I own or have owned both of those Kabutos and they're very progressive and both better with one line weight up. The 6'6" 2wt will actually do well with a 4wt line. I've read that the Yomogi 7' 3wt is very full flexing and more medium to slow action but have never cast one. I don't have a clue about the Hard-Para.

Not Japanese but highly recommend Chris Barclay's Synthesis 6'6" 2 wt. or 6'8" 3 wt.

The Kabuto has more backbone than the Yomogi, but the softer Yomogi yields a more delicate presentation.

If the conditions call for: wind, steamers or nymphs I find the Kabuto more suitable.

If I'm going to be fishing a dry or a wet fly all day, then I'll grab the Yomogi. Hope that helps.

FYI, I think that the Kabuto 662 with a true 3 wt line is a point and shoot small stream laser, but under-gunned with a 2wt line. The Yomogi is a true 3wt and very pleasurable rod to fish.

Get both! I find if I split the difference I get only half of what I want on each side.

But I want all three.

I am in the same boat. I would like to try the yomoji and hard para. But where are you getting the blanks? Can you get blanks from Japan to CA?

Last time I checked, most Japanese vendors were still not shipping to the US.

I've lawn casted the larger Kabuto's and they were a more deliberate rods.

And after these videos, how can you not want an Ijuin

He’s shipping to Canada - I’ve corresponded with him on facebook.
Maybe we should order together and I can ship you one of them? Take that international regulations.

PS - its this one where he’s curve casting around the rocks in both directions that gets me. https://youtu.be/F0fnlF23W7E

I’ve had both the Kab and Yomogi 7ft 3 wts. Built them both from blanks. Sold them both after a while. For me the Kab was not a 3wt (better with a 4, a little stiff for me) and while the action of the Yomogi was pleasant, it was not progressive. The Yomogi was probably the prettiest rod I have ever had and made me realize how much I preferred a progressive action. I have other short, lightweight rods...Lami 6’6” 3wt, Lami 7’ 3wt, Scott F2 6’ 2wt, JP Ross (rolled by McFarland) 6’11” 3wt, Steffen 6’ 2/3wt, that I small stream fish with some regularity. The rod I use the most, however, is the Barclay Synthesis 68, a 6’8’ 3wt. I got it from Chris after having cast both his 2wt and the 3wt back to back. I like the progressive action, it’s greater versatility than the 2wt and it’s length fits right in the middle of what I have for small streams. So, my biased thoughts. Keep in mind that Chris does not sell blanks.

I think you made a good decision with the Yomogi. Of the two, that is what I would choose.

I have the 7ft 3wt Ijuin Yomogi and spent some time with the Kabuto 7ft 3wt back when Cam was running the fiberglass rod loaner program. The Kab was good with both a dt3 and Dt4 line for me. I preferred the fuller deeper flex taper of the Ijuin.
I love Kab’s 71/2ft 4wt and find that it is exceptional smooth 4wt and also really like his 8ft 5wt which I find is perfect with a wulff long belly 5wt line. For the type of fishing you are looking to cover, my choice would be the Ijuin.
I do not doubt that Chris Barclay’s rods would also cover your smaller water needs, but as you noted, no blanks available.
The Tom Morgan Rodsmiths 6ft 9in light 3wt is a lot of fun too and available as a blank. I have one that Chris built up and love it with both a 2dt and 3wf line. Not a dry/dropper fly rod like the Ijuin, but great with #16 and smaller dries, soft hackles and small nymphs.