Matrix has officially revealed its brand-new XTR pole range, following years of behind-the-scenes testing and development. The project saw consultants and designers push the boundaries of modern match pole design. This includes a bold change of mandrel, the use of new materials, and the introduction of refined top kits to suit today’s commercial venues.
The exclusive first look came in a new video shared with Club Matrix members ahead of Thursday’s launch. It features key figures from the design and testing phases of development. Each detailing the process, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped the Matrix XTR pole series.
A New Mandrel for a New Era
Few pole ranges take the risk of changing mandrels, yet Matrix decided it was the only way to deliver step-change performance. The long-standing MTX mandrel has served for over a decade, but as modern commercial fishing has shifted towards larger carp and heavier weights, the demands on poles have grown.
As Jame Hughes explained:
We’re catching fish 20 to 25lb now on some venues that we go to like Larford and Barston. The stresses put on a pole, in modern day commercial fishing, have just changed so much. I wanted something with stronger butt sections, just something that could deal with the rigors of the abuse we put a pole through in a five-hour session.
The new XTR mandrel not only improves strength but also transforms balance, redistributing carbon to make the pole more responsive while keeping the action in the top sections.
Advanced Materials
Another breakthrough was the introduction of graphene into the carbon mix. Early tests showed clear improvements in strength and rigidity, though balancing that with feel and usability required further refinement. Two early samples were produced, both built on the existing MTX mandrel. The first sample was built using refined carbon and the second using graphene.
Jamie explained that there was a clear advantage with the graphene.
The difference between the two was amazing. The one with graphene was clearly so much, I’m going to say the word stronger, but it just felt better. It felt more rigid. It just felt so much better than the other one, but when you actually used the pole, something didn’t feel quite right. The balance, the weight, whatever else. Something just wasn’t quite there.
Balance vs Weight
The video highlighted an often-misunderstood difference between pole weight and pole balance. While two poles might weigh the same on the scales, where that weight sits has a huge impact on feel.
By adjusting carbon placement and adopting a slimmer-diameter top kit, the XTR poles achieve a noticeably lighter feel in the hand while remaining robust enough for demanding venues.
Matrix brand manager, Shaun Litlle, explains why the mandrel had to change to imporve the RTX pole balance and make them feel lighter. When asked what they could do to change the balance, he replied:
Other than strip carbon out, which in turn would make them wearker, Not a lot. So, we had to change the mandrel. We tried numerous things, and the only way that you can get the balance and the action that we want is to change mandrel.
The next stage of development was to produce to more samples on a different mandrel. One made to fit the existing MTX top kts, and a second using a new slimmer top kit. Jamie was so impressed with the slimmer top kit design that he took it home with him and used it as his main pole.
Tested at the Highest Level
From UK championships to major finals, the prototypes were fished in high-pressure environments with limited spares, and passed every test. Consultants used them with confidence in events such as FishOMania qualifiers and the Maver Match This Final where Jamie won the £50,000 title.
In Europe, testing saw the poles put up against powerful carp and grass carp, further underlining their durability.
Jamie recalled:
I took it up to Whitmore Fisheries and caught a 36lb sturgeaon. The biggest fish I’ve seen caught, hooked. It was frightening. I never expected to catch something on that, and the pole performed beautifully. I mean, not at any point did I think that was going to destroy my pole. if anything is going to give you confidence in using a pole, catching a fish of that size pretty much does the job.
Top Kit Redesign
Matrix placed particular emphasis on top kits, creating three distinct versions. The now standard longer kits for carp, short kits for F1s, and a new hybrid top kit that sits between the two. A new “all-rounder” that Matrix thinks will be the best to cover all forms of commercial fishing. Callum Dicks, who joined Matrix well into the XTR pole’s development said:
No other company has spent this much time and effort developing a perfect top kit.
This attention to detail means the XTR range caters for the wide variety of modern commercial fishing scenarios
The Final XTR Pole Range
After multiple refinements and exhaustive testing, the finished XTR poles were revealed with completed graphics, kit markers, and professional decals. The result is a comprehensive range built from the ground up.
The new XTR poles are by far the most comprehensive range we have ever launched. We have left no stone unturned.
Watch the Full XTR Reveal Video
Matrix has released an exclusive first look at the XTR range, featuring insights from the design team and on-bank testing.
More details will arrive on Thursday, but from the video it looks like there will be at least seven poles in the range. The XTR 100, XTR 200, XTR 300, XTR 400, XTR 500, XTR 600, and the flagship XTR 700.