Greys Xlerate Rods

Greys has got heritage, in spades. But, and it’s a big but, heritage gets you nowhere if you can’t keep pace with the relentless surge of technology coming out of the Far East. So, to survive, Greys, that most British of brands, must go toe-to-toe with the competition. The Japanese giants would do well not to underestimate the Alnwick-based brand too, because their Xlerate rod range has been designed to cut a swathe through the top-end rod market. Maybe you’re in the market for some top-end rods, but aren’t sure whether the Xlerate range is for you? Here’s the lowdown…

The Big Questions

Tell us about the tech…
Okay, the clever-sounding stuff that you don’t need to know (and frankly, we don’t understand either): the rods are made from 3M Powerlux 1000, nano resin carbon fibre blanks, with a 1k weave and Carbon Armour finish. So, what does it all mean? Well, the Xlerates are hugely powerful, and crisp, but the Greys team has worked hard to wrap all that tech and power into a package that still allows you to retain some ‘feel’. Still none the wiser? Don’t worry, just trust that the Greys boffins will have nailed this one…

What about the performance?
So the bit that matters. They’re a pleasure to chuck about with, thanks to that assured, crisp casting action and snappy recovery. The Greys team reckon that these rods are the best they’ve ever produced, which is some claim, given their long history! They’ve managed to produce a rod that’s extremely light, and therefore easy to move through the air fast, generating more tip speed, yet the blank structure is still hugely robust, resisting the huge twisting forces that are brought to bear on it during the cast. That’s vital too, if you fancy actually hitting
your intended spot at long range.

I like a certain build, do they do custom?
Greys doesn’t do a custom built option as such, but they’ve really pushed the boat out with the Xlerate range, to ensure that you can have it as close to your own preferred build as possible with an off-the-peg rod. You can choose from abbreviated handles, full cork, full Duplon or slimline shrink rubber, and take it from us, each of the builds is well executed, with time-served rod builders paying careful attention to the finer points! The aesthetics of the Xlerate range are very much in keeping with the current fashion for understated, subtle detailing and minimal-style builds. We like them, a lot!

I like all my rods to match, so what about a spod and marker rod?
Yep, secretly we do too, and the Greys team know this, so they knocked up a Hybrid Spod & Marker Rod, in two lengths. For 85% of the time you’ll be fine with the 12ft version, but for those super long-range waters, stepping up to the 13ft version would seem to be a good plan. They boast the same subtle styling as the rest of the range, and luckily, they also have the same nano resin technology to ensure that you can push your kit to the very limit of its tolerance without worrying.

Surely they’re throwing in a few extras?
Totally; just like buying a top end motor, when you buy a flagship Greys rod you get three extra bits (we all love an extra, right?). First up, you get a set of the Greys Universal Line Clips, which we actually love. They’re super-forgiving, thanks to a carefully sculpted profile, which is vital on thinner monos, and will fit any diameter butt, thanks to a rubber O-ring. You also get a set of neoprene tip and butt protectors, which is a bit of a touch, because they’re really useful, and would set you back a few quid if you were having to buy them, and finally, you get an EVA stopper to help protect what are a substantial investment in transit!
£369.99 to £419.99

The Greys name has been synonymous with top-end rods since Chris Yates was just out of short trousers. If you had a few quid burning a hole in your pocket in the late 1960s, and wanted the very best, then Greys of Alnwick were the guys to turn to. That the brand is still going, and substantially stronger gives you clue as to just how good its products are! If you’re not sure, then we’ll spell it out for you: they’re still among the most prestigious and highly regarded carp rods on the planet! So much so, our editor, who can choose any rods he likes, chooses to use AirCurves. Until now, that is, because there’s a new Greys masterpiece on the scene: the Xlerate range.

The Greys team certainly weren’t about to let themselves down with underwhelming aesthetics

1. This carbon is special stuff

Okay, so the Xlerate range has been lavished with the finest carbon known to man. Powerlux nano resin carbon is about as advanced as you’re going to get just now. But what does it all mean? Put simply, the Xlerate rods are lighter, stronger and crisper, making them a total joy to use (why else do you think the ed’s ditching his favourite AirCurves?).

This means the Xlerate rods are lighter, stronger and crisper, making them a total joy to use

2. The action

That cutting-edge carbon gives you a suite of blanks that possess genuine power, combined with the sweetest playing action that the Greys team could dream up between them. In fact, they reckon that the action they’ve achieved is the best to date, and do you know what; we’re not about to disagree. We’re talking nearly fifty years of rod design culminating in these special rods. If you could crush every second of those decades down into one supreme product, then you’re looking at it.

Various handle options are available

3. The finish!

The Greys team certainly weren’t about to let themselves down with underwhelming aesthetics. We wouldn’t say that the finish is flashy by any means, but we reckon it hits the perfect balance of function and finesse. It’s clear that real attention to detail has been brought to bear during the build, and the result is a range of rods that are simply stunning.

And the finish is just delicious!

4. Have them your way

Greys knows that we all have distinctly different taste when it comes to the sticks that we’re about to spend hours staring at. So, rather than producing a couple of variants, they’ve hit us with a whole four build options to choose from. First up is the traditional, minimal abbreviated build, with very little but lovely naked carbon. Then, you’ve got the low-profile, full-length shrink-wrap, full slim cork and finally, the more retro full Duplon.

The Xlerate range has been lavished with the finest carbon known to man: Powerlux nano resin carbon

5. Loads of extras

Okay, so you’re more interested in the rods, right? Well, yes, so were we, but we just hadn’t looked closely enough! You actually get far more than a set of rods when you invest in a set of Xlerates. In actual fact, you get a pukka Greys Universal Line Clip, a handy EVA stopper as well as neoprene tip and butt protectors. Frankly, the clips and tip and butt protectors alone are hugely useful, so to have them thrown in for free is a right result!
“GIMME”: From £369.99