merricktackle has some really cool handle kits by matagi listed on the webpage but they do not sell direct . are there any u.s distributors of japanese syle handle kits such as Matagi? thanks newton
oh no.I'm sorry. i should have been more specific. i mean a handle kits such as a reel seat, grips, winding checks and butt caps for heavy bass/inshore salt.
You can order from Johnny's Pond: Johnny's Pond Fishing and Rod Building Super Store They carry Matagi products. You could also try Donart: Donart Rods - Custom Rod Building Components and Supplies They do not carry Matagi, but I've special ordered Merrick stocked items through them in the past. I'm sure they'd be willing to help you with your project.
If you go to Johnny's Pond, (unfortunately you have little choice w/ Matagi other than finding someone overseas willing to ship to you) plan well ahead and order plenty. My experience is they don't stock much basic rod building material, let alone specialized long lead-time items like Matagi. A recent order of straight Eva foam took 3 weeks to get here drop shipped straight from Merrick, and I didn't even get the most important items! (the only reason I ordered there at all) I haven't ordered Matagi from them. But my guess is that lead-time will be ~3-6 weeks.
Mudhole has some kits styled sim to Matagi for bass rods, but you prob already know that... That's the only option I know of that you can get quickly. Others on here know more than me though.
Batson start making aluminum winding check and reel seat ring. And fuji colored reel seat Mudhole brand is from Matagi.
mudhole is a excellent place to get supplies from and they usually ship next day. If you do a google search try (the rod room ) she has alot of supplies that are considerably cheaper in price than mudhole . It will really save you some change if you have a tax I.D.#.
If you guys need Matagi components, let me know. I just placed another order from Japan last night, I try to place 5 or 6 orders a season so that I'm always stocked on the JApanese components I need. Merrick doesnt' have much stock in Matagi, Johnny's pond overall has very little stock, all he does is call Merrick when you place an order and it gets drop shipped. Donart doesnt' have much if any Matagi stuff in stock. If oyu see something you like you're going to have to wait regardless who you order it from. It's well worth the wait though.
