Villian Rod Options

[LuckyHandsINC.]

I was very excited about getting an mgx/villain combo. That is until I went looking at wich one to get.

My plan was to make a finesse combo for things like shakey heads or weightless plastics. Before I actually looked at what was available I was debating between M or ML somewhere in the 7 foot range with a fast or extra fast tip. Well they have no extra fast tips so that made that easy. Then I look at the 6'9 ML and its a mod/fast tip W T F. So I figure ill get the 7' m but it has a mod tip, again W T F.

So now I'm stuck picking the 6'6 m with fast tip which I know will feel too short, or I can go up to a 7' MH fast which is much heavier than I wanted since I was originally considering a ML.

I know i could get a different rod but I just can't make myself put the mgx on a different rod.

So am I the only one who sees major holes in this lineup and what would you guys do for a rod. I really want the villain/mgx combo

[clayton86]

There may be more options when they are finaly released and not presale isn't that how it was with the veritas and so on. I also want to set up the same combo but I'm waiting till next fall when I get back from afghanistan I also want to pick up the new 7'11 veritas flipping stick and the 7' veritas toro cranking stick for lipless cranks

[LuckyHandsINC.]

Also would any one use a 6'9 ML/mod fast for shakey heads,weightless plasctics,and finesse jigs. I would personally prefer fast or even xfast.

[LuckyHandsINC.]

Sorry to bump, but I was really expecting this to be a good topic and was hoping for some advice. Hopefully ill have better luck this time around

[clayton86]

I think the ML u mentioned would be perfict for what u would use it for. I don't think the topic took off cuz the shimano posse is to strong lol plus these rods arnt available yet

[Pantera61]

Also would any one use a 6'9 ML/mod fast for shakey heads,weightless plasctics,and finesse jigs. I would personally prefer fast or even xfast.

Are you concerned about detecting bites with a med/mod fast?

[K_Mac]

I would find the exact rod I was looking for and not worry too much about manufacturer. The slower ML/M rod will certainly work, and if I had to have a Villian for that purpose that is what I would get, but if Abu doesn't make the rod you want in the Villian line why sweat it? There are too many other choices IMO.

[LuckyHandsINC.]

Are you concerned about detecting bites with a med/mod fast?

I'm not too concerned about bite detection. More concerned with hookset power. I will probably be using 10# suffix elite mono or possibly 10# trilene %100 flouro. I dont have a crazy powerful hookset. I like to set the hook with a nice swift lift of the rod not a homerun swing. Do you think bite detection could be a problem with the mod action? Thanks for the advice.

[LuckyHandsINC.]

I would find the exact rod I was looking for and not worry too much about manufacturer. The slower ML/M rod will certainly work, and if I had to have a Villian for that purpose that is what I would get, but if Abu doesn't make the rod you want in the Villian line why sweat it? There are too many other choices IMO.

I know getting the exact rod I want would be the smart thing to do but I really had my heart set on the vilian. I've been thinking about the 6'6 med/fast and right now that's the one I'm leaning toward. If brand were not an issue what rod wouldn't get for finesse jigs and light t- rigs?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If ABU marketing about the Villain being built specially for that reel is the driving force here, don't get too hung up on that. There are a lot of choices out there for a light weight sensitive rod for finesse fishing.

[Pantera61]

I'm not too concerned about bite detection. More concerned with hookset power. I will probably be using 10# suffix elite mono or possibly 10# trilene %100 flouro. I dont have a crazy powerful hookset. I like to set the hook with a nice swift lift of the rod not a homerun swing. Do you think bite detection could be a problem with the mod action? Thanks for the advice.

No problem. Most people prefer softer tapers for moving baits, faster tapers for standing baits.

[LuckyHandsINC.]

If ABU marketing about the Villain being built specially for that reel is the driving force here, don't get too hung up on that. There are a lot of choices out there for a light weight sensitive rod for finesse fishing.

Abu's marketing is partially to blame but I do really like the rod.(form what I've seen in the videos). I have a few cumaras and was thinking about another one for the MGX but I keep coming back to the villain.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I haven't handled any of the Villain rods but I don't see anything in the specs that would render them unusable for what you want. With rod ratings being subjective, the only way to know for sure is to try one if your budget allows for a little roll of the dice.

[pitchinthejig]

Daiwa Steez SPX Mega Top 6'10" Med Lt.

that rod is BEAST the best ive ever fished at the job you are looking to do with it, I dont fish this setup a lot other then when thats the only way I can catch them good but when I do fish Shaky heads, Small jigs, 4.5in worm 1/16th oz T-Rigs, custom poured 3in flukes and even wacky rigged trick worms this Steez SPX/Airy Red Pixzilla will be on call. Spooled with 10# Sunline shooter or 15# Daiwa Samurai braid/Toray BAWO Superhard Premium Plus FC leader (When its really deep water and I have a lot of line out I use braid/FC leader for hook setting power, you dont need braid even in deep water for sensitivity the rod has plenty even with copoly it has plenty)

and this combo is AWESOME at its job, one of the most sensitive rods Ive ever fished and the tip of that rod shakes a shaky head like no other... and the rod is Med Lt but has plenty of back bone to handle good fish, Ive caught plenty of 4-5# fish and one real close to 9# fish on the setup and it handles them very well... The rod doesnt feel like it will handle big fish well in your hand but once you hookup you will understand you have plenty of rod in your hand.

I know its A LOT more costly then the ABU rod but if you fish those types of baits a lot then its worth its weight in gold this rod will deliver in spades EVERY TIME. If you want a silly light super high quality stick for this duty you can not beat this stick even going custom you will have a hard time beating it.

[Pantera61]

Daiwa Steez SPX Mega Top 6'10" Med Lt.

that rod is BEAST the best ive ever fished at the job you are looking to do with it, I dont fish this setup a lot other then when thats the only way I can catch them good but when I do fish Shaky heads, Small jigs, 4.5in worm 1/16th oz T-Rigs, custom poured 3in flukes and even wacky rigged trick worms this Steez SPX/Airy Red Pixzilla will be on call. Spooled with 10# Sunline shooter or 15# Daiwa Samurai braid/Toray BAWO Superhard Premium Plus FC leader (When its really deep water and I have a lot of line out I use braid/FC leader for hook setting power, you dont need braid even in deep water for sensitivity the rod has plenty even with copoly it has plenty)

and this combo is AWESOME at its job, one of the most sensitive rods Ive ever fished and the tip of that rod shakes a shaky head like no other... and the rod is Med Lt but has plenty of back bone to handle good fish, Ive caught plenty of 4-5# fish and one real close to 9# fish on the setup and it handles them very well... The rod doesnt feel like it will handle big fish well in your hand but once you hookup you will understand you have plenty of rod in your hand.

I know its A LOT more costly then the ABU rod but if you fish those types of baits a lot then its worth its weight in gold this rod will deliver in spades EVERY TIME. If you want a silly light super high quality stick for this duty you can not beat this stick even going custom you will have a hard time beating it.

I've used Steez rods and watched bass take a bait and waited and waited and waited for the bite to be transmitted. Steez ain't all that and most certainly not worth what Daiwa thinks.

[pitchinthejig]

I've used Steez rods and watched bass take a bait and waited and waited and waited for the bite to be transmitted. Steez ain't all that and most certainly not worth what Daiwa thinks.

Its all in a persons hands buddy, you may think a Ugly stick is sensitive and you may think a Steez isnt.. I have plenty and each and everyone is a very sensitive stick and its not just because I bought them and have to tell my self they are to be happy Plain and simple they are VERY sensitive sticks.

To me my Steez 7'1 Compile-X's are more sensitive then a NRX 854C and I had one sold it and kept the 853C the lighter in action 843C is about the same as the 7'1 Compile-X as far as sensitivity is concerned. Ive never fished a rod that I have felt each and every strike on theres no rod that can do that... however I will say pitching with 22# Sunline Shooter FC on the Compile-X feel 95% of the strikes even with a good bit of slack in the line. when a rod is as light as ALL the steez are they cant help but be sensitive sticks. Take the 6.3MHF Steez SVF and that is one of the most if not the most sensitive sticks Ive touched EVER even tackletour agrees that it is one of the most Sensitive sticks they have fished read the review. If you cant feel bites with ANY of the steez sticks then thats just how subjective sensitivity is to each person. To me you can take a Steez flexlite and worm with it and its plenty sensitive and with a moving bait you feel EVERYTHING.

If you dont think a Steez is worth the cost then a NRX is a joke because IMHO the Steez line of rods are built with such detail and quality that if you arent buying Megabass or Evergreen you arent getting the same detail or quality as the Steez sticks I have NEVER seen a Steez that was built anything less then flawless, my first NRX had to be sent back because the thread wraps on 6 guides was a absolute joke. Not saying loomis are awesome sticks and super high quality as they are and I enjoy the few loomis sticks I still on one NRX and 2 GLX that I would never sell I love them.

The comments made by both of us are right and wrong at the same time its a hugely subjective matter and thats why I said "One of the most sensitive rods IVE ever fished" but IMHO no one can say none of the Steez family of rods are not sensitive rods because they are.

[Pantera61]

My hands are just fine. As a matter of fact, my fingers and hands are tested every six months for sensitivity and tactile acuity. I sold my Steez rods because they lacked sensitivity.

Its all in a persons hands buddy, you may think a Ugly stick is sensitive and you may think a Steez isnt.. I have plenty and each and everyone is a very sensitive stick and its not just because I bought them and have to tell my self they are to be happy Plain and simple they are VERY sensitive sticks.

To me my Steez 7'1 Compile-X's are more sensitive then a NRX 854C and I had one sold it and kept the 853C the lighter in action 843C is about the same as the 7'1 Compile-X as far as sensitivity is concerned. Ive never fished a rod that I have felt each and every strike on theres no rod that can do that... however I will say pitching with 22# Sunline Shooter FC on the Compile-X feel 95% of the strikes even with a good bit of slack in the line. when a rod is as light as ALL the steez are they cant help but be sensitive sticks. Take the 6.3MHF Steez SVF and that is one of the most if not the most sensitive sticks Ive touched EVER even tackletour agrees that it is one of the most Sensitive sticks they have fished read the review. If you cant feel bites with ANY of the steez sticks then thats just how subjective sensitivity is to each person. To me you can take a Steez flexlite and worm with it and its plenty sensitive and with a moving bait you feel EVERYTHING.

If you dont think a Steez is worth the cost then a NRX is a joke because IMHO the Steez line of rods are built with such detail and quality that if you arent buying Megabass or Evergreen you arent getting the same detail or quality as the Steez sticks I have NEVER seen a Steez that was built anything less then flawless, my first NRX had to be sent back because the thread wraps on 6 guides was a absolute joke. Not saying loomis are awesome sticks and super high quality as they are and I enjoy the few loomis sticks I still on one NRX and 2 GLX that I would never sell I love them.

The comments made by both of us are right and wrong at the same time its a hugely subjective matter and thats why I said "One of the most sensitive rods IVE ever fished" but IMHO no one can say none of the Steez family of rods are not sensitive rods because they are.

[K_Mac]

NYBASSIN36 I use spinning rods for those light line applications, so I don't have any experience with ML baitcasting rods. I agree with DVT that actually handling the rod is the real test of whether it fits your needs. With that said a ML/XF 6'6"-7' would be where I would start. I like the soft fast action of an XF rod in M and MH.

There are many fine rods available in the same price range as the Villian. Good luck.