Trakker Propel Spod Rod Review

Last Updated on 10 September 2024 by James Bevan

How It Scores

8.9

OVERALL RATING

Build Quality9.0
Casting Ability9.0
Weight & Balance8.5
Value For Money9.0
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Quick Summary:

The Trakker Propel spod rod scored an overall rating of 8.9 in testing which put it up there with some of the best on the market. It features in our guide on the best spod rods as one of our favourite spod and marker rods.

The rod is best suited for carp anglers looking for a premium spod rod that doesn’t come with a higher-end price tag.

The rod’s biggest strength is its build quality and casting ability being really good for its price bracket.

The rod’s biggest weakness is that it falls a little short in weight and balance compared to some of the pricier alternatives.

Read on to find out more information on all you need to know


Features & Specifications Summary:

Lengths available in 12 and 13ft lengths
Test Curves available in 4.5lbs
Soft cotton rod bag
Powerful fast-taper blank delivering incredible casting performance
Laser etched butt cap
Fuji DPS reel seat
Designed for bait delivery, marker work or as a long-range fishing rod
Full shrink wrap handle with aluminium alloy collar
Quick tip recovery aiding distance and accuracy
50mm butt ring and ‘anti-frap’ tip ring

Video Showing The Trakker Propel Spod Rod In Action:


How The Trakker Propel Spod Rod Compares Against Its Competition:


How The Rod Compares To The Averages:

Trakker Propel Spod Rod8.9
All Spod Rods8.4
All Premium Spod Rods9.0

The Rods Features Up Close:

The handle

Trakker Propel Spod Rod Handle

The handle is full shrink wrap, which is soft and comfortable to hold. The flared butt is well thought out and provides a decent amount of control on the cast.

The aluminium alloy collar is also a nice touch, adding a bit of style.

The reel seat

Trakker Propel Spod Rod Reel Seat

The Fuji DPS reel seat is solid on this rod. My reel didn’t budge an inch during some pretty intense casting, and that’s always a win in my book.

It’s not flashy or anything, but it’s definitely got the practical side of things covered.

The eyes/guides

Trakker Propel Spod Rod Eye

A 50mm butt ring and ‘anti-frap’ are great additions to a spod rod, especially if your aim is to achieve long casting distances.

Fortunately, the Propel has both and as such the whole ring set up on the rod was spot on allowing for smooth and frictionless casting.

The blank

Trakker Propel Spod Rod Blank

The fast-taper design of the Propels blank gave me a lot of power on the cast, but it still felt pretty accurate. Baiting up was easier than I expected, and I was impressed by the quick-tip recovery.

It’s clear that a lot of thought went into this design, and it does make a noticeable difference when you’re out on the water


The Pros & Cons Of The Trakker Propel Spod Rod

Pros

  • Versatility: The rod is designed for both spod and marker work. It is also available in 12 and 13-foot lengths
  • Powerful Fast-Taper Blank: The design of the blank provides substantial power for casting, making it possible to reach long distances accurately
  • Depth Markers: Whipped 1ft and 2ft depth markers are incorporated in the design which is pretty handy
  • Well-thought-out guides: The 50mm butt ring and the anti-frap tip are well set up for distance casting with heavy spods
  • Handle: Comes with a nice and comfortable shrink-wrapped handle with a flared butt

Cons

  • Price: Although the Propel isn’t quite at the premium price points of some of the other elite spod rods, it still comes with a fairly hefty price tag compared to some of the competition

ETackle’s Thoughts & Opinions:

My time with the Trakker Propel Spod Rod was, in a nutshell, pretty good. We’re looking at a rod that’s up there with the best in the market and yet doesn’t break the bank. Ideal for any carp anglers out there wanting to take a leap into the premium rod world without that wallet-busting price tag.

Let’s talk about build quality and casting ability, easily the two standout features of the Propel. As you cast, the rod comes into its own with its power and accuracy – hats off to the fast-taper blank and quick-tip recovery for that.

Trakker’s not messing about, they’ve put a good amount of thought into the design, and it shows. However, there’s a small trade-off here. It’s a tad on the heavier side and doesn’t balance as well as some of the pricier alternatives. Something you should consider before jumping in.

Now, onto the handle – it’s a beauty. The full shrink wrap is soft and comfy, with a well-designed flared butt that’s all about control. You’ve got an aluminium alloy collar thrown into the mix, which is a nice stylish touch. The Fuji DPS reel seat is sturdy as a rock. You won’t see your reel budging an inch, even during intense casting sessions. It’s not flashy, but it nails the practicalities.

The 50mm butt ring and ‘anti-frap’ tip ring are more than just bells and whistles – they’ve been incorporated to boost long-distance casting, and I have to say, they do their job well. The smoothness and lack of friction were a joy to experience.

Now, I’m not one to gloss over the negatives. The Propel does have its downsides. For one, it’s not the lightest on the market, and the balance could be better. But considering the quality you’re getting at this price point, I’d say it’s a compromise worth making.

All in all, the Trakker Propel is a bit of a gem. It’s a robust, high-quality rod that packs a punch in the casting department and comes in at a very reasonable price. There are trade-offs, but they’re minor in the grand scheme of things.

If you’re looking for a high-quality spod rod that won’t leave your wallet in tatters, the Propel could be the rod for you. It’s definitely earned its 8.9 rating in my book.
James Bevan

Compare Prices:

£79.99
£184.99
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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 and reviews from other users.

This means you have an unbiased, fully-rounded assessment 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.

I hope this appraisal of the spod rod has provided useful insight as to whether it’s the right rod for you.

If you have time, please visit our full list of products that have been reviewed.

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