A 13ft carp rod positioned toward anglers who want a longer setup for bigger casts.
The Japanese shrink-wrap handle and flared end give a secure grip when casting hard.
A custom-machined X-Flite reel seat adds a more premium feel than a basic DPS fitting.
The rod balances comfort and function well for anglers who spend time casting at range.
The gloss-black finish looks smart, but it may show more glare than a matt blank in bright light.
Product Information
Lengths
10ft, 12ft, 13ft
Main Use
Main Carp Rod
Test Curve
3.25lb, 3.5lb, 3lb
Greys X-Flite Carp Rod Review
Features8.7/10
Appearance8.0/10
Casting and feel8.5/10
Playing fish8.4/10
Value for money8.5/10
Build quality8.7/10
What is the handle like?
As a seasoned carp angler, I’ve held a lot of rods, but the handle on this X-Flite really stands out.
Greys X-Flite Handle
I really like Japanese shrink-wrap handles anyway, which I guess is a little biased but along with the flared end, it just feels so secure and comfortable in the grip, even when I’m chucking a lead out to the horizon.
In my eyes, it’s clear that Greys have absolutely nailed the balance between comfort and functionality with this design.
How secure is the reel seat?
Now, the reel seat on this rod has got some neat features I appreciate. It’s custom-machined and stamped with the X-Flite name, adding a touch of class.
Greys X-Flite Reel Seat
I also really like the reddish-coloured rings as they not only add a well-appreciated splash of colour but also a touch of nostalgia as well.
It’s a clever blend of subtlety and flair that sits perfectly with my style of angling.
What are the guides like?
The guides on the X-Flite carp rods are again of decent quality. They’re Pac Bay minima guides, ultra-lightweight and responsive, and they really assist in achieving those extra few yards when long-range casting.
Greys X-Flite Eyes
Plus, the tip rings on all versions are anti-frap – an absolute godsend for avoiding those pesky tangles.
How does the blank perform?
Let’s talk about the blank – it’s a beauty. The 30T carbon gives it a lightweight yet powerful feel, and the fast recovery really does help casting distance and accuracy. I am not a great fan of the all-black, glossy finish but I know some anglers are.
Greys X-Flite Blank
In this instance it is understated yet impressive, it’s like they’ve taken the ethos of the original X-Flite and supercharged it for the modern angler.
Pros
Responsive Guides: With Pac Bay minima guides fitted along the blank, this rod is both lightweight and responsive. I feel these guides do assist in casting longer distances and improving
Superior Grip Handle: The Japanese shrink wrap handle with its flared end provides an excellent grip which is really comfortable both when casting and playing fish.
Custom Reel Seat: The custom-machined reel seat with the X-Flite branding has a very subtle yet stylish design. The reddish-coloured rings add a nice splash of colour that adds to the overall aesthetic.
Powerful, Lightweight Blank: The 30T carbon blank is lightweight, yet provides impressive power. I was impressed with the fast recovery and the solid feel of the rod.
Good price and value for money for what you get with the X-Flite
Cons
Black Gloss Finish: While the black gloss finish gives the rod a sleek look, I can’t shake the feeling that in certain lights, it might cause a bit of glare. I believe this could potentially spook fish patrolling the margins, which is something to keep in mind.
Limited Innovation: While the X-Flite rod is a great piece of kit, I do feel there could be more innovation in its design. It leans heavily on the success of its predecessor, and I’d have loved to see something truly new and groundbreaking from Greys.
Features and Specifications
Feature
What this means
Models
A range topped by the 13ft 3.5lb, with 12ft options including a 12ft 3lb at around 370g.
Blank
A 30T carbon blank with a progressive action, light yet powerful for casting at range.
Guides
Pacific Bay Minima guides from a 50mm butt down to a 14mm tip, with an anti-frap tip ring.
Reel seat
A custom-machined aluminium reel seat with SeaGuide hoods and deep-red rings for a premium feel.
Handle
A Japanese shrink-wrap handle with a flared end for comfortable grip when casting hard.
How It Compares
See how the Greys X-Flite Carp Rod compares with other carp rods on overall score and current price.
The idea is to make buying your fishing tackle easier by helping you compare a full shopping list, not just one product at a time.
When it is ready, you will be able to build a tackle list and see which shop, or mix of shops, gives you the best overall price once stock and delivery are taken into account.
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