Did a search and did not find the exact answer.

I have a couple of blanks on hand that weigh out the same, have similar power and action. They are the Forecast and Matrix.

While neither is expensive, by percentage, I can pick up five Forecast blanks for every three Matrix.

Other than the Matrix being prettier with its green weave, is the Matrix superior in any other way if both are virtually identical in weight/power/action? (i.e. is it any more durable etc.....?)

I ask because I may be building with a bunch of these blanks.

Thanks in advance,
Mo

I don't know if one is necessarily better than the other. I have built on the Forecast quite a bit lately, and they seem just too good for the money. Good balance, very tuff, and if you are going to build a lot, the grey blanks go with just about any thread colors.

I build almost exclusivly freshwater spinning rods, and I would say if you didn't know the price, you would put them in a class with entry level Loomis or St. Croix.

Just my $.02.
Marc

One more point of interrest on this one. About 2 months ago I received a shipment of 3 blanks, and the box they were packed in was litterally folded in half from shipping - not a pleasant thing to find on your front porch!

There was one Matrix blank and two "other" blanks I will not name in the package. The Matrix was the only blank that made it with no dammage. I did not build on the blank in case of damage that was not visible, but I think this shows that they are VERY TUFF STUFF. I don't think you can go wrong with either, and I did see that American Tackle is starting to offer some of these in a gloss grey Matrix, which should look really nice.

Can't go wrong with either one really.

Have fun,
Marc

Thanks Marc,

My Forecast is blue in in color.

From your feedback, sounds like both are comparable.....

Thanks,
Mo

I have never used Forecast but plan to soon with all the good reviews ie value for the money. I have used the Matrix and I agree they are an attractive blank. I may be just bad luck but the last Matix UL 2 pcs 6' blank I got was bad. While looking the blank over the top 4" of the tip broke off in my hand. I was not even flexing it. Fortunately, Mudhole sent me a replacement no cost no question.

Gary, if you are using UL, you may want to use either of the Matrix or Forecast 6' 6" 2 wt fly blank in 2 piece. Both are virtually identical in weight although the Matrix is slightly lighter at the top half and heavier in the bottom half. Forecast is a hair more powerful while Matrix is a hair more moderate. Again, both are more similar than different.

Mo

I would choose the Forecast over the Matrix:
1) I have experienced the grey gloss coating flaking on two custom 4pc 3/4 wt rods.
2) I prefer the action of the Forecast to the Matrix
3) If you are going to buy a large lot to build custom finished rods for many different customers the Matrix may not work out all that well. Although I think the weave is really pretty It can make a rod look too busy. Iif you plan on doing complex decorative thread wraps or feather inlays next to the weave it doesn't look very good. When the butt wraps are kept simple next to the weave the rods looks great!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/23/2007 01:44PM by Moushka Wells.