I have both the Ito and the Kasugo 4509. I have had some issues with the Kasugo with tip breakage as the tip is very delicate but, on the good side it feels a little lighter in the hand than the ito. The Ito has a noticeably stronger and stiffer tip. It feels a bit heavier in the hand when extended full length but if that start to bother you it is possible to fish it as a 13 footer.