Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX Taper
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability
- An excellent general-presentation line for trout, panfish, bass, grayling and carp; also useful for steelhead, salmon, and pike
- Made a half-size heavy to load fast-action rods, but works well with a variety of rod actions
- Best for large dry flies, nymphs, and streamers
- For use in moderate and cold climates
- Braided multifilament core
Description
The Amplitude Smooth series pairs SA's AST Plus additive with a classic, texture-free finish -- up to five times less drag and eight times the durability of traditional lines. Built half a size heavy, the Amplitude Smooth MPX taper starts where SA's earlier GPX left off, redesigned with more mass toward the front of the head to add a bit of finesse to the same proven power.
That forward-loaded head delivers strong turnover for nymphs, indicator rigs, and streamers while still handling large dry flies with a lighter touch than a straight power taper. SA's AST Plus slickness additive is built into the coating itself for up to 40% less friction and 60%+ longer-lasting performance, while the Improved Dry Tip sheds water and floats higher than a standard tip -- useful on a line that spends much of its time throwing weighted flies. A braided multifilament core keeps the line supple and resistant to coiling memory.
Features
• Half-Size Heavy, Front-Loaded Head — Concentrates mass in the first 20' for strong turnover with nymphs and streamers.
• AST Plus Slickness Additive — Up to 40% slicker and 60%+ longer-lasting than lines with no additive.
• Improved Dry Tip — Sheds water and floats higher for cleaner pickup and mending.
• Braided Multifilament Core — Supple handling with reduced coiling memory.
• SA Line ID — Printed weight and taper marking directly on the line.
• Classic Smooth Finish — Traditional, texture-free coating at a lower price than the Textured version.
• General-Presentation Versatility — Built for trout, bass, panfish, grayling, and carp.
• Welded Loops, Front and Rear — Fast, secure connections to backing and leader.
Rod Pairing
| Rod Action | Pairing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Action | Ideal | The half-size-heavy, front-loaded head is built to load fast blanks with ease. |
| Medium-Fast Action | Works Well | Most medium-fast rods handle well. |
| Medium / Slow Action | Not Recommended | The forward-weighted head overloads a soft blank fast, especially up close. |
Size Guide
| Line Weight | Head Length | Head Weight | Grain Wt (30') | Species / Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WF3 | 32.0' / 9.6M | 120gr / 7.8g | 110gr / 7.1g | Small stream trout, light nymphs and dries, panfish |
| WF4 | 34.0' / 10.2M | 140gr / 9.1g | 130gr / 8.5g | Trout, panfish, grayling, general dries and nymphs |
| WF5 | 36.0' / 10.8M | 175gr / 11.3g | 150gr / 9.7g | All-around trout, indicator nymphing, dry-dropper |
| WF6 | 38.0' / 11.4M | 210gr / 13.6g | 175gr / 11.3g | All-around trout on bigger water, indicator rigs, dry-dropper, streamers |
| WF7 | 40.0' / 12.0M | 260gr / 16.8g | 200gr / 13.0g | Bass, carp, big streamers, light steelhead and salmon |
| WF8 | 42.0' / 12.6M | 305gr / 19.8g | 225gr / 14.6g | Bass, pike, carp, big streamers, light steelhead and salmon |
FAQ
What are the parts of a fly line and what does each section do?
A weight-forward fly line has five sections: Running Line: The thin, level back section that shoots through guides. Shooting Texture on this section reduces surface contact with the guides for longer casts. Rear Taper: The transition from running line to belly. Belly (Head): The thickest section, growing from 32 feet on the WF3 to 42 feet on the WF8, with most of its mass concentrated in the front 20 feet -- a design that starts where SA's earlier GPX taper left off, redesigned with more mass forward for an added emphasis on presentation. Front Taper: The transition from belly to tip, delivering the power that turns over nymphs, streamers, and larger dry flies. Tip: The final section, finished with Floating Texture for extra flotation and a welded loop for a fast, secure leader connection.
How does the Amplitude Textured MPX compare to the Amplitude Smooth MPX?
SA builds the MPX taper in two finishes on the identical head length, taper design, and grain weight at every size -- the difference is entirely in surface finish, technology, and price. Amplitude Textured MPX (reviewed here): Adds Floating Texture on the tip for extra flotation, Shooting Texture on the running line for longer casts, and a Tactical Reference Point sighter, plus extra grip when striking and playing fish. Amplitude Smooth MPX: The identical taper in SA's classic smooth, texture-free finish -- quieter through the guides and $30 less. Choose the Textured MPX reviewed here if the added flotation, shooting distance, and grip are worth the $30 premium. Choose the Smooth MPX for the same proven taper at a lower price and a more traditional feel.
What is AST Plus and how does it affect performance?
AST Plus is Scientific Anglers' upgraded slickness additive, built into the coating rather than applied to the surface. SA rates it up to 40% slicker and over 60% longer-lasting than a line with no additive, delivering up to five times less drag and eight times the durability of traditional lines. Because the compound can migrate within the coating, AST Plus works its way back to the surface as the line wears, so the reduced friction holds up over a full season rather than fading after the first few trips.
What are Floating Texture and Shooting Texture, and how do they improve casting?
Floating Texture is a raised surface pattern applied to the tip section, increasing surface area and buoyancy so the tip rides higher and stays afloat longer than a smooth finish -- useful on a taper that regularly throws weighted nymphs and indicator rigs that would otherwise drag the tip under. Shooting Texture, applied to the running line, reduces the line's contact area with the rod guides, cutting friction and letting the line carry more momentum through the cast -- reviewers of this exact taper report noticeably longer shots as a result.
Product Video
