First Impressions: Matrix Innovations Super Slinky Stainless - 29/05/2009
Seven years ago, when I first joined DHP as a novice hack, one of the companies that I had my earliest dealings with was Matrix Innovations.
Back then the Hertfordshire-based company was manufacturing bobbins and the like, as well as a few bits of stainless rod support. The products that have followed have achieved cult and mainstream appeal and such items as the chunky Rock Solid Stainless can be seen on many lake’s banks up and down the country. The newest addition to the Matrix family is this Super Slinky Stainless – a slimmer version of the UK, hand-made, precision gear. Where the Rock Solid stuff boasts a 20mm diameter, the Super Slinky version is 12mm, yet remains strong. Thumbscrews feature knurled edges and coin slots to allow them to be cranked down tightly and once set up this stuff does not budge. There are some neat stabilisers to ensure this, if you feel the need.
Three sizes of bankstick are available, namely 9in, 12in and 16in, and these cover most angling situations. Buzz bars are coolness personified, and come in two-rod fixed, three-rod fixed and adjustable versions. There are some really narrow options in two-rod and three-rod bars for the serious tackle tart. Super Slinky Stainless is definitely one of those ranges that is obviously inspired and made by proper carp anglers. Finally, there are snag bars that allow your rods to be fished goalpost fashion and with the absolute guarantee of no movement whatsoever. The build quality of this stainless is superb, and every item feels solid, well constructed and built to last. The best bit, in my opinion, is that it’s all made here in the UK, to exacting standards. The guys at Matrix obviously take pride in what they do, and it shows. The TC boys certainly took a liking to this stuff, so I think you might be seeing a bit more of it in future issues.
First impressions
Cool looks and solid design make this some of the best stainless that we’ve ever reviewed. As with any good-quality stainless, it’s perhaps not for the angler on a tight budget.
RRP: Banksticks from £17.50; buzz bars from £27.99; stabliser £9.99
Contact: Matrix Innovations on 01992 448005
