The American Tackle Matrix blanks are cool in green, but absolutely awesome in black. This is the only 5pc I could find in black, but still a nice combination. 9’, 5pc, #5 with a TiCH Pacific Bay A7 Skeleton with an ironwood insert. The grip is custom turned. Guides are Pacific Bay TiCH single foot wrapped with black nylon, no CP, and Metallic Pewter accents. A simple blue dun hackle and Jungle Cock inlay set it off.
Wow kb, that’s a great looking flyrod…nice job !
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
Nice looking rod. I like the look of the Amtak blanks. Does the black have a similar feel to the green?
Thank you. The only difference is color, as far as I know.
Kevin,
I have been eye balling this blank for some time. You did a beautiful job on it. If you play around with it please let me know what you think of the performance.
PS.
The insert looks more like African Blackwood as opposed to Ironwood. Nice touch!
Kevin, Very nice stick! Best Regards…
Kevin,
Absolutely spectacular!
Regards,
Gandolf
Looks great!
Kevin, Another superb rod!!! I alwyas liked the the woven twill of the Matrix, but was disappointed when I saw a blank in person and found that it only went part way up the blank. The black however seems to have a better look to the transition then the green. It appears your stripper happens to be at the location where the twill stops. was that intentional or a happy coincidence?
The stripper spotted within an inch of being just right. 
I did move it a tad to cover the transition. So the answer to your question is “Yes.” :lol:
Ya gotta love it when the plan comes together!