Tippet RingsTippet rings make attaching and removing the tippet from your line very simple. For those using the Tenkara USA furled lines, using a tippet ring removes the fear of cutting the mono extender that comes with the line. For those using level lines, it eliminates the build up of tippet bits that often remain when you clip off the tippet. For quite some time I have offered them as an option with my Hand Tied lines, and they have proven to be quite popular. I don't remember where I first read of tippet rings, but it was either with reference to furled leaders or to Czech Nymphing. For furled leaders, having a tippet ring does make a great deal of sense to me. As far as I can tell, most furled leaders do not come with a mono extender, and instead end with either a tippet ring or a Shorb Loop. Without getting into details, a Shorb Loop is a way to put a loop in the end of a furled leader without using a knot. It is a slick way to do it, but it does present the risk of cutting the end of the furl by accident - which would ruin the leader. For Czech Nymphing, or French Nymphing (which to my mind is a lot closer to tenkara), the tippet rings allowed a rapid step down from the thicker leader to a thin tippet that does not impede the sinking of the weighted nymphs. They also allow a rapid change of droppers. To competition anglers, every second their flies are not in the water is a wasted second.
Although keeping the fly in the water is one reason tenkara is so productive, it is the rapid step down from thicker material to thinner that is really the greatest benefit for tenkara anglers. Traditional tippet knots do not work well for joining tippet material of significantly different diameters. I think the general rule of thumb is that you can safely join two pieces that are 2 x-sizes different, i.e. you can tie 5X to 3X and expect it to hold. We in the tenkara community have to join 5X tippets to 0X (size 3) or thicker line. Dr. Ishigaki solves that problem by using a stopper knot in the end of the tenkara line and tying his tippet around the line, tightening it and sliding the knot down against the stopper knot. That is the method I generally use and have shown at the bottom of my
level line
page. Some people prefer to use a perfection loop. I have no problem with using a perfection loop in the end of the tenkara line, but I wouldn't recommend it for the end of the tippet. It is not a strong knot and you will find that most of your break offs occur right at the knot that forms the perfection loop.
If you want the quick change capability that a loop to loop connection gives you, I would instead suggest using the tippet rings. I wouldn't use a loop on the end of the tippet but would instead tie the tippet to the tippet ring with the same knot you currently use to tie the tippet to your fly. I use a Davy knot but an improved clinch, Orvis knot, Uni-knot etc. would work as well.TenkaraBum tippet rings are available in packages of 10 or 20. The packages of 10 rings are $5 and the packages of 20 are $10. PaymentPayment is through Paypal but you don't need to have a Paypal account. You can use your credit card. PayPal payments will be made to payments at tenkarabum dot com. Credit card statements will read CM Stewart.ShippingDomestic shipping is $3. Most small items can be shipped together for a flat $3 charge.International First Class postage is covered by the flat $3 shipping charge added to all orders. However, if international customers would prefer to have their packages sent by International Priority Mail, which is faster, I will do so. The extra charge depends on the country of destination. (Note: please click on an International Priority Mail Surcharge button only once per order). Return from Tippet Rings to TenkaraBum Store - Lines Return from Tippet Rings to TenkaraBum Home |