Greys GR80 Fly Rod Review - The Best Fly Rod under $400?

You might be asking yourself.... who cares? Well, if you're in the market for a sub $500 rod, YOU should care.
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2020 marks the return of Greys to the United States. For those of us who have been at this long enough, you'll remember when Greys left us some 6 (or so) years ago to become a European only brand. Like an Alfa Spider, Greys faded out of the mainstream and into the fond memory of enthusiasts. And now, they're back.
Greys' return to the US market may have been a little quiet from a marketing standpoint, but their products are absolutely top-notch. This GR80 Streamflex is an absolutely incredible rod at any price. If you slapped a fancy label on this blank, you wouldn't know that it's not a $900 rod. It's that good. At $375, it's just insane.
2020 may not have been the best year. Ok, it's really more of a dumpster fire. But the GR80 might be something to make it all just a tiny bit better for some. Is this the best all-around trout rod for less than $400? For most people, I would say that the answer is yes. Move over BVK...
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Rod Specs
1:40 - Casting 30ft
2:10 - Casting 45ft
2:35 - Casting 60ft
3:15 - Poseidon Score
4:50 - Conclusion
Got Questions?
[e-mail]
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[@jeffnelson2197]

I bought a Fenwick Altos 10’ 3wt for $189. It is without question one of the very best rods I’ve ever fished. I can’t speak to any of the other fedwicks but that one and the 11’ 6-7 wt Altos I use for streamers is an okay rod, the 10’ 3wt is so great I literally never go out to fish without it. Yes I’ve used more high end and name brand rods, but that little $189 one is my ultimate favorite all around stick. Btw, used it two years about 3-4 times a week. It’s wonderful.

[@benjaminkelly2277]

$375 isn't a value rod for most people. That's my very top end

[@kevingeary1472]

Then it's a great top end rod. 👍🏻

[@Shafferhead]

Been considering this series. Im an orvis dude and already own a Clearwater 6wt a recon 1 4wt and a recon 2 5wt buuuut i need something for sea/pike. Kinda want a recon 7wt SW but they are terribly expensive in Norway. So far what ive seen from the gr80 is impressive for the price! Good review as always. Keep it up!

[@barry4fish19]

It may not sell very well because it’s made overseas. But, I have 3 different models and absolutely love them. They are just as nicely made and designed as my older XF2 Streamflex rods that were made in S. Korea (same factory that made the Hardy rods for a long time, including the Zenith). I test casted the 9’ 5 wt, and agree with your review, although I would have rated the handle grip higher, because it’s high quality cork and 7” long with reinforcing composite rings near reel seat for durability. I hate it when companies start skimping on the grip by making it shorter and narrower. I was delighted to find an 8 footer for small stream fishing that doesn’t have a smaller downsized grip - after all, my hands don’t change size just because I want to fish an ultralight rod. Keep up the good reviews, I think they are really helpful.

[@michaelshaw8370]

As a UK based Fly angler I rate Greys Rods as highly as Hardy. The latest models have absolutely raised the bar across the range. Both companies are based in the same town in northeast England with Hardy actually reopening their first shop on the town high street. A tour of their factory and headquarters is a real eye opener the tradition and pride is still strong with some production still happening on site. The other unsung local rod maker south of Newcastle is Century. Smaller and bespoke. Again a quality product with a rich and long history.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Good rods, for sure

[@philiplarkin7908]

Great video. Can you please review the Daiwa Air AGS Fly rod?

[@bobbysteve1627]

Can you make a video on a slow rod like the new butterstick or something of that nature please thank and love all your vids and I buy all my gear from you guys

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Hi Bobby. We have several video reviews for fiberglass rods including the Fenwick Fenglass, Echo River Glass, Scott F2, and the T&T Lotic. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Tight lines.

[@perolsson4344]

I wonder if the GR80 Salt is as good ? Is it the same or similar Streamflex blank i wonder ?

[@norincofan1949]

how's the action across the range? not particularly interested in a 9' 5 wt but could go for the 3 wt euro configuration or a 10' 5 wt for indie nymphing

[@swmplvr]

could you do side by side 10' 3 wt comparison ...this Greys rod, the Douglas, Moonshine, Redington.. They all come in gray and all look the same aside from maybe the but end, seat caulk handle... is there really much difference in them all??

[@Sochmo18]

Are these basically the same as the Fenwick Fenlite steamflex?

[@rrsnotyours]

Purchased a Greys rod..been trying to register product for weeks...no response from multiple emails....website says warranty page is down (exactly like Hardy warranty page..same..) no phone number I can find in USA...no address...link to US vendors comes back with "none"....not a good start to "Greys is back in the USA". You HAVE to include a simple valid means to customer service and warranty today.

[@andreiiancu5144]

I understand there is Greys GR80 and Greys GR80 Streamflex. The last one is presented in this video and you recommend the MPX for it. But how about the “standard” GR80? What line would be fit on that? Thank you!

[@Tridentflyfishing]

The MPX is fine

[@steveshapiro2385]

Of all the 4 weight offerings, is there a length you like best?

[@M1goblin]

Just bought a #3

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Awesome! Let us know what you think!

[@leuz12458]

Can you review the Vision Meri?

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Hi Leonardo! We'll add it to our list! We don't normally review rods from that Brand but we'll keep it in mind! Tight lines.

[@munkztermusic]

Hello. I was wondering what the difference between the gr80 and the gr70 is? From what i can tell theyre both fast action. Is the 70 an older model?

[@munkztermusic]

And, would you recommend the gr80 for a beginner?

[@Tridentflyfishing]

The GR70 is an older model. Greys released the GR80, along with less expensive GR60, in 2020. This marked the return of Greys to U.S. markets after being unavailable for several years.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

The rod is a little on the faster side, but I still think it would make an excellent beginner rod. The GR60 is a little softer and would be a great option as well. Let us know if we can help answer any other questions. Tight lines!

[@davidholm439]

What should I buy gr80 streamflex för little under 300$ or the lance för little over 200$. Whats the best buy? Its 9 foot 5wt.

[@bigbRad45acp]

Sierra trading post has gr80, under 200

[@anthonya.1958]

This rod or the newer Douglas DXF? I have Fenwick Aetos 5# 9ft rod. Looking for another 5# as an upgrade

[@giancarlocostanza1916]

What did you end up getting?

[@giancarlocostanza1916]

Trying to make the same decision

[@ph1shstyx]

@@giancarlocostanza1916 Not OP, but I own an Aetos 9-5wt, picked up the 10-4wt GR80. I fish colorado & wyoming, so it comes down to conditions. The 10-4wt helps out a lot actually for fishing canyon's (I can euro with it if I need to) and alpine lakes (the extra foot helps out a lot with casting distance). The Aetos is usually used when I need the punch in the wind, and my TFO finesse (7'9"-3wt) is my small stream rod.

[@bigbRad45acp]

Sierra trading post sells them in all sizes for under $200

[@barry4fish19]

Yup, I bought one model from them for $149, liked it so much I bought 2 other models when they dropped prices further to $99. What a steal.

[@gtchasingsilver]

Is it better than the hardy demon?

[@Tridentflyfishing]

For most people, yes.

[@smellyhipsters]

Wow 63/80 that rod must be special

[@VisualPrecisionLtd]

Accuracy is down to the skill of the caster, not the rod. If the caster can't adapt to the attributes of a different rod, accuracy goes out of the window. I stopped watching after 'accuracy', you lost me.

[@gregb8824]

Anyone own this rod???

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Have any specific questions?

[@gregb8824]

@@Tridentflyfishing I'd love to hear from people that own this rod. The review is glowing but there is little else written or reviewed regarding this rod.

[@barry4fish19]

I have the 9’ 3 wt, 8’ 4 wt, and the 8 1/2’ 5 wt. I love all of them. Nice even taper. I think they are true-to-weight, the light tip may feel overloaded at longer distances with a line that is half size heavier like the MPX. Try the SA Standard taper, excellent with these rods.

[@whisperingblues9887]

Utter bollocks this stuff.

[@gregb8824]

Why?

[@wawywawo]

@@gregb8824 your right ..bollocks

[@joem8875]

AT LEAST OUR SCHOOLS ARE NOT A SHOOTING GALLERY