I'll start by saying that I have several Matrix blanks and think that they are great. Crisp, straight as an arrow, perfect finish and beautiful! My question is - The "matrix" layer running 1/3 of the way up the blank is obviously an extra layer, but of what? Is this functional or decorative?? I'd like to be able to have a correct answer to the questions that I get concerning this. What, if any, are the benefits of this extra layer? Is the twill pattern (which I like) functional or decorative?

Don't get me wrong, I really like the blanks, I just want to be able to explain them correctly

Mike

Mike,
If there is just an additional layer of the material in a matrix over the blank which is how it appeared to me and you seem to confirm than I do not think that it is buying you much. It is only adding about 50% of the stiffness that would be the case if the fibers ran directly up the rod because with the fibers at a high angle the effective modulus is about cut in half. If a lower modulus material were used but running straight up the blank the strain energy or toughness would go up in proportion to the drop in modulus but that is not the case when the lower modulus is the result of the material being at an angle. It is also adding more weight but fortunately the weight is in the butt section where it has less effect on performance. It does naturally make the blank somewhat tougher in the butt section due to the additional wall thickness in the butt section and also must give the blank a very slightly faster action for the same reason. It will give you higher strength in torsion and shear but if it is only a single layer it will not be much additional strength.
Unless there is something that we are over looking I do not see any significant advantage and a couple of disadvantages. I suspect it is primarily just cosmetic.

First I do not know - this is based on observation only but it appears to be a 1" wide diagonal wrap of scrim applied over the green undercoat of the blank with the final finish of the rod applied to the entire blank (ie: not a finished blank with scrim and a second coat of final finish).

Is the matrix pattern a result of the added material or a cosmetic design??

Mike

I think BOTH. The material appears to provide the design. Ya know this could be rodbuilding's answer to the post-it notes... Wanted to add
extra "beef" to the butt section ... "Hey that looks cool!" LOL

I wondered about this myself I used to have a lews spinning rod that had that twill pattern but it went the whole length of the rod and it was very stiff.

My Berkley Lightening Rods from the mid 80's had the same effect tip - to - toe... and they still catch fish every now and then when I tkae them out - but they are heavy for their size... keep thinking about stripping the guides off and giving them a concept layout - just haven't gotten that far. Chuckles