TNBassin'

Nvm. Swapped it out and am good to go.

Just got my stx gen 3 in the mail today. It's extremely tight when turning the handle, almost like the spool tension knob is too tight, which is not because even without the knob on it's the same. I've made sure the tension pads have a dot of oil on them and the ends of the spool shaft do too. Odd thing is, even without the spool in the frame it still feels tight? Is this a dud or do the new stxs have really tight tolerances?

Thanks!

I was gonna pick up an XRK75 yesterday at Bass Pro, but chickened out because because I've never used anything bigger in our lake than a 1/2oz. They had them on clearance for $4.88 too. Guess I will stop by before work and give them a shot.

I actually fish ribbon tails on a shakey head and have great results. Yum F2s to be exact, since the tails on those actually float. That undercurrent really gets the tail flicking and drives the bass nuts. I also use squirrel tail worms by Big Bite and have done pretty well with those, although those I fish on Luck E Strike football jigs that have a 2/0 hook since the profile of that worm and how it's put together is small.

Just got my STX in the mail. I have yet to fish with it, but man it feels awesome. Love those EVA handles. Might have to pick up a set for my gen 3 S.

Lipless crank or rage rigged worm.

I know the ENDS of the spool shaft should have a dot of oil on them, but does the shaft itself require lubrication? I've heard conflicting opinions on this, but lubing it seems like the free spool would be affected. Thanks.

Windy conditions is why I wanted the dual braking system. Hopefully it will help in that regard.

What is the best way to get the KVD 1.5s to run a tad deeper without messing up the action??

Was just on abu's website, and noticed that you can now buy items from the revo shop. Got my eye on that carbon fiber handle, but the prices are a little much if you ask me.

Personally, I'd refund it and get the new one. Any price difference between the one you have and the newer model??

If they are the same price, why not get all the features you can for your money? I say return it.

I have a Gen 3 STX on order. Does the dual brake system let you have "thumb free" casting, or is some thumbing still required?

So is a MH Villain drastically stiffer than a typical MH rod? I know my M vendetta is a tad stiffer than a medium, but it's not drastically smaller in diameter than my bros MH. I've just seen where abugarcia.com has the micro guide villains for sale now. Guess I will spend the extra cash and nab one instead of the standard guide version.

I casted into a tree one time, and ripped it free and it fell in the water. As I was reeling in the slack, it wasn't 5 seconds and I hooked a bass.

That would cut out some bling.

I'm not fond of those silver dots everywhere that's for sure, but I want a rod that will match up to my new STX. Plus I just really like Abu rods, and wanna stick with them.

I'm probably gonna go with a 6'9 or 7'1 MH. I'm hoping it performs like a MH Veritas. Good fast tip, with plenty of back bone.

That's good to know. The Veritas had my hand all cramped up after a few hours.

I have smaller hands so it sounds like it will work well for me. How does the handle/reel seet compare to the Veritas? I like that rod, but the handle/reel seat was a tad uncomfortable until I got used to it.

Just ordered my STX, and was looking at a Villain rod to stick it on. TW has them on sale now for a good price, and I've been impressed with the Vendetta and most recently the Veritas. It just seems like the Villain is the black sheep of the V series rods, as the reviews seem kind of under whelming. Most of these reviews center on the rod being stiff, which nearly all Abu rods are, and the lack of micro guides which isn't a deal breaker for me even though a micro guide series of the Villain is coming soon. So if you have this rod, any info that will help me decide on what to do is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Not your fault buddy.

Veritas micro guide rod. $99 well spent.

I tried putting some oil on my finger and doing the same, but it still squealed and my casting distance still sucked. Even oiled the bearings. Felt rough on the retrieve though too. Guess 15 hours in the last 2 days throwing red eye shad wore it down. At least the thumb bar held up. Hope the stx treats me better.