Greys Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod Review
Last Updated on 6 May 2024 by James Bevan
Quick Summary:
Read on to find out more information on all you need to know
Features & Specifications Summary:
Video Showing The Greys Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod In Action:
How This Rod Compares Against Its Competition:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shimano TX7 Carp Rod | 8.9 | £229.99 |
| Daiwa Longbow X45 | 8.7 | £359.99 |
| Nash Dwarf Carp Rod | 7.2 | £65.99 |
| Daiwa Emblem Carp Rod | 8.5 | £75.00 |
| Greys X-Flite Carp Rod | 8.4 | £234.99 |
| Greys Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod | 7.8 | £159.95 |
How The Rod Compares To The Averages:
Greys Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod Review Summary From Some Experts:
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Here’s How Other Anglers Have Reviewed The Prodigy GT4:
“Great action and caught 1st time using them. Accurate casting, good play and look amazing.” (1)
“Brilliant” (1)
“Super rods that look the biz and cast 100yds plus with ease” (2)
“Well happy” (2)
Review Source:
The Different Variations Of The Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod & How They Are Best Applied:
| Length | Test Curve | Ideal For | Max Cast Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 3.25lb | Smaller venues, close range fishing and stalking | 100 yds |
| 12ft | 3lb | Small to Medium Sized Venues | 140 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.25lb | Medium sized venues. Good all round rod | 150 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.5lb | Medium to large sized waters and fishing near areas where carp need to be bullied out of | 160 yds |
| 13 ft | 3.5lb | Large venues where long casting distances are required | 170 yds |
The Greys GT4 Carp Rod’s Features Up Close:
The handle
A full shrink-wrapped handle is my go-to choice on any rod so I was more than happy when the GT4 spec featured these.
The handle feels comfortable and secure in your hand and the flared butt is always I nice touch, especially on those distance casts.
The handle is finished off with a nice-looking laser-etched, anodized butt cap.
The reel seat
The reel seat is a Fuji DPS style in all black which compliments the rod’s aesthetics in the way that it just blends in with the blank.
I faced no issues with the reel seat during the review and held my big pit reels solidly in place throughout the whole session.
The eyes/guides
Greys claim that the G-lite SiC guides on this rod are twelve times harder and one-third lighter than stainless steel guides.
I had no way of proving otherwise but what I can say is that the 50mm butt ring is a really nice addition to the latest range as this really does help get this few extra yards on the cast.
The blank
The blanks core is 3k woven carbon armour which is lightweight and does feel well-balanced in the hand when playing fish.
The 3.5lb test curves, as you would expect, are slightly stiffer but this does offer, much appreciated additional power when trying to hit a spot at 130 yards+.
The blank is finished with a low-glare finish which is handy if fishing close in.
The Pros & Cons Of The Greys Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod
Pros
- There is a full range available to suit most angler’s needs, including a spod and marker version
- The rod overall is well-balanced throughout the range
- Greys have gone one step further with the guides, featuring Seaguide Minima material
- The handle is very comfortable in the hand and the flared butt is a nice touch
- A universal line clip is provided which is an appreciated additional feature
Cons
- The 3k blank is pretty standard and falls short against some of the rod’s competition in this price category
- I feel the rod is just a little bit over-priced
ETackle’s Thoughts & Opinions:
I’ve had the pleasure of testing out the Greys Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod and I can say that it’s a solid choice. Not a world-beater, but certainly a reliable player that justifies its position on the pitch. With lengths varying from 10ft up to 13ft and different test curves, this rod range is a jack of all trades that caters to anglers of all stripes.
As soon as I held the Prodigy GT4, I felt at home. The full shrink-wrapped handle (which I prefer) felt really comfortable in my grip and the flared butt definelty adds to the comfort when casting at distance.
The Fuji DPS style reel seat is as reliable as it comes, holding my big pit reels without a hitch throughout the whole session. And let’s not forget those G-lite SiC guides. They’re supposedly harder and lighter than stainless steel. I cant confirm this but what I can say is that I managed to eke out a few extra yards on each cast.
One of the biggest disappointments I had with the Prodigy GT4 is the blank. Don’t get me wrong, the 3k woven carbon armour blank is nice and light and provides a good balance when you’re playing fish, but it’s not exactly a revelation.
I’ve tested other rods in the same price range that offer a bit more. Also, the price tag is slightly on the higher side for what it offers. But I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s a deal-breaker.
For example, its a very similar build to the X-Flite from Greys which is available at a cheaper price-point and I felt it ws slightly inferior to Daiwa’s Emblem which again offers slightly better value for money.
At the end of the day, if you’re after a reliable and versatile rod that can handle a bit of everything, from close-up fishing to casting to the horizon, the Greys Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod is worth considering.
It might cost a bit more and the blank might not be as impressive as others, but the overall build quality, features and performance balance the scales. This rod might not win the league, but it’s definitely up there competing.
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How This Rod Has Been Reviewed
Etackle’s objective is to provide anglers with key information on fishing tackle products to help them make an informed decision before purchase.
We do this by writing about our own experiences of the product being tested as well as researching information from other experts in the field as well as reviews from other users.
This means you have an unbiased review from a number of sources all in one place. For more information on how products are reviewed on Etackle, please visit our dedicated page on the review process.
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