Matrix Horizon X Ultra Pro Distance Feeder Rods

How well is it built?

The Horizon X Ultra Pro Distance is Matrix's most serious attempt yet at a genuine flagship-tier distance feeder rod.

It replaced the outgoing Horizon X Pro Distance as a clear generational step forward rather than a cosmetic refresh, and the moment you pick one up you can tell this isn't just a new paint job.

The blank is Japanese ultra-high-modulus carbon, which is the material tier that sits on flagship feeder rods from the big Japanese brands. Slim profile, progressive action, and a taper genuinely tuned for dedicated distance feeder work rather than general commercial use.

The big point of difference on this generation is the guide train. Matrix have moved away from the Fuji K-series that sat on the predecessor and onto their own XBG RS Silicon Nitride guide system.

Silicon nitride sits between alconite and Fuji SiC on the ring material hierarchy, and the enlarged frame is engineered specifically to reduce line friction on long casts with braid or shock leader.

The reel seat is an ultra-lightweight carbon unit rather than the aluminium DPS you'd see on most feeder rods. That saves weight forward of the grip and helps the balance of what's a long rod at the top end of the range.

The handle is slim minimal black EVA, no cork, which keeps overall rod weight down.

Four variants cover the range: 12ft 80g at 189g, 13ft 1in 100g at 237g, 13ft 1in 130g at 240g, and 13ft 7in 150g at 278g. All variants come with matched carbon quivertips tuned to their casting window.

9.0 is a fair build score. The Ultra Pro Distance genuinely advances the Matrix distance range.

How well does it cast and feel?

Casting is where the Ultra Pro Distance earns its flagship-tier positioning. The Japanese UHM blank releases energy faster than mid-modulus carbons, and the enlarged XBG silicon nitride guide train keeps line friction low on the forward stroke.

For me, the 13ft 1in 100g variant is the sweet spot for most UK big-pit feeder work. Matrix rate the 12ft 80g at up to around 70 yards comfortably, and the 100g 13ft 1in extends that out into typical 80 to 100 yard territory without you having to push.

The 13ft 1in 130g is aimed at river fishing or casting over 80 yards per Matrix's own copy, and the 13ft 7in 150g steps into the serious big-reservoir end of the range where you need ultimate strength and power.

Where the enlarged XBG guides matter most is on the longer casts with shock leader. The frame design is specifically engineered to reduce the line slap that happens when a feeder ejects a shock leader knot through a standard guide frame.

If I'm being really picky, I'd want more independent field evidence before calling the XBG system class-leading on absolute-limit casts. But on blank feel and guide smoothness, there's nothing I've got to criticise.

9.0 reflects a rod built specifically for distance work with modern materials matched to it.

How does it perform when playing fish?

The slim Japanese UHM blank does most of the work once you're connected to a fish. High-modulus carbon transmits more feedback than lower-tier layups, and the progressive tip-to-butt action cushions lunges without losing contact with the fish.

On a big-pit bream or skimmer caught on lighter gear, the combination of the lighter blank and the carbon reel seat means the rod balances well in hand through a long fight. That matters more than most anglers realise on fish that aren't giving up quickly.

For the larger commercial carp the 130g and 150g variants are aimed at, the UHM blank stiffens progressively through the middle section as pressure builds.

The 13ft 7in 150g is rated for 7oz-plus feeders and the sort of powerful reservoir carp and bream work that needs real backbone in the lower blank.

Replacement quivertips are available through Matrix, so snapping a tip on a bad cast or a hard bite isn't a service-ending problem.

If I'm being honest, the one area I'd want more evidence on is how the XBG guide system behaves long-term under heavy carp fights. That's an unknown that only independent owner reports will answer over time.

8.5 reflects a blank that should play fish in line with any distance rod in its class, with the caveat that the XBG guide system is still relatively new.

Is it good value for money?

The Ultra Pro Distance sits in the mid-premium distance feeder bracket. Matrix's own RRP sits above this across the range, so there's a genuine saving to be had versus recommended retail.

Against the outgoing Horizon X Pro Distance at the tier below, the Ultra Pro is a clear step up in blank material, guide train and reel seat. Whether the extra money is worth it depends on whether the weight savings and modern guide system matter for how you fish.

For anglers stepping up from the predecessor Horizon X Pro, this is the natural upgrade path. For anglers cross-shopping the Daiwa Tournament SLR tier above, the Ultra Pro is the more accessible flagship at a clearly lower price.

The honest trade-off is the XBG guide system being Matrix's own design rather than Fuji-branded. Silicon nitride sits between alconite and SiC on the ring material hierarchy, so it's not the absolute top-tier guide system available.

For most anglers that won't matter in practice, but it's worth knowing if Fuji branding is something you value.

8.5 is a fair value score. The Ultra Pro Distance genuinely advances the Matrix distance range at a price that undercuts the flagship Japanese brand alternatives.