I often explain to guests, especially those new to the sport that money spent on fishing tackle is an investment in pleasure. After all we spend out on tax, car servicing, public transport and all manner of other expensive everyday expenditure, non of which provides us with a great deal of pleasure! Even so, stumping up £500.00 notes for your first fly fishing rod may seem a little extreme. So what can the novice or improving angler expect to pay for a decent start up rod? The answer is as little as £89.99 The rod in question is the Greys GRXi.

The brainchild of the experts at Greys this rod looks like it should cost twice the price. Presented in a striking black livery tipped off with well constructed silver whippings the GRXi is supplied in a quality cloth bag and protected by a smart black tube. The whole package is very impressive indeed. But there is more to a rod than good looks, how does it perform?

In a word, superbly. The short lengths make wonderful little river rods. Responsive, light and able to cast tight loops. The longer models reserve a great deal of power and make for easy casting with a range of lines. There is even a Double Handed range at an astonishing price, but that's for another review.

For me personally however the 2 models that really stand out are the 3 section 9'0" 5/6 and 9'6" 6/7. The nine footer would be ideal as a small stillwater rod but could also be used for heavier river work such as Czech nymphing for Grayling. Its big brother on the other hand will cope with strong winds and large flies with ease. Hook a fish and this blank really does feel like a fishing rod while still reserving the power to play fish effectively. There is also a very powerful 4 piece 9'0" #7/8 rod that would be at home on any shoreline mark for U.K. Bass and even tolerate the odd trip casual Bonefish trip.

Perhaps to sum up I should mention that at our Fly Fishing School the GRXi is our first choice rod to teach with, after all with a lifetime guarantee this product really is a benchmark that cannot be ignored. Check out the latest Hart Flyshop deal on site.