Hello,
I am a newbie and have a question concerning a couple rods I am looking at for a build. A few opinions would be helpful.

First is a Black Matrix......
Model Length Line Wt Pieces Action Tip Size Butt Dia. Blank Wt.
AMF908-5-B 9' 8 5 pc. Mod-Fast 5 .41 2.2


Next is a St. Croix
Fly, Bass/Salmon/Steelhead/Saltwater, 9' 8 4 4.5 0.385" 2.0

I don't know if I gave enough info but hopefully someone can shed some light on the subject.
Thanks
Mark

Mark,
Both of these are fine blanks and make good rods.

What are your questions?

Be safe

Mark, not a lot of info to go by, it certainly would be helpful if you could tell us how you want to use the finished rod. I don't think your asking us for a direct comparison between the two blanks are you?

Well, if you are asking me to pick from the two.....st. croix hands down....if money is no object. Of course you don't mention the model number. FWIW mudhole has a nice one on sale. If you need 4 pc take a look at 42F908 4-F. Nine weight, 4 pc, made from a blend of SC 2 and 4. Very nice blank but more rod than I think one would need for bass.....but they do have a 7 weight also:) Heck I use a 5 weight for bass and don't feel under gunned.

If a 2 pc is fine they have a 3F908 2 for like 20 bucks cheaper.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

As regards ATC Matrix blanks, I have built a rod on an 8' 4wt 3-piece Black Matrix blank and I absolutely adore it. However this does not mean that all other blanks from the Matrix series are cool (though they may well be!!!). Actually, if you use Green Matrix - it will be just as fine! ;-)))

Well thank you all for the help!
As for the St. Croix it is model # 4F908.4 at Get bit outdoors. For $115. I wasn't sure I could post other sites info here.
I have a St. Croix myself and love it, but this is for a customer and they are wondering if the St.Croix is worth so much more money.
I haven't built any matrix rods yet and wasn't sure how they were. The customer pointed the matrix blank out to me and they doe want it to be a 4 pc. at least.
easier for travel. I really appreciate the help ...this newbie needs all I can get.

Thanks
Mark

Check that again
I can only find a 4F908.4 and not for 115.00

Bill - willierods.com

You can find that matrix blank for $44.74. The only matrix I have felt were popping blanks in emerald green. I thought it was a nice blank. I confess to having a man crush for st. croix but I never felt their fly rods.

The quickline series would be between those ranges and are getting rave reviews.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

depending on how the customer likes to cast a line What he has used and is using now
The softer casting - IMHO - would be the Matrix
The rod with more power in the butt and a faster casting action would be the St Croix

Bill - willierods.com

bill boettcher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> depending on how the customer likes to cast a line
> What he has used and is using now
> The softer casting - IMHO - would be the Matrix
> The rod with more power in the butt and a faster
> casting action would be the St Croix

Thanks Bill...he wants to use this rod mostly for King salmon and steelhead.
With a traditional fly rod setup. Until now he has only used the plunk and dunk setup
with a 10 ' 9 wt. 2pc rainshadow. He is just getting started in this addiction.
Thanks again!
Mark

Never been impressed with St. Croix fly rods. There ok but not that great. I would say they are a TFO trying to be a Sage. I would look at a Batson RX7 or Quickline by Pacbay. Both great blanks for the money and will satisfiy everyone.