Posted about this rod last year.  Got a very good deal on a like new rod last fall.  Diameter of the rod is kind of big, and turned me off upon removal from the packing tube.  Put a tuned Cabela's Prodigy loaded with 15# Daiwa Steez FC on it, and tied on a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait.  Headed to the river for some casting.  Casting distance was very disappointing.  However, one lure does not a fair chance make.

 

Today I stopped at Dick's and picked up a 1 oz. bucktail jig to try on this rod.  (My local DSG doesn't carry any spinnerbaits over 1/2 oz.)  (Can you tell I like spinnerbaits?  )  Rod is rated for 3/8 to 1-1/4 oz.  Off to the boat ramp on the river I go for more testing.  Now we are getting somewhere.  Rod is loading fine, and getting that lure out there.   Same reel and line as before.

 

Couldn't remember how much distance I got last year with the 1/2 oz. spinnerbait so I tied it back on and made a few casts.  Distance is enough to catch fish, but nowhere near what I can get on my other MH rods.  I will not be trying 3/8 oz. on this rod.  However, I think I will give a 2 oz. bucktail jig a try just for giggles.  Have a feeling this rod may be able to handle it.

 

Others have stated how they think the Veritas and Verdict lines are a little stiff for their rating.  I've posted before about my ML Villain spinning rod.  I would have to say the Villain line is also a bit heavier than rated.

 

I like longer rods.  My only 7'6" rod previous to this is a Zillion Flip & Pitch (which is a Heavy).  Looks like I may have two 7'6" Heavy rods....a power rating I seldom use locally.  I am not a moving water fishermen.  However, I live about 5 minutes from a boat ramp on the Lehigh River.  Nearest lakes are about 35 minutes away so I have been doing my rod and reel casting tests at the river.  Sensitivity tests will have to wait until I get to a lake.

 

I've never punched.  Looks like I need to invest in a few tungsten weights, and do some more testing with this rod. 

Test away. you will find something that will make you enjoy that rod. Have you tried a big chatterbait?  And I have a veritas and it is a stiff rod, but I am starting to like the stiffness more and more.

I have the 7'1 MH villain and I can launch a 1/2 and even 3/8oz spinner bait a mile with the thing using a RVO3 Stx with 15# flouroclear

I've been wanting to try a villain. I have 3 veritas and prefer them over my LTB's. Something about that stiff taper really is pleaseant to me...

I have a villain 7'1 as well and can cast 5/8 frogs a mile as well. (Revo s gen 2)