Matagi TR68T-XUL Extra Super Area Swamp

I took to rod building during the lockdowns in 2020 because I wanted certain components on UL rods which were not available on US domestic production models. Initial builds were on MHX and Phenix Mirage blanks. However, after going the JDM route for UL rods I had been wanting to build a UL rod on a JDM blank.

After much searching I stumbled on Matagi blanks on Crappie.com. Cimalmotto had posted two Matagi builds so I shot him a DM and he was very kind to help me with sourcing the blanks and advising on components to use.

The blank itself was under 14 grams and the finished rod 43 grams.
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Tip is tubular.

Components uses

Guides: Fuji ATTG 128 Titanium Torzite guide set with two extra size 3 runners. Ten guides in total. I could have used 8 guides but the line hugs the bend of the rod much better with 10 guides.
Reel seat: Seaguide air-K[emoji769] Woven Carbon Spinning Reel Seat AKSS - SLHSC
Hood cover: Matagi Cork Foregrip for KDPS16 - Style a
Butt: Fuji BGKS Mini Butt Grip in cork. Sanded and cut to reduce profile and weight.

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Thoughts about feel and performance

Sensitivity: I would place this in the same category as my Daiwa Presso Air AGS. But the tip is a little softer. Initially when I fished the rod I did not feel much difference in sensitivity. However, when I used my Finetail Area Stage 63 SUl the difference in sensitivity was more discernible and significant.
With ester slack line bites can be easily felt, same a Presso Air AGS. But, it also fishes very well with fluoro (user Bluemoon in 1.75 lbs).

Comfort: At 43 grams (1.5 oz) the rod is quite light and amounts to holding almost nothing at all. The reel seat is very comfortable, much more so than Fuji SK2, but at approx 20 grams a bit heavier (Fuji SK2 without insert is 17 grams).

Lure rating: As per Matagi the blank is rated for 1 - 3 grams. But it will easily cast 0.5 gram jighead with a trout magnet and can also handle a jighead of 2 grams. For twitching, 1.5 grams of lower is better suited.

The rod will handle the occasional bass and catfish.

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The second one was foul hooked and put a decent bend on the rod, but it handled very well.

A very exciting and sleek build on the same blank is being done by Cimalmotto. I will be looking forward to it.


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Very nice

Very nice builds

Nice work....sounds like it is a fantastic blank. Good call on the 10 guides.


Regards

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Nice work....sounds like it is a fantastic blank. Good call on the 10 guides.


Regards

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Seems the manufacturers try to “save $$” when they go with 8 guides.

The blank is fun to catch even a 4 inch bluegill. I have another solid tip XUL Area blank by Matagi (which I need to write a post about it). Fishing with it is as close as your description of automatic hooking with Abu Garcia Diplomat Extreme. Rated 1 - 2 lb test, that rod is a lot of fun on smaller bluegill.

Feel better, Randy.


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That’s a pretty build Danny. I like the minimal concept. My recent builds took more guides than originally planned to get the line to act right too. And I know about them feeling like nothing in hand and being a pleasure to fish. Just out of curiosity, how much for the blank? I’m feeling weak and may build another.
And that first catfish really slimed your line. Bad!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by skeetbum

That’s a pretty build Danny. I like the minimal concept. My recent builds took more guides than originally planned to get the line to act right too. And I know about them feeling like nothing in hand and being a pleasure to fish. Just out of curiosity, how much for the blank? I’m feeling weak and may build another.
And that first catfish really slimed your line. Bad!

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Thanks Skeet! The additional guides really help keep the line close to the blank when under load. Most of my UL builds have 10 guides.

The blank is pricey. Casey from Voodoo Rods has it available for around $197 (inclusive of tip guide). When I ordered the blank he was having them shipped from Japan. But now he keeps some models in stock.

Yes, that catfish slimed the line pretty good. To be honest I don’t like to hold them due to the slime. The only thing that touches them is the plier to get the jig out. But, if I caught a 50 lbs catfish then I would surely hold it for a quick picture. [emoji3]


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Thanks Danny. I’m not careful enough with my rods to justify a blank of that price, but I’ll bet I could feel the difference if I used one. Sounds real nice. And the catfish, I’m 66 and I’ve never cleaned or filleted a catfish. Maybe one day…….

Beautiful work, thanks for sharing

Quote:

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Originally Posted by skeetbum

Thanks Danny. I’m not careful enough with my rods to justify a blank of that price, but I’ll bet I could feel the difference if I used one. Sounds real nice. And the catfish, I’m 66 and I’ve never cleaned or filleted a catfish. Maybe one day…….

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The manufacturer states that this blank is easy to break.
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Typically I do not carry my rods in a rod sleeve, but for this I use one. Also, while casting I don’t put my back into it because I don’t want the blank to hit the pier (while bank fishing) or my kayak and develop a crack.

When I fished with this the first time I felt buyers remorse. Felt the difference only after I fished it a day after fishing Finetail SUL.

I have a 7’4” UL high modulus blank from NFC which I really like. One can get it for under $100 when NFC have their specials. It is the most sensitive domestic blank (much more than MHX) in my collection and is very durable. If I make another rod from a domestic blank I would go with this and cut from the bottom to preferred size.

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