TLS Power Matrix 864-4 Fly Rod

A classic all-around trout fly rod for traveling to almost any type of water.

Average Customer Rating:

4.4 out of 5

5 of 5 (100%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.

Customer Reviews for TLS Power Matrix 864-4 Fly Rod

Top 100 Contributor

Overall Rating:

5 / 5

Great Rod for the Not-So-Big Ones, April 30, 2009
By: FishingVA from Richmond, VA

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Fishing on the James River

"I purchased this rod in a 4wt to supplement my heavier 7wt that I use for targeting bigger fish. Apparently, my fish-finding skills aren't what I'd like them to be, so instead of coming home with pictures of behemoths, most of my pictures show me grinning next to four-inch bluegills. So to make the little guys more sporting, I decided to pick up a smaller rod.
The TLS Power Matrix does the trick. It's sensitive enough to feel the smallest bites, yet strong enough to pull in much larger fish than I anticipate catching with it. In fact, just recently I reeled in a nice size smallmouth--the rod really bent in the fight, but at no point did I feel like I was losing control of the fish or the rod. So while I love using my sensitive TLS for bluegill, the 4wt is more than capable of handling a sizable bass or trout. Casting to finicky fish is also not a problem. It's pretty accurate at moderate distances, and I can still shoot out a good chunk of line when needed. Additionally, note that the mid-flex rating actually means mid-flex (I love Orvis' accurate ratings).
The rod passes the craftsmanship test too. The cork handle is adequate for a rod in this price range, and the rod itself appears light but strong. The smooth action of the reel-lock seat makes attaching/detaching my reel nearly effortless. I also like the white ferrule dots--they really help with lining up the rod sections at dawn and dusk.
All in all, this is a great rod for the price range, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants to upgrade from an entry level rod."

Review 2 for TLS Power Matrix 864-4 Fly Rod

Top 10 Contributor

Overall Rating:

5 / 5

The TLS 864-4 Mid Flex 7.0, November 15, 2007
By: Robert from Boynton Beach, Florida

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Peacock Bass caught in Boynton Bch, Fla,

"You know, you always have a "favorite rod", and I own eleven Orvis rods, and whenever I use one I say this one is it to myself, until I use another one. I just got in from catching large mouh bass with my Power Matrix 864-4 mid 7.0 and I tell you, this is my favorite rod. It is such an all around fly rod. I use my black bar stock III reel on it with 4 wt., and sometimes 5 wt. line. Tonight I had a combo of this rod and my titanium mid arbor III with 5 wt. line and was tossing olive wolly buggers and got a bunch of nice bass. I love how Orvis fly rods and reels compliment each other and fit so well together. This 8 foot 6 inch mid flex rod delicately lands the smallest dry flies, yet can easily throw a wolly bugger 60 ft. Alot of fish that I catch don't even know they're hooked because of it's soft tip. Other rod companies have their "medium, medium fast, and fast action" flex ratings, (and what is that anyway?) but no other company can sell you a rod that is so precisely made with their flex index. And you can feel them exactly when casting different rods. From full 5.5 to mid 6.5 to mid 8.0 and tip flex 10.0 they are what they say. That's impressive and fun when you can go out and change so many combos with their different reels, rods, and lines, and have successful results with every one. Cheers Orvis!"

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Review 3 for TLS Power Matrix 864-4 Fly Rod

Overall Rating:

4 / 5

December 18, 2006
By: R. Bellini

"I love this rod. It is so nice to cast. I have a mix of tip flex and mid flex rods and every one is Orvis. Every time I use each rod I find an appreciation for it almost like a favorite wine that you love and don't realize how much until you taste it again. This rod is so delicate yet it will get your fly where you need it to go even with a slight wind. Another great Orvis fly rod!!!"

Review 4 for TLS Power Matrix 864-4 Fly Rod

Overall Rating:

4 / 5

October 23, 2005
By: B. Jim

"I’m new at Fly Fishing. I got a not so cheep, cheep rod and couldn't get a good cast consistently. So I tried this rod and in minuets my loops where better and i was a lot more consistent, and able to cast much farther. Thanks Orvis!"

Review 5 for TLS Power Matrix 864-4 Fly Rod

Overall Rating:

4 / 5

June 12, 2005
By: S. Comeau

"I bought one of these as a Father's Day gift for my dad. Once dad casts it he will understand why I HAD to sneak it out fishing with me this weekend. A joy to cast, plenty of protection for my 7x and 8x tippets, and a wonderful value for an Orvis rod! "