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Il semble que la perfection soit atteinte non quand il n'y a plus rien à ajouter, mais quand il n'y a plus rien à retrancher.
It would seem that perfection is attained not when no more can be added, but when no more can be removed.

Antoine de Saint Exupery
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7ft 3in 4wt crisp penta + 7ft 9in 5wt smoooooooth quad; both are 2/1, as shown.

Folks are likely wondering "How do they stack up against regular Sweetgrass rods?". The Mantras have a lighter (which to me is preferable) finish, the same wonderful tapers, lighter (again, to me preferable) black hardware, and utilitarian hook-keepers (which I wish were absent). An earlier post which includes the text of Dave's email describes the full specifics of the Mantras.

The rods give a (to me very refreshing) impression of more direct lineage from the classic 2/1 (as standard) Winstons of (say) the 50's - all fishing rod, no unncessary frills. Yes I know the iconic Winstons were hexagonal, and that's what is really interesting: the Mantra rods offer alternative configurations, but retain a very similar and highly desirable in-hand impression to the rods I perceive as their predecessors. For the straightest lineage, choose a hexagonal Mantra. To me, the rods appear to be strong candidates for the new icons of perfection. The rods are made to be fished, not fondled, with only everything you need, and not a blingy thing you don't.

Can potential buyers overcome a largely irrational desire for (i) heavy nickel silver "appointments", (ii) a second tip, (iii) high-zoot winding check & hook-keeper, (iv) fancy-finished tube, and (iv) the pursuit of the elimination of cosmetic "imperfections" that have no effect on structural integrity, nor on performance?

Don't get me wrong, I'm partially conflicted. Only partially, though. I love the Garrison, Payne etc., inspired-approach to perfection (Gary Howells went in that direction after his Winston stint). The part of me that's not conflicted really connects with the blingfree qualities of the Mantras.

Tight Lines!

Alistair

These new reel fittings are svelte, small, secure and very very lightweight - so much so that I'd prefer them on rods for which I'd normally like a cap and ring.

T120,

I think they've done a much better job - they've thoroughly thought through the simplification, rather than just cheapening things down to get the most out of shafts that may exhibit characteristics they deem inappropriate for a $2,000+ rod. They kept the original tapers, too - I'm not sure that was the case w/ Duracanes.

Economy, yes - in an appealing execution that exudes "purpose", not "cheap".

Tight Lines!

Alistair