Greys Aircurve Carp Rod Review
Last Updated on 19 July 2023 by James Bevan
As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gear to enhance my fishing experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Greys Aircurve Carp Rods, and I must say, I was initially impressed.
On paper, it has all the bells and whistles that you’d expect to see on a premium carp fishing rod and I was eager to find out if it was able to ‘walk the walk’ on a couple of 2-night sessions at a local gravel pit.
In this Greys Aircurve carp rod review, I’ll detail how the rod performed and what my thoughts are on how it compares to other elite rods on the market.
With the help of 3 other expert carp rod reviews, this informative guide will detail everything you need to know on whether the Aircurev is right for you.
For those in a rush, ill start by summarising the overall scores I gave the Greys Aircurve carp rod after testing it:
Comparison To Similar Rods
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nash Scope Black Ops Carp Rod | 9.2 | from £345.99 |
| Nash Scope Black Ops Sawn Off | 8.6 | from £229.99 |
| Greys AirCurve Carp Rod | 9.1 | from £212.49 |
| Century C2 Mk2 Carp Rod | 9.2 | from £415.00 |
| Daiwa Infinity X45 | 9.4 | from £319.99 |
| Daiwa Basia X45X Carp Rod | 9.3 | from £494.99 |
| Century Stealth Graphene Carp Rod | 9.4 | from £459.00 |
| Harrison Torrix Carp Rod | 9.4 | from £374.00 |
| Free Spirit Hi-S Carp Rod | 9.3 | from £419.00 |
| Shimano TX-9 Carp Rod | 8.6 | from £309.99 |
| Daiwa Longbow X45 | 8.7 | from £239.99 |
| Korda Kaizen Platinum Carp Rod | 8.9 | from £409.99 |
How The Rod Compares To The Averages
Quick Summary
The Aircurve range is the first Greys rod to utilise the new Toreon nano composite material technology (unique to Greys), which makes them incredibly light and responsive.
The rod scored 9.1 out of 10 in my personal review alongside those of other carp rod experts.
With features like the Toreon Nano Composite, Lightweight PacBay KTV Minima Guides, and various handle options, it delivers exceptional performance in all the key metrics of a high-quality carp fishing rod.Pros & Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages I found on the Greys Aircurve when I tested across two, 2-night sessions:
Pros
- The rod is made from the unique Toreon Nano Composite which makes the blank ultra-slim and lightweight
- The model offers great diversity with 3 different test curves and 3 lengths available to suit different fishing circumstances
- The rod feels beautiful and smooth when casting with fantastic rod recovery
- The blank looks sleek and classy
- Playing fish on this rod is a dream with an amazing balance of power and subtlety
- There are 3 handle options available to suit your specific taste
Cons
- The blank looks exactly the same as the previous model from Greys (The Torsion), however, it does still look really good
- I would have prefered the reel seat fittings to be finished in black but this really is down to personal taste
- The rod may not be suitable for those who prefer a stiffer rod, as the Aircurve technology gives it a more flexible feel.
- The rod can be quite expensive compared to other carp rods on the market, which may not be suitable for those on a budget
A Bit About the Greys Aircurve Carp Rod
The Aircurve is Grey’s flagship model having taken this accolade from its predecessor, the Torsion.
The rod is highly sought-after on the carp angling scene and has gained a reputation for being one of the best in the market.
It’s available in three test curves, 3lb, 3.25lb, and 3.5lb, across lengths of 10, 12 and 13-feet. The Aircurve is the first Greys rod to utilise the new Toreon nano composite material technology, which makes it incredibly strong and durable yet really lightweight.
Who’s it ideal for
The Aircurve is a premium rod and so is best suited to experienced anglers who can make the most of the premium features.
If you like a super-thin blank then this rod is perfect especially if you are still needing to cast long distances and are fishing for large carp.
If you enjoy feeling every bump and turn of the fish when playing it (even at range) then this is another feature you will enjoy.
Finally, this rod will satisfy even the most fickle of tackle tarts as it looks super classy as a set of 3 on the bank.
The Different Versions Of The Aircurve
There are 3 different lengths available in the Greys Aircurve carp rod range alongside 3 different test curves. The following table summarises the different options, their top casting range and situations where they are best suited:
| Length | Test Curve | Ideal For | Max Cast Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 3lb | Smaller venues, close range fishing and stalking | 90 yds |
| 10 ft | 3.25lb | Small to medium sized venues, close range fishing and stalking | 100 yds |
| 12 ft | 3lb | Small to medium venues. Good all-round rod | 145 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.25lb | Medium to Larger venue where distance casting is required | 160 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.5lb | Large venues and waters that contain snags | 170 yds |
| 13 ft | 3.5lb | Large venues for casting long distances and/or near snags | 175 yds |
The 5 Attributes The Rod Was Tested Against
As mentioned previously in the article, there are 5 key elements that carp anglers look for in the best rods. These are as follows:
- Features
- Appearance
- Casting & Feel
- Playing Fish
- Value For Money
For more detail on the review process please visit the designated review explanation page that outlines how products are reviewed on eTackle.
The Greys Aircurve Carp Rod Review
So having set the scene with where the rod came from and what criteria the rod was tested against let’s now get into how it performed.
First off, let’s see how the experts have rated this rod…
More Details
More Details
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The Key Attributes Scrutinised
Features & Specifications
The handle
The Aircurve Carp Rod offers three handle options: FJS, abbreviated, and traditional cork.
I personally preferred the FJS material but all three are well-designed and provide a comfortable and secure grip, making it a pleasure to use for long periods.
The reel seat
One of the standout features of the Greys Aircurve Carp Rod is the reel seat. The full-carbon Fuji DPS18 hybrid reel seat is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it serves its purpose admirably and holds reels of all sizes rock solid.
The sleek design of the reel seat also adds to the overall modern look of the rod.
The eyes/guides
The rod is equipped with lightweight PacBay KTV Minima Guides, allowing for smooth casting and reduced friction on the line.
When you look at these, they are almost skeleton like and you can tell that they really contribute to the rod’s superb casting abilities and general overall performance.
The blank
The Aircurve is the first Greys rod to utilise the new Toreon nano composite material technology. This technology allows the blank to be incredibly strong, lightweight and durable.
The finish on the blank looks stunning and just has an air of quality about it.
Features & Specifications Summary
- Available in 10, 12 & 13-foot lengths
- Test curves available include 3lb, 3.25lb and 3.5lb
- Fuji DPSM18 Reel Seat
- 3 Handle options – FJS, Abbreviated and Cork
- Lightweight PacBay KTV Minima Guides for smooth casting
- 40T/46T Carbon Blank with carbon armour finish
- Toreon Nano Composite (unique to Greys)
- Anti-frap Tournament Tip guide
- Integrated Carbon Line Clip
- Supplied with Neoprene Tip and Butt Protectors
Here’s what the experts said about the rods features:
"Seriously, out of the hundreds (and it quite literally is) of rods I’ve tested since CARPology began some ten years ago, the AirCurve is by far and away the thinnest blank I’ve ever seen/used"More Details "There’s an abbreviated handle (with an added 40mm butt ring option), for the masses, a full shrink-wrap version for the tarts and, our favourite, a full-cork handle for the fashionably retro anglers out there"
More Details "The rods blanks are extremely strong, slim, and lightweight due to the torreón nano composite material that provides a uniform dispersion of nano particles throughout the resin that binds the carbon fibers together"
More Details
Appearance
When I first laid my eyes on the Greys Aircurve carp rods, I was immediately impressed by their sleek and modern design.
The rods come in a stunning black and silver finish that gives them a professional look and feel.
I personally think they are one of the best-looking rods on the market today and are certainly up there with other beautiful rods such as the Nash Scope Black Ops, Infinity X45 and Century Stealth Graphene Reinforced.
Here’s what the experts said about the Aircurve’s appearance:
"Like a car, it’s not just about performance, it’s about aesthetics too and thankfully Greys haven’t balls-ed up here"More Details "Three of these on any bankside setup will look an absolute picture in any angler’s swim. Let’s face it, as good as they are, we still spend most of our time with our rods serving as little more than eye candy!"
More Details "The rods sport stainless collars, butt caps, and sleek gloss black whippings to further enhance the aesthetic appeal of these stunning rods"
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Casting & Feel
Thanks to its impressive build quality and its very responsive action the Aircurve is a joy to cast.
Despite its impressive casting potential, the Greys Aircurve Carp Rod still manages to feel light and controlled.
This is due in part to its thin design, which allows for greater precision and accuracy. As Adam Penning notes in his review for Angling Direct, “The level of accuracy this rod provides is truly astonishing.”
I have to concur as I’m certainly not one of the best casters out there but I was still hitting 140 yards with a 4oz lead in the 3.25lb test curve version with relative ease.
This is what the experts said about how the rod casts and feels when handled:
"One thing you’ll find with the Aircurve is how damn far and accurately it’ll cast. The recovery of the rod is sensational"More Details "Greys claim casting potential of 140 yards with the 3lb test curve model, which is impressive"
More Details "The action has been developed to provide the perfect balance to achieve exceptional casting potential"
More Details
Playing Fish
When it comes to playing fish, the Greys Aircurve Carp Rod performs exceptionally well. The rod has a great balance of power and sensitivity.
In testing, I caught fish to mid-twenties and the rod allowed me to feel every movement of the fish while still having the power to control it and dictate the fight.
Here are some quotes from the experts on how the rod performs when playing fish:
"It’s a total joy to play a fish on"More Details "Just about every rod on the market claims to offer casting performance with sustained playability, but the reality is that only a handful probably actually deliver on this promise, however, the Aircurve does!"
More Details "The action has been developed to provide the perfect balance between fish playing action combined with exceptional casting potential"
More Details
Value For Money
Overall, while the Greys Aircurve Carp Rods may not be the cheapest option on the market, they do offer a range of features and benefits that make them a worthwhile investment.
If you are an experienced angler that can make the most out of the advanced technology and have the budget to invest, I highly recommend them.
If you are new to the sport or perhaps an occasional angler, then I would advise you maybe look at some more budget-friendly options.
Here’s how the experts scored the rod on value for money:
"So are they worth the £299.99 price tag? Unbelievably, yes"More Details "No"
More Details "No"
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Final Thoughts & Conclusions
After spending some time with the Greys Aircurve Carp Rods, I can confidently say that they are a top-quality product that is worth considering for any angler looking for a high-performance rod.
The Toreon nano composite material technology used in these rods is impressive and provides a level of accuracy that is only really rivalled by the X45 technology in the Infinity and Basia rods.
Overall, the Greys Aircurve Carp Rods are an excellent choice for anglers who value performance and accuracy. While they may not be the most affordable option on the market, their quality and features make them well worth the investment for serious anglers.
Thanks for reading.
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The Century C2 MK2 Upgrade – Here’s What To Expect
The Small & Mighty Nash Scope Black Ops Full Guide
The Harrison Torrix – The Full Guide To Your Dream Custom Rod