These MATRIX graphite models are mid-modulus graphite perfect for someone just starting out in fly fishing and not wanting to invest a large amount of money, but still wanting to have the highest quality rod at an affordable price. The rods are very light with mod-fast fly rod tip actions along with good mid-section and butt strength when it's needed. I started using these blanks back in 2003 and their quality has been excellent and consistent from then to today. These blanks are imported and distributed under the American Tackle brand by Foundation Outdoor Group - aka: Mudhole Custom Tackle in Oviedo, FL.

 

The only difference between the MATRIX rods and the other rods here lies just in the cost of the blanks for which I can attest to their excellent quality. Otherwise I would not use them. All other components & hardware, as well as the finish work, is the same that I use for all the other glass and graphite models shown on the site.

 

Several years back when fiberglass rods began to grab all of the attention, my graphite models sort of fell by the wayside because fiberglass "was the way to go". And that's what I built and sold. And, fiberglass is still a hot item as you can see with all the glass rods I have on this site. This year 2024, I decided to begin getting more affordable rods out to customers with these MATRIX models in 4, 5 & 6 weights as well as some other graphite models I am considering in my blank inventory. These rods have the same guarantee as the other rods on my site.

RETURNS for CUSTOM FLY RODS:  Fly rods ordered that are to be heavily customized with special reel seats, exotic woods, unique guides systems, or thread color schemes or snake skins, cannot be returned or funds refunded for obvious reasons. It will very well be a beautiful creation but it may not be desired by someone else. So purchase responsibly with this in mind as no returns will be accepted at any time after the order is finalized and work begun. 

 

RETURNS  of ONE-of-a-KIND, as-built Fly Rods:   On occasion I will have various models of high quality fly rods available that will be for sale "as built" for immediate shipment, such as the fly rod shown above. This rod may be returned if the customer feels it is not exactly what he or she wants as long as it is returned in the same packaging, rod case, and still in the new and unused condition in which it was received by the customer.  Rod returns for this reason must be post marked for return mailing within a 10-calendar day time frame from the customer's initial receipt of the rod. Customer will be responsible for the return Shipping, Handling & Insurance sufficient to cover the replacement of the fly rod. The rod will be inspected and compared to the photographs taken prior to shipment and any adjustments will be made prior to the monetary refund.  PLEASE request that a signature be required on my end when returning a rod to me for a refund. Without this requirement, I cannot be responsible for lost shipments.  Monetary refunds for returned rods will not include the Shipping, Handling & Insurance costs incurred for the shipment back to me.  Refunds will be sent by mail in the form of a Cashiers Check made out to the original purchaser.  

PLEASE MAKE CONTACT WITH ME BY TEXT OR PHONE CALL PRIOR TO RETURNING A ROD SO I CAN BE EXPECTING THE SHIPMENT.  Contact information is listed below:

Please return the fly rod to my shop address below:

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Sweetwater Fly Rods

Charles Armontrout

1907 Hot Springs 

Covington, VA  24426

Cell:  540-691-6290

The product price listed above DOES NOT INCLUDE S&H & Ins. Shipping fees will be determined based upon customer’s address/zip code. If this rod is purchased from this website, the shipping/handling/Ins cost will be requested by a PayPal invoice sent to the customer's email prior to shipment- a PayPal account is NOT NEEDED for this invoice. Also included is tracking along with the requirement of an adult being present for a signature at time of delivery at the customer’s destination. The customer will be given the tracking number after shipment has been made. Other shipping options requested by the customer will incur additional fees and can be discussed prior to shipment. Shipping services by the US Postal Service and United Parcel Service (UPS) are available. Please call or send an e-mail if additional info is needed.

 

Ensure that the mailing address I am given is the correct one for your purchase as I cannot be responsible for the delivery of an order to the wrong address....Trust me, it has happened. I will always require an adult signature to be obtained upon delivery.

 

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK TO THE WARRANTY DOCUMENT located on the STORE front page as that has additional information about shipping, delivery and damages in shipping and what you need to do at the time of receipt if you see the rod has been damaged in transit to your destination.