MAtrix is closing it’s doors....

[TollBros]

It honestly doesn't surprise me. When I was a college player, they were the class of the industry, making great and continuously innovative products. The guy who really put them on the map left on bad terms and after they rode out the last product cycle or two that he had set up, it was all downhill. They still make a decent product, but they are no longer considered the innovators or Pinnacle of the industry. When that JC dude left it was the worst thing that could have happened to them. They should give the man a call and beg him to come back to save them.

 

The high end shaft segment seems so saturated and tough to compete in, I definitely agree with the earlier poster who stated consolidation is on the way.

 

Just about everyone is using the same resin (T1100, nanoalloy, etc.). Everyone has the same product lines more or less (high launch, low launch, etc.). Heck, half the companies even use the same color schemes to differentiate performance categories (blue, white, etc.) The companies that aren't Japanese seem to want to use fake japanese names or graphics to get in on the magic fairy dust marketing.

 

Really no way to differentiate these products as a consumer anymore, so it's all down to marketing. Who is tiger using? Who has a 100 page thread on WRX? More often than not, the thread is really long because the company is giving away free stuff to generate posts.

 

I've become addicted to shafts recently and from my research there are two companies that stand out to me in some way. MRC, because they have some unique materials such as boron tip, kevlar, titanium wires. Also project x, because the hand crafted in the US thing is appealing to me. Even then, I'm really bending over backwards to find differentiating factors.

 

I agree with you. Mitsubishi/Aldila and True Temper shafts are the ones that really stand out. I suppose that shouldn't be surprising. Something like 80+% of all the carbon prepreg in golf is supplied by Mitsubishi and they are definitely the industry leader in exotic material construction, and providing different ways to create products that perform similar, but are dramatically different in feel, so that all players can comfortably fit into a certain performance profile. And True Temper has been making golf shafts for as long as anyone.

 

Matrix had a great thing going at one point but they lost the magic and let the wrong people leave. It's been a series of average products since then, I feel. In today's golf climate, mediocre isn't good enough, which is great for the consumer. Only the exceptional thrive.

[rsballer10]

There's only so much further graphite shaft tech can go...

 

Shafts have gone from 130g steel to as low as sub ~40g, all while maintaining relatively stiff profiles. That's a 90g decrease.

 

The only real advancements now are drastic shaft profiles (stiff tip, soft mid, stiff but) that seem to be all the rage now. But it seems that it's so hard to stand out from other offerings, it's a shame I love matrix shafts.

[autronicdsm]

Total bummer about it. I have a PZ-135 in one of my putters and it's sooo smooth. It's one of the reasons why I now want to try their TPHDe. Seems like Zylon really works well at reducing vibration.

[Curt_]

will their old shafts still be available for purchase? That's really too bad...

[Curt_]

I have this Matrix X-Con 7 in my 3 wood. Honestly the best fitting club in my bag. Shaft was butter.

[TollBros]

There's only so much further graphite shaft tech can go...

 

Shafts have gone from 130g steel to as low as sub ~40g, all while maintaining relatively stiff profiles. That's a 90g decrease.

 

The only real advancements now are drastic shaft profiles (stiff tip, soft mid, stiff but) that seem to be all the rage now. But it seems that it's so hard to stand out from other offerings, it's a shame I love matrix shafts.

 

Totally disagree. I'll put up some proof of my statement later today or tomorrow. They are just touching the surface of multimaterial constructions.

[TollBros]

I have this Matrix X-Con 7 in my 3 wood. Honestly the best fitting club in my bag. Shaft was butter.

 

I played an X-Con 8 in a 5 wood in college and loved that shaft. And an F7 in the driver which was outstanding also. That was their hey day when the products were special.

[nitram]

It honestly doesn't surprise me. When I was a college player, they were the class of the industry, making great and continuously innovative products. The guy who really put them on the map left on bad terms and after they rode out the last product cycle or two that he had set up, it was all downhill. They still make a decent product, but they are no longer considered the innovators or Pinnacle of the industry. When that JC dude left it was the worst thing that could have happened to them. They should give the man a call and beg him to come back to save them.

 

 

According to a prior post, they are suing him as he's now "the man" @ Veylix. Anyone with a link to the lawsuit previously mentioned?

[rsballer10]

There's only so much further graphite shaft tech can go...

 

Shafts have gone from 130g steel to as low as sub ~40g, all while maintaining relatively stiff profiles. That's a 90g decrease.

 

The only real advancements now are drastic shaft profiles (stiff tip, soft mid, stiff but) that seem to be all the rage now. But it seems that it's so hard to stand out from other offerings, it's a shame I love matrix shafts.

 

Totally disagree. I'll put up some proof of my statement later today or tomorrow. They are just touching the surface of multimaterial constructions.

I don't disagree they can come up with newer materials, what performance benefits that accomplishes is where I'm skeptical. The same thing happened in cycling. Sure, a carbon bike that's 15lbs is wayyy better than the old steel that weighed 30lbs, and the rider could see a drastic increase in speed. Where it becomes a harder sell is trying to tell the average rider that a 13lb bike is going to lead to drastic improvement over a 15lb.

 

Not saying they won't continue to try and improve, do not get me wrong. I am incredibly impressed by so many new releases - how many shafts are more stable, but feel smoother than their predecessors.

 

With that being said, the golf equipment market is becoming stagnant. Its hard to deny, and it's not necessarily anyone's fault.

[Ri_Redneck]

Maybe selling $1000 shafts wasn't a good idea?

 

Wasn't that the original Oban Kyoshi White for the R1? $999 upgrade of some other insanity?

 

BT

[nova6868]

I've become addicted to shafts recently and from my research there are two companies that stand out to me in some way. MRC, because they have some unique materials such as boron tip, kevlar, titanium wires. Also project x, because the hand crafted in the US thing is appealing to me. Even then, I'm really bending over backwards to find differentiating factors.

 

Totally agree. Love the Handcrafted in the USA stuff. And I will say one of the reasons I started using some MRC stuff is because they have the best website. That may sound silly, but they make it really easy to research their different lines, look at the bend profiles, specs, etc.

 

[new2g0lf]

The shaft market is like any other trend based business. Manufacturers are constantly developing new shafts and when one gets chosen by a driver manufacturer for their new hit driver it's a home run for the shaft manufacturer who gets a lot of orders for shafts to retrofit existing drivers with. When the Titleist 913 and 915 drivers came out, everyone wanted a red, white or black tie shaft.

[Peanut191]

It honestly doesn't surprise me. When I was a college player, they were the class of the industry, making great and continuously innovative products. The guy who really put them on the map left on bad terms and after they rode out the last product cycle or two that he had set up, it was all downhill. They still make a decent product, but they are no longer considered the innovators or Pinnacle of the industry. When that JC dude left it was the worst thing that could have happened to them. They should give the man a call and beg him to come back to save them.

 

 

According to a prior post, they are suing him as he's now "the man" @ Veylix. Anyone with a link to the lawsuit previously mentioned?

 

Yep, I think JC is behind the Veylix designs. Excellent shafts. I would have though they would have gained more traction, but it seems like they are only known in small circles on this site(haven't even really heard about them anywhere else). Doesn't seem to be any marketing push behind them besides some word of mouth on the forums here.

 

It's a sad day if Matrix will be going under(really liked some of their old shafts like the F7M2 and the first iteration of the Black Tie hybrid), but I don't remember being blown away by any of their shafts for a while now.

[Z1ggy16]

Shame I really like my Altus Tour & Red Tie, although I like my Tensei Blue even better. Tried Black Tie and it wasn't for me. I thhhhiiinnnnkkk we are kind of starting to see MRC and Aldila really dominate the shaft industry with all their stellar offerings.

[playa]

Copied and pasted

 

 

To clarify the post written earlier today, Matrix is not closing. Certainly these past several years have been challenging for most of us in the golf industry and we are no different. We do find ourselves in a position where we must work with our bank to ensure that their future needs are met as well as ours. In this, the aforementioned order pertains only to our doors being closed today and possibly Monday as we work with our bank on a mandated comprehensive inventory count and work together to facilitate a collaborative strategy to meet our mutual needs moving forward. That being said, we are bullish about our new MARU and Altus Tour line of products and look forward to continuing to provide great product to all of our customers for many years to come."

 

Sincerely,

 

Chris Elson

President

That is the most impressive business speak/issue dodging/avoiding the truth media release I've seen in quite a while. I'm impressed.

Sounds like Matrix is screwed. 'Mandated comprehensive inventory count' sounds like a fancy way of saying the receivers have been called in by the creditors (bank).

[8thehardway]

If my wife mandated a comprehensive inventory count of my golf equipment and wanted a collaborative strategy to meet

our mutual financial needs going forward I'd expect divorce papers would arrive shortly after she finished counting.

 

[Golfspinner]

Question:

Does this make current Matrix shafts less or more valuable?

What if no more Zylon shafts are ever produced?

Or what if they sell their stock for .10 on the dollar?

[Colej]

Maybe selling $1000 shafts wasn't a good idea?

 

Wasn't that the original Oban Kyoshi White for the R1? $999 upgrade of some other insanity?

 

BT

 

Yeah I'm not sure.....

[TollBros]

Question:

Does this make current Matrix shafts less or more valuable?

What if no more Zylon shafts are ever produced?

Or what if they sell their stock for .10 on the dollar?

 

 

I'm sure you will see product cleared for a discount simply because if they close, it can no longer be warrantied. The older stuff still seems to hold some value just because of the quality, but I'd suspect the newer products might be cleared out very inexpensively. Obviously we are speculating, as they are not out of business just yet, but the situation is not good.

[trhode]

Curious how this will effect the Long Drive circuit. Don't they make House of Forged shafts?

[J13]

It honestly doesn't surprise me. When I was a college player, they were the class of the industry, making great and continuously innovative products. The guy who really put them on the map left on bad terms and after they rode out the last product cycle or two that he had set up, it was all downhill. They still make a decent product, but they are no longer considered the innovators or Pinnacle of the industry. When that JC dude left it was the worst thing that could have happened to them. They should give the man a call and beg him to come back to save them.

 

 

According to a prior post, they are suing him as he's now "the man" @ Veylix. Anyone with a link to the lawsuit previously mentioned?

 

Yep, I think JC is behind the Veylix designs. Excellent shafts. I would have though they would have gained more traction, but it seems like they are only known in small circles on this site(haven't even really heard about them anywhere else). Doesn't seem to be any marketing push behind them besides some word of mouth on the forums here.

 

It's a sad day if Matrix will be going under(really liked some of their old shafts like the F7M2 and the first iteration of the Black Tie hybrid), but I don't remember being blown away by any of their shafts for a while now.

 

JC owns Veylix and also designs and manufactures Xphlexxx shafts like the Agera. I know JC personally and can assure you he knows more about shaft construction then anyone I've ever met. He made Matrix into what it was and when he left they just kept recycling the old stuff which will only get you so far.

 

As for shaft construction the best has yet to come. Graphene is coming once price comes down. Right now companies are starting to dabble in it but when it's introduced in larger quantities you will see some really cool stuff with ball speed and dispersion ;)

[ZBigStick]

JC?

I’m familiar with JC of Nazareth.

[Colej]

Curious how this will effect the Long Drive circuit. Don't they make House of Forged shafts?

 

Not sure but it seemed like these last few LD events I've watched lots of Paderson shafts.

[TollBros]

It honestly doesn't surprise me. When I was a college player, they were the class of the industry, making great and continuously innovative products. The guy who really put them on the map left on bad terms and after they rode out the last product cycle or two that he had set up, it was all downhill. They still make a decent product, but they are no longer considered the innovators or Pinnacle of the industry. When that JC dude left it was the worst thing that could have happened to them. They should give the man a call and beg him to come back to save them.

 

 

According to a prior post, they are suing him as he's now "the man" @ Veylix. Anyone with a link to the lawsuit previously mentioned?

 

Yep, I think JC is behind the Veylix designs. Excellent shafts. I would have though they would have gained more traction, but it seems like they are only known in small circles on this site(haven't even really heard about them anywhere else). Doesn't seem to be any marketing push behind them besides some word of mouth on the forums here.

 

It's a sad day if Matrix will be going under(really liked some of their old shafts like the F7M2 and the first iteration of the Black Tie hybrid), but I don't remember being blown away by any of their shafts for a while now.

 

JC owns Veylix and also designs and manufactures Xphlexxx shafts like the Agera. I know JC personally and can assure you he knows more about shaft construction then anyone I've ever met. He made Matrix into what it was and when he left they just kept recycling the old stuff which will only get you so far.

 

As for shaft construction the best has yet to come. Graphene is coming once price comes down. Right now companies are starting to dabble in it but when it's introduced in larger quantities you will see some really cool stuff with ball speed and dispersion ;)

 

Graphene is exactly what I've got. Very expensive Protos with that exact product used. I'll be posting a big write up in the next day or two along with limited availability.

[getitdaily]

There's only so much further graphite shaft tech can go...

 

Shafts have gone from 130g steel to as low as sub ~40g, all while maintaining relatively stiff profiles. That's a 90g decrease.

 

The only real advancements now are drastic shaft profiles (stiff tip, soft mid, stiff but) that seem to be all the rage now. But it seems that it's so hard to stand out from other offerings, it's a shame I love matrix shafts.

 

Totally disagree. I'll put up some proof of my statement later today or tomorrow. They are just touching the surface of multimaterial constructions.

I don't disagree they can come up with newer materials, what performance benefits that accomplishes is where I'm skeptical. The same thing happened in cycling. Sure, a carbon bike that's 15lbs is wayyy better than the old steel that weighed 30lbs, and the rider could see a drastic increase in speed. Where it becomes a harder sell is trying to tell the average rider that a 13lb bike is going to lead to drastic improvement over a 15lb.

 

Not saying they won't continue to try and improve, do not get me wrong. I am incredibly impressed by so many new releases - how many shafts are more stable, but feel smoother than their predecessors.

 

With that being said, the golf equipment market is becoming stagnant. Its hard to deny, and it's not necessarily anyone's fault.

 

I agree with you both. I believe there will be newer materials (not sure what graphene is) that will make some marginal improvement. But I'm not sure what that improvement will be. I recently moved from an old school ust proforce v2 to a rogue silver. Launch monitor numbers showed launch, spin, and ball speed to be exactly the same between old tech and new tech. Dispersion was tighter with new tech by 8 yards.

 

Then I put the rogue in play on the course and that's where it really shined. It's really hard to hit a bad drive with that shaft. It doesn't want to curve...at all. And it's longer than launch monitor numbers.

 

So given what I've seem from the rogue, idk where improvements are to be had. Will new materials increase clubhead speed? Would a 2-4 yard tighter dispersion over the rogue really mean anything? Just not sure where there's improvement to be had especially if newer materials cause shaft prices to go up even more. Heck, I only got into the rogue (125msi) because of what wilson did with the triton. I can't imagine I'd ever fork over $300+ for a shaft. Especially when current shafts will be able to be had for cheap once whatever new comes out.

[rsballer10]

There's only so much further graphite shaft tech can go...

 

Shafts have gone from 130g steel to as low as sub ~40g, all while maintaining relatively stiff profiles. That's a 90g decrease.

 

The only real advancements now are drastic shaft profiles (stiff tip, soft mid, stiff but) that seem to be all the rage now. But it seems that it's so hard to stand out from other offerings, it's a shame I love matrix shafts.

 

Totally disagree. I'll put up some proof of my statement later today or tomorrow. They are just touching the surface of multimaterial constructions.

I don't disagree they can come up with newer materials, what performance benefits that accomplishes is where I'm skeptical. The same thing happened in cycling. Sure, a carbon bike that's 15lbs is wayyy better than the old steel that weighed 30lbs, and the rider could see a drastic increase in speed. Where it becomes a harder sell is trying to tell the average rider that a 13lb bike is going to lead to drastic improvement over a 15lb.

 

Not saying they won't continue to try and improve, do not get me wrong. I am incredibly impressed by so many new releases - how many shafts are more stable, but feel smoother than their predecessors.

 

With that being said, the golf equipment market is becoming stagnant. Its hard to deny, and it's not necessarily anyone's fault.

 

I agree with you both. I believe there will be newer materials (not sure what graphene is) that will make some marginal improvement. But I'm not sure what that improvement will be. I recently moved from an old school ust proforce v2 to a rogue silver. Launch monitor numbers showed launch, spin, and ball speed to be exactly the same between old tech and new tech. Dispersion was tighter with new tech by 8 yards.

 

Then I put the rogue in play on the course and that's where it really shined. It's really hard to hit a bad drive with that shaft. It doesn't want to curve...at all. And it's longer than launch monitor numbers.

 

So given what I've seem from the rogue, idk where improvements are to be had. Will new materials increase clubhead speed? Would a 2-4 yard tighter dispersion over the rogue really mean anything? Just not sure where there's improvement to be had especially if newer materials cause shaft prices to go up even more. Heck, I only got into the rogue (125msi) because of what wilson did with the triton. I can't imagine I'd ever fork over $300+ for a shaft. Especially when current shafts will be able to be had for cheap once whatever new comes out.

I've got a newer (2015 model for me is considered new) shaft in my 3 wood and I noticed the same thing...that was kinda the point I was trying to make was that they have improved stability, but most of the new offerings aren't nearly as "boardy" as 10 years ago. The first time I hit my 3W after I installed the new shaft, I thought it was a noodle. But the ball hardly curves at all. The last round I played in I hit 3W from the rough twice on par 5s, made birdie both times. So shaft tech has come along way. Maybe I just don't have enough imagination to consider what they will come up with 10 years from now...

[getitdaily]

There's only so much further graphite shaft tech can go...

 

Shafts have gone from 130g steel to as low as sub ~40g, all while maintaining relatively stiff profiles. That's a 90g decrease.

 

The only real advancements now are drastic shaft profiles (stiff tip, soft mid, stiff but) that seem to be all the rage now. But it seems that it's so hard to stand out from other offerings, it's a shame I love matrix shafts.

 

Totally disagree. I'll put up some proof of my statement later today or tomorrow. They are just touching the surface of multimaterial constructions.

I don't disagree they can come up with newer materials, what performance benefits that accomplishes is where I'm skeptical. The same thing happened in cycling. Sure, a carbon bike that's 15lbs is wayyy better than the old steel that weighed 30lbs, and the rider could see a drastic increase in speed. Where it becomes a harder sell is trying to tell the average rider that a 13lb bike is going to lead to drastic improvement over a 15lb.

 

Not saying they won't continue to try and improve, do not get me wrong. I am incredibly impressed by so many new releases - how many shafts are more stable, but feel smoother than their predecessors.

 

With that being said, the golf equipment market is becoming stagnant. Its hard to deny, and it's not necessarily anyone's fault.

 

I agree with you both. I believe there will be newer materials (not sure what graphene is) that will make some marginal improvement. But I'm not sure what that improvement will be. I recently moved from an old school ust proforce v2 to a rogue silver. Launch monitor numbers showed launch, spin, and ball speed to be exactly the same between old tech and new tech. Dispersion was tighter with new tech by 8 yards.

 

Then I put the rogue in play on the course and that's where it really shined. It's really hard to hit a bad drive with that shaft. It doesn't want to curve...at all. And it's longer than launch monitor numbers.

 

So given what I've seem from the rogue, idk where improvements are to be had. Will new materials increase clubhead speed? Would a 2-4 yard tighter dispersion over the rogue really mean anything? Just not sure where there's improvement to be had especially if newer materials cause shaft prices to go up even more. Heck, I only got into the rogue (125msi) because of what wilson did with the triton. I can't imagine I'd ever fork over $300+ for a shaft. Especially when current shafts will be able to be had for cheap once whatever new comes out.

I've got a newer (2015 model for me is considered new) shaft in my 3 wood and I noticed the same thing...that was kinda the point I was trying to make was that they have improved stability, but most of the new offerings aren't nearly as "boardy" as 10 years ago. The first time I hit my 3W after I installed the new shaft, I thought it was a noodle. But the ball hardly curves at all. The last round I played in I hit 3W from the rough twice on par 5s, made birdie both times. So shaft tech has come along way. Maybe I just don't have enough imagination to consider what they will come up with 10 years from now...

 

Maybe in 10 years we'll have tight dispersion shafts that weigh 25g and driver heads that are 175g and we'll all gain 5-10 mph in clubhead speed while maintaining optimal launch and spin. Pretty much the only way we'll see more distance is through faster clubhead speed.

[Peanut191]

It honestly doesn't surprise me. When I was a college player, they were the class of the industry, making great and continuously innovative products. The guy who really put them on the map left on bad terms and after they rode out the last product cycle or two that he had set up, it was all downhill. They still make a decent product, but they are no longer considered the innovators or Pinnacle of the industry. When that JC dude left it was the worst thing that could have happened to them. They should give the man a call and beg him to come back to save them.

 

 

According to a prior post, they are suing him as he's now "the man" @ Veylix. Anyone with a link to the lawsuit previously mentioned?

 

Yep, I think JC is behind the Veylix designs. Excellent shafts. I would have though they would have gained more traction, but it seems like they are only known in small circles on this site(haven't even really heard about them anywhere else). Doesn't seem to be any marketing push behind them besides some word of mouth on the forums here.

 

It's a sad day if Matrix will be going under(really liked some of their old shafts like the F7M2 and the first iteration of the Black Tie hybrid), but I don't remember being blown away by any of their shafts for a while now.

 

JC owns Veylix and also designs and manufactures Xphlexxx shafts like the Agera. I know JC personally and can assure you he knows more about shaft construction then anyone I've ever met. He made Matrix into what it was and when he left they just kept recycling the old stuff which will only get you so far.

 

As for shaft construction the best has yet to come. Graphene is coming once price comes down. Right now companies are starting to dabble in it but when it's introduced in larger quantities you will see some really cool stuff with ball speed and dispersion ;)

 

Graphene is exactly what I've got. Very expensive Protos with that exact product used. I'll be posting a big write up in the next day or two along with limited availability.

 

Who makes the graphene shafts?

[Peanut191]

It honestly doesn't surprise me. When I was a college player, they were the class of the industry, making great and continuously innovative products. The guy who really put them on the map left on bad terms and after they rode out the last product cycle or two that he had set up, it was all downhill. They still make a decent product, but they are no longer considered the innovators or Pinnacle of the industry. When that JC dude left it was the worst thing that could have happened to them. They should give the man a call and beg him to come back to save them.

 

 

According to a prior post, they are suing him as he's now "the man" @ Veylix. Anyone with a link to the lawsuit previously mentioned?

 

Yep, I think JC is behind the Veylix designs. Excellent shafts. I would have though they would have gained more traction, but it seems like they are only known in small circles on this site(haven't even really heard about them anywhere else). Doesn't seem to be any marketing push behind them besides some word of mouth on the forums here.

 

It's a sad day if Matrix will be going under(really liked some of their old shafts like the F7M2 and the first iteration of the Black Tie hybrid), but I don't remember being blown away by any of their shafts for a while now.

 

JC owns Veylix and also designs and manufactures Xphlexxx shafts like the Agera. I know JC personally and can assure you he knows more about shaft construction then anyone I've ever met. He made Matrix into what it was and when he left they just kept recycling the old stuff which will only get you so far.

 

As for shaft construction the best has yet to come. Graphene is coming once price comes down. Right now companies are starting to dabble in it but when it's introduced in larger quantities you will see some really cool stuff with ball speed and dispersion ;)

 

Interesting. For some reason I thought that a company that made high end tennis rackets owned Veylix. Also thought Rob designed the Xphlexxx shafts(maybe he just helped with the designs on the Agera & BUSA? Obviously he's behind the names)

[autronicdsm]

Graphene is exactly what I've got. Very expensive Protos with that exact product used. I'll be posting a big write up in the next day or two along with limited availability.

 

Who makes the graphene shafts?

 

Probably Aldila prototypes? There are pictures of it posted from this year. I think it was called Phene or something like that.