Scientific Anglers fly lines underwent a really good makeover for 2016. Lot's of upgrades to existing lines, many needed additions and some very interesting changes in categorizations. These changes should really help in the understanding of line uses as well as technologies. I hope to explain and make sense of these changes and along the way highlight some lines I think you should be aware of that may benefit your angling needs.
Mastery Series
Mastery series lines have been around for many years and they are the original lines that really gave Scientific Anglers its name. Lines like GPX, Mastery Trout, Expert Distance and many of these great lines anglers are currently using today. S/A decided it was time for a complete makeover for the Mastery Series. Now before fear sets in that your favorite line is gone forever and you must buy up all remaining old lines while you can find them, STOP! Know this that your favorites are still there and have been tweaked to be better than ever. Let me dive in and highlight some changes you need to be aware of.Mastery GPX is now MPX (Mastery Presentation Taper)
MPX replaces GPX |
Notice MPX is also offered in Wavelength. Wavelength is the Textured Series of fly lines. We'll get more into Wavelength in a future article. |
Tighter loop formation, with a slightly shorter head and more condensed mass, in addition to a larger proportion of mass at the front of the head. Redesigned with more mass toward the front of the head, the MPX provides the same benefits of the GPX, with an added emphasis on presentation. The power is still there, only with an added bit of finesse. The MPX makes casting for beginners easier and provides more performance for accomplished anglers. The slightly smaller tip diameter conserves the presentation of the line and prevents it from feeling over powered.
If GPX was your line of choice than you are really going to enjoy MPX. The new taper is a great improvement in the way of presentation and it is a very noticeable improvement!
Salmon / steelhead line |
More Mastery Lines
Mastery AnadroThis is your Steelhead and Salmon line. Think Anadromous fish. It's made with a long head for easy roll casting and long distance mending. Formulated for cooler climates and utilizes a braided multifilament core for ultra low stretch performance.
Mastery Titan - The Smooth Titan!
Not to be confused with Wavelength Titan, The Mastery Titan is a smooth finish version of this very popular line.
The Titan line is a bumped up powerful casting line ideal for large flies and quick rod loading. Personally I would recommend buying this line in the textured Wavelength version but many anglers prefer the smooth traditional fly line feel offered in the Mastery Series. Either way it is a powerful line well suited for today's big fly anglers.
Mastery SBT (Short Belly Taper)
This interesting line actually came out new last year and flew under the radar. The taper is designed with a short head, (21.5' to 27.3'). Note it is NOT line over-sized, (no weight bump).
Short Head but weight not bumped up! |
This line really excels at short to medium range casting and allows for easy turn over of weighted nymphs and streamers. This line allows you to put some power in your trout rod without over-lining it. It's a really fun line to cast. I could really see anglers who fish small streamers for trout or panfish within reasonable casting distances really liking this line. It provides good turnover without feeling overpowered.
Mastery Grand Slam
The Grand Slam Taper is a proven powerful saltwater taper that has been refined over the years. This taper is also found in the Wavelength Series and Sharkwave Series. It's such a good powerful taper that many anglers have requested it in a Mastery smooth version. Scientific Anglers listened and delivered! The Grand Slam is a great choice for anglers pursuing Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon. This taper is such a great choice for many salt anglers due to it's bumped up weight that will help you load your rod and launch quicker cast to moving targets.
Mastery Grand Slam Taper |
Many other changes in this series but you will be able to recognize your favorites. Here's a short list.
- Trout - Revised taper for even more delicate delivery
- Double Taper - No longer hiding under the Trout name
- VPT- Versatile Presentation Taper is designed for delicate dry fly fishing. This line utilizes Sharkwave texturing on the tip for high flotation.
- Expert Distance - No change and it still comes in a Competition casting version
- Redfish - This line comes in both warm water and cold water versions
- Bonefish - Updated into a two color format for easy head recognition
- Saltwater - Taper improved for better presentation
- Tarpon - Improved taper, two color format and braided core
Heritage Ultra Presentation
Heritage Ultra Presentation Profile |
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