Greys Prodigy Apex Rod Range
We reckon that literally thousands of anglers have relied on the Greys Prodigy range of rods at some point, but is the latest incarnation any good?
The big question
Will I like the aesthetics?
There’s every chance. The Prodigy Apex has that ultra-modern, stripped-back look that many of us prefer, a look that’s actually been a trademark of the Prodigy range for a decade or more. We’re talking the standard-issue shrink-wrapped handle, classic Fuji DPS winch-style reel seat, matt finish to the blank and understated black whippings. The only concession to glamour is the chunky stainless butt cap, laser-etched with the Greys name. The graphics are minimal too, so if you’re allergic to bling, then this rod might just stop you coming out in a rash.
I like a rod that bends, how does the Prodigy perform?
Good, so do we. Greys call the action of the Prodigy range ‘progressive’, which means that there’s plenty of ‘give’ to cushion the hook holds at close range. Here’s the rub though, by building the new Prodigy blanks with Toreon Nano Technology, Greys have been able to balance that trademark Prodigy action with crisp, snappy tip speed that’ll help you bang leads to the proverbial horizon. You can’t have the absolute best of both worlds, but the Prodigies offer a brilliant blend of power and forgiveness, which gives them their enviable reputation as the go-to rod for all-round performance.
My casting isn’t - ‘cough’ - professional standard…
Don’t worry… the Greys design team has borne you in mind right throughout the development of this newest Prodigy range. Rather than make a rod that’s tough to compress (unless you’re Terry Edmond’s even bigger brother), the team instead chose to focus on engineering an action that is perfectly suited to the overhead cast that, let’s face it, we’re all familiar with. The combination of that Toreon carbon and super-fast tip recovery straighten the rod as quickly as some top-end versions, allowing you to transmit all your power into distance as efficiently as possible. Refine your technique along the lines of the Mark Hutchinson overhead thump and you’ll be able to cast as far as you’ll ever need, with what are unashamedly mid-price rods.
How does it compare to the competition?
Just a few years ago, the Prodigies and the Fox Warrior range dominated the mid-price niche to the exclusion of all others. Recent years have seen others enter the fray, attempting to steal the crown that Fox and Greys have fought over for years. Clearly, rod choice is a truly personal thing, but what we can say is that the Prodigy range has never been far from the pinnacle of the mid-price options, and we can’t see that changing. If anything, the overhaul of the blank tech is likely to ensure that the Prodigy name stays at the very top for another decade.
What are my options, in terms of models?
They’ve even made a 10ft, 3lb test version for those of you who’ve moved over to the fashionable short rods. The rest of the range is furnished, as you’d expect, with versions ranging from a 12ft 2.75lb test all-rounder, to the more specialised 13ft 3.5lb model. Depending on your needs of course, we’d be pointing you towards the 12ft 3lb or 3.25lb versions for your all-round UK fishing, perhaps even dropping to the 12ft 2.75lb version if you really aren’t needing to chuck big leads or bags any distance.
And the price…?
Depending on the model you opt for, expect to pay between £169.99 and £199.99, which when you look at the build quality and the materials used, is simply outstanding value. greysfishing.co.uk