Working on a prototype fly rod for the Stehekin Wilderness for next year. I am using an 8' 6" American Tackle Matrix 4-weight blank, and simply can't get over how straight these blanks are! That, and their responsiveness! They look great, too, with the Matrix weave in the butt and a poliched black finish. With the Microwave Stripper Guides and a total of 12 guides, the load is so totally uniform that the blank has no stress points or weak points, and the casting is stellar! I'll post pics when it is finished.

Where are these blanks made? I'm not sure the "American Tackle Matrix" brand name is geographically accurate.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/07/2021 06:53PM by Phil Ewanicki.

Many of your top name blanks are made off-shore, including G Loomis. But that doesn't mean there's anyhing wrong with them unless you are committed to "Made in the USA" brands. There have been several blank manufacturors in the US that have closed their dooirs in recent years, like Cousins and Rogue Rods, both with great blanks. The manufacturing costs in the US required higher price points, which may have contributed to their closures.

Whether geographically correct or not, the fact remains that the Matrix series by American Tackle are great blanks at a good price point.

I have a 8wt and a 7wt waiting for me at home. I was more than impressed with the ascetics this blank provides. Paired up with one of the 3KFST fly seats it will definitely turn some heads.

I have never posted pictures on this site and am unsure how to do so. I will post them on the Custom Rod Builders Facebook site.

Why 12 guides on this light short blank? Seems like a lot of unnecessary weight.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2021 07:44PM by Phil Erickson.

I don't mind Asian-made rod blanks at all. They make some dandies for the money, especially if you can purchase them before they are re-branded and packaged by re-sellers.

Phil, when using light wire snake guides, the weight increment is negligible and the benefits far outweigh any weight and balance issues. What it does is to more accurately spread the load over the entire blank with no weak spots or stress points. The rod casts better and does a much better job of fighting fish. Mike McCoy of Snake Brand Snake Guides took a standard 5-wt rod, added several more guides and got significantly longer and smoother casts. It is his guide spacing I have modified for my own porposes.

I built an 8'6" 5 wt AT Matrix and I loved it . However I stepped on it on its maiden voyage . Where did you find it because I haven't seen one for sale . Thx.