed and returned the NX quite some time before I bought my NB. It may be more relevant to US anglers to compare the NB to the Tenkara USA Iwana, which is the rod that they are much more likely to be familiar with in any case. Shimano does not label their rods by the 5:5, 6:4, 7:3 convention. The NX model comes in a soft "S" or hard "H" action. The NB only comes in the soft action. I would say the LLS36 NB and NX models are both 6:4.
Difference between solid (Iwana) and hollow (LLS36 NB) tips. Comparing the Shimano with the Iwana, the main difference between the bend characteristics, and the main difference that you can feel when fishing, is that the Shimano has a stiffer tip section. The reason it is a bit stiffer is that it is hollow. All the Shimano tenkara rods have hollow tips. Similarly, all the Daiwa rods that are designed for level lines have hollow tips. In fact, the "LL" in the name is the designation for level line. The solid tip, used in all the rods from Tenkara USA, Fountainhead, Sakura, TenkaraFishing.com, etc. is designed for rods intended for use with both level and tapered lines. One practical effect of the hollow tip is that you can cast a much tighter loop, or rather, it is much easier to make a precise, tight loop cast. I have not fished a tapered line on the Shimano LLS36 NB. I did on the NX and found that I greatly preferred a size 4 level line with that rod. I generally fish a size 3 line on the NB, but only because the lighter line is a bit easier to hold off the water's surface and that is the line I usually fish. Like the NX, the NB does cast a size 4 line very nicely indeed. The difference between the solid tip and the slightly stiffer hollow tip seems like it should be noticeable in the feel of very delicate strikes, but I really don't recall feeling a difference because I react to visual clues for a strike and most are never felt anyway. In playing a fish, the feel is different for only the smallest of fish. Similarly, the slightly stiffer tip seems like it might be a bit better for fishing deep nymphs since there is a little less "give" when trying to set the hook. I don't generally fish weighted nymphs, though, so I cannot say whether the difference is truly noticeable.
A modest fish puts a nice bend in the rod.
When playing a fish of this size, you won't be thinking of the hollow vs. solid tip and you won't feel the difference. As with the Shimano LLS36 NX, and for that matter, all the Japanese tenkara rods that I know of, there is no hard case provided with the rod. Apparently, collapsing the rod into the grip section has proven over the years to be protection enough.
I do like this rod, as I liked the Shimano LLS36 NX. The NX is a little nicer, with the lighter weight and camel grip. But then, it's a $300 rod and this is a $200 rod (give or take). Nonetheless, this rod is a reasonable choice for someone who wants a light tenkara rod with a crisper feel and slightly more precise casting - and who doesn't mind that the rod does not have a hard case and might not have much of a warranty. The list price for the Shimano LLS36 NB in Japan is equivalent to about $190. Shipping would add about $10. The rod is also available in a 330cm length (a little under 11'), designated the LLS33 NB, for about $180. I have not seen the 330cm rod. If you have any questions about the Shimano LLS36 NB or any of the other rods reviewed on TenkaraBum.com please go to the
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