Greys Prodigy Plus Full Cork

Long Term Test

Features

• High quality full Cork handle
• Ultra slim advanced carbon blank
• High power to diameter ratio
• Custom CAD moulded soft touch reel seat
• Accepts Big Pit and normal sized reels
• G-Lite SIC lightweight guides
• Laser etched butt cap
• Isotope slot in reel seat
• Line-friendly carbon line clip
• Worldwide Extended Warranty

When Hardy Grays offered to send down a set of rods for long term testing, I had to say I was quite excited by the idea.

The huge following the Prodigy rods have established over the years made my selection a very easy task, especially after getting my first hands on look at the all new for 2010 Greys Prodigy Plus rods.

With the Prodigy Plus Range now being available in full cork, my decision was made and a week later two 12' 2.75lb rods arrived.

Vital Statistics

The Prodigy Plus range of rods are built on a standard Plus blank but now you have the option of full cork, duplon and standard abbreviated butt sections (full cork is used for the purpose of this review). Sitting comfortably with in the slim cork handle you have a slim moulded soft touch CAD designed reel seat with its ergonomic split thread underneath, making it exceptionally comfortable and easy to use. It also has room for an isotope slot on the top, making rod location at night very simply.

The Prodigy Plus is fitted through out with G-Lite SIC guides which are designed to work perfectly with the rods slim blank. This combination creates a playing tool with a perfect progressive through action which makes fish playing an absolute dream. To finish the rod off you have a low profile carbon line clip situated just above the anodised collar which gives the rods full cork handle a top quality finished. Add to this, the subtle graphics and quality whippings and you have one nice piece of kit.

The Prodigy plus Full cork only weighs in at a very light 410g, making it not the lightest rod in the Plus range but in my opinion this is a small price to pay for exquisite looks. In total you can choose from ten different rod options in the Plus range, as well as the three previously mentioned butt options, in test curves ranging from 2.5lb through to 3.5lb. You also have the Prodigy Plus 50 range of five rods, which gives you the option of having a 50mm guide system fitted as standard.

On The Bank Report

I have fished over 14 nights with these very fine rods, I found all fixtures and fitting performed there designated tasks very well. The reel seat was really comfortable to hold and easily housed reels from standard bait runner size to big pits securely. The line clip performed its duty fairly well but be careful when using 18lb lines as I found a slight crimping of the line when I pulled it in to the clip, I put this down to my own error as I did give the line a good tug to clip up, it only happened the once though.

The Prodigy Plus 2.75lb has one of those blanks you fall in love with, admittedly they are far from perfect for distance casting, but who cares. If you’re fishing on venues when distance is not a problem and you’re only fishing up to 60 yards out, this is a rod you should really consider. I was able to poke up to 3.5 ounces accurately at a 60 yard marker all day long, without having to give the Prodigy Plus sublime blank too much stick and the blank recovered superbly when casting.

Caution

Always establish the maximum casting weight for the rods and lines you are using, trying to cast excessive weights with a rod and line that are not suitable can be hazardous to yourself and to other anglers.

When it came down to the all important performance whilst playing a fish criteria, the Prodigy Plus is top class, trust me. I’m a fond believer in enjoying the fight of every fish to the net as if it was your last, you can really do that with this tool controlling the battle. Every lunge, dive and charge was met with a silky smooth curvature of the Prodigy’s blank. It handled everything that even the angriest of carp could through at it and made every fight an exhilarating experience.

As the blank is designed to curve progressively all the way through, you can give the fish that little bit more under the rod tip with the reassurance that your hook hold and hook length will not be put under any unnecessary pressure during the final part of your fish playing experience. I have also used the Prodigy Plus for surface fishing with floaters and found it to be perfect for this demand as the rod really cushions the take and the ferocity of the fish as it takes of and runs for freedom.

Final Thoughts

Not only myself but now two other members of the UKMA team have now tried and tested these top quality rods and our findings are virtually identical. We all agree that the rods playing action is unbelievably good and is on a par with many rods of a greater retail value. We have all landed fish over the 20lb mark and found they had more than enough power in reserve to cope with fish much bigger with total confidence that the rod can handle the job.

When it comes to choosing a rod, my personal preference is and always will be a rod with a Full Cork handle. I started out using this type of rods over 35 years ago and every rod I have owned since has been the same. (It’s a personal thing) So no matter what rocks your boat when it comes to rod options, this well thought out range has something to offer everyone. From surface fishing with the 2.5lb to distance casting with a 3.5lb 13' Plus 50, the Prodigy plus range has it all!!