hwright38

I do not like the grip on the zodias very much, but love the feel of the Villain. That's personal preference of course, but something to consider. The Villain does run like a half-power heavier than stated (so a MH is actually about half way between a MH and H). I'll vote Villain all day, everyday, though they're probably about even for what you're planning on doing.

That falls in line with what I've heard too. The Premier is "only" $300, but the one other person I've even see that has one says they're not worth it over the Villian. Also, until I built my custom spinning rod, a first gen vendetta was my absolute favorite spinning rod. The thing is a beast for $70.

Hello, Does anyone have any input as to whether or not the Fantasista Premier is worth the extra $100 over the Villain 2.0? I've got a 7' MH Villain right now, and the thing easily my favorite rod. I'm wondering if I should buy another Villain (was thinking either a 7' M, another 7' MH, or a 7'3" MH) or jump up to the Fantasista Premier (in the same lengths/powers). Anyone with experience using the Premier would be very helpful in deciding. Thank you.

I don't have an Ark, but I can say the Villain 2.0 is hands down my favorite rod. The thing is a beast. Super sensitive but still very strong (I've beat mine to hell and back). For a general do-everything rod, I honestly don't think there is a rod under $400 that's better than the Villain.

Brass gears are smoother than aluminum. Aluminum is lighter weight but brittle, while brass is heavier but more shock absorbing. Which doesn't matter because they both have brass gears.

Guys, I made a revelation. The handle grips on the Curado are much bigger and softer than the handles on the MGL. For giggles I swapped the handles and suddenly the Curado is much grittier than the MGL, and the MGL is buttery smooth. The bigger grips must be absorbing more of the vibrations and smoothing the retrieve out. Looks like the MGL is fine, and it is very good. Now I think I'm going to buy some Hawg Tech carbon handles for the Curado, and keep the Curado handle on the MGL (or vice versa).

It's just... Not as smooth. I don't get the warm and fuzzies when I crank it. It's not necessarily more gritty, it's just there's more resistance, almost like I'm touching the spool with my hand and trying to reel. I work in a sporting goods store (discount is awesome) and if we could get a 71 in stock I would be golden. I'm spoiled on the discount though and outright buying a 70 would be nearly as much as what I paid for the Chronarch.

I've got 3 of them, and I love them so far. Definitely worth the hundred dollars if you ask me. The newest ones (I don't know the "gens," everyone here is saying 1 or 2, but there are three distinct models that I've seen) have an "uplocking" reel seat, such that the grip is the locking nut. The older ones have a "downlocking" reel seat which is your standard locking nut (though this one clicks when you spin it which is kinda nice). Then there's even older one's that I've seen that have a standard hood without the clicking feature (though they may have been a different line within the Veritas group).

Hello, I recently purchased a Chronarch MGL 151 with a lot of hype. The only problem is, I can't seem to understand what makes it better than the hundred dollar cheaper Curado k. It's lighter, but also physically bigger for having a smaller spool, and is not half as smooth as my well used Curado. My question to you guys' is: Is this a lemon? Am I an idiot and just need to fish it more? I don't think it's a lemon because I messed around with a different one and it felt identical. I'll say it does cast very well, but the retrieve is about on par with my Revo S. I feel like I'm missing something here. Please help me rationalize buying a Chronarch when I could've nearly bought two Curados.