Korda Kaizen Green Net

How well is it built?

When you want Spring Bow quality but can't quite justify the outlay for a landing net, Korda's Kaizen Green has been designed with you in mind. And it has to be said – they've done a pretty good job.

The Kaizen Green is effectively the little brother to the Spring Bow and unsurprisingly shares a lot of the same genes. The first thing you notice is the reverse taper handle. It's built on the same design principles as the Spring Bow.

Thick and chunky where it joins the net, tapering to a slim 18mm where you grip.

On paper, that sounds a lot thicker than many of the sleek modern poles on the market. But it's very clever engineering. Less carbon to make, which means a lighter overall weight. But no loss of stiffness when you need it.

The carbon construction feels solid too. It's not quite up there with the premium feel of the Spring Bow, but then again, at half the price I wasn't expecting it to be. There's zero flex in normal use and when reaching out to scoop a fish, it does exactly what you want.

The spreader block is the main area where Korda have had to cut costs. Instead of the machined aluminium JAG block on the Spring Bow, this one is injection moulded with an aluminium insert for strength.

Does it look as premium as the Spring Bow? No. Is it as good at doing the job? Absolutely.

The arms slot into the spreader block with ease – not as effortlessly as the Spring Bow with its machined oval entry points but then again, it's not difficult. When they're in, there is no play or movement.

The stainless steel spike at the base of the handle is a proper bit of kit too. You can drive this right into the lakebed to secure a fish and keep the net raised slightly from the water's edge.

Handle & Spreader

At 6ft, the Kaizen Green is a good, sensible length that gives you proper reach without being cumbersome. The reverse taper also means it balances nicely in the hand. Even with wet mesh you're not struggling to hold it out for long periods.

I've had this a few months now and it's never been an issue. Handle rigidity is also excellent. If a fish tries a last-second dive to left or right, the net goes exactly where you point it. No lag or flex.

The reverse taper design is the key. It might not look as sleek as the slim modern poles, but it is genuinely stiffer. My favourite feature though is the fact it floats without a net float. The carbon handle is naturally buoyant enough to support the mesh.

Drop it, or need to take your hands off it while playing a fish and it just sits there on the surface. Proper attention to detail there and one that's carried over from the Spring Bow. The spreader block has an isotope slot on the back which takes a Korda Mini Stow-Lite.

If you fish at night regularly, pop one of these in and you can easily locate your net in the dark.

It's a small thing, but it shows Korda have thought of these practical fishing situations. The injection moulded block isn't as nice to look at as the machined aluminium Spring Bow block. But there is no compromise functionally.

Arms slot in, the exit angle is as it should be and it's strong enough to land a big carp.

Mesh

The Kaizen Green comes supplied with a 42-inch shallow mesh as standard. Now I know what you're thinking "shallow mesh". Don't panic, this is still a proper carp net with plenty of depth.

The shallow designation simply means it's not the super deep mesh that the Spring Bow comes with. The shallow mesh is actually spot on for most UK carp fishing. It's deep enough to safely retain fish if you stab the handle into the lakebed.

But you'll find fish a lot easier to get in and out compared to the really deep meshes.

The trade-off is it will drain faster, which is handy when you're zipping between swims. The mesh itself is soft and fish friendly. There are no rough edges that might damage scales and it slips through the water nicely without creating too much drag.

Which in turn means less resistance when scooping.

If you do prefer a deeper mesh – say you fish venues with seriously big carp or you like the extra security of a deeper mesh – then Korda do a 42-inch deep mesh separately that you can swap onto this frame. Good future-proofing if your requirements or preferences change.

It's finished in that olive green colour that you get with the Kaizen rod range. Spook free and looks the part on the bank. Stitching and overall construction of the mesh seems solid too. I've had this net now for several months and plenty of regular use.

But there's no fraying or weakness showing at the stress points.

Is it good value for money?

The Kaizen Green lands itself in a very interesting price bracket. Effectively it's offering Spring Bow technology and design for just over half the cost of the actual Spring Bow. Which is the entire point of this net and I think Korda have pulled it off well.

You get the same reverse taper carbon handle, the same floating capability, stainless steel spike and isotope slot. The main compromise is the injection moulded spreader block rather than machined aluminium.

For the vast majority of anglers, that is a trade-off you are going to be more than happy to make to save money. If you're already invested in the Korda Kaizen Green rod range, then this net will match and complete that setup aesthetically.

The matt black with green branding matches perfectly and you get that coordinated look on the bank.

The premium nylon sleeve is included too, which is a nice touch. Korda haven't scrimped on the accessories to hit this price point and I appreciate that. Is it the absolute best value for money net? The Fox Horizon X4S scores the same overall rating and is cheaper.

But if you want that specific Korda Spring Bow design DNA without paying Spring Bow prices, the Kaizen Green will deliver.

If you're an angler who is weighing up the pros and cons of different nets in this price bracket, our full landing net guide breaks down how the Kaizen Green compares to other mid-range nets.

The shallow mesh is perfectly adequate for most anglers in most situations and if you later decide you want to try deeper, you can always buy Korda's deep mesh separately. Flexibility which adds to the value equation.

Korda have a proven track record of quality and durability and I have no doubt this net will last you years of regular use. Which improves the cost per session calculation no end.