Hey guys. I have a brand new Abu Garcia Veritas 6'9" MH Micro Guide casting rod. I have only used it for probably a month or so and I REALLY hate the reel seat/grip. The top portion that tightens on the reel (the nut I guess?) sticks down past the back side of the handle and when I palm the reel it is giving me blisters and is not comfortable at all. My buddy has a Duckett Micro Magic and his is not like this and is much more comfortable. These pics explain it a little better. I am probably going to sell the Veritas and get another rod. I am between the Duckett or Dobyns Savy micro guide. Has anyone had any experience with these or have any other recommendations in the $150 range? Would like 7' MH micro guide.

 

falcon bucoo micro is the lightest and best rod in your price range.

falcon bucoo micro is the lightest and best rod in your price range.

Seems decent but has a lot of reviews on breakage.. Do these use the really small guides like the Duckett? The Duckett micro guides are about half the size of the micro guides on the Veritas.

Seems decent but has a lot of reviews on breakage.. Do these use the really small guides like the Duckett? The Duckett micro guides are about half the size of the micro guides on the Veritas.

Falcons micro guides are probably in between the veritas and duckett leaning more towards the ducketts in size

The Veritas uses what is called a skeleton seat. They are a love'em or hate'em proposition. I use them on some custom builds and have to be sure the barrel (threaded section) is positioned correctly to avoid the problem you have here.

Ive read a whole lot of good things about both of the rods you are interested in. I personally love my Veritas, but I have not had issues with blisters, or I would want a new rod as well. I would probably go with the Duckett if you like your friends rod.

Sounds like the aluminum nut clamp is causing the discomfort? I'm not a fan of aluminum clamps. EVA foam with no exposed threads is the most comfortable IMO. If you choose to stay with an exposed handle seat I suggest staying away from the Pac Bay stuff. The Duckett will likely be more comfortable because it has a Fuji ECS reel seat, one of the best IMO. Don't get hung up on the whole micro guide thing. Some are great, but some are super cheap.

Thanks for the replies guys. I have larger hands so when I palm the reel the nut bothers me. The rod is new and yesterday was the first day I extensively fished with it. I only bought it based on reviews but honestly am not a fan of it. As far as the micro guides go I just like how it makes the rod lighter. I am looking for something that is sensitive as well. Not dead set on anything. Open to suggestions in the $150 range. Next week I am going to use my buddy's Duckett for the day and see how I like it. Anyone have any experience with the Dobyns? The whole $60 replacement thing is nice if I do something stupid and break it.

Nobody has a Dobyns Savy?

i am very intersted in the doybins savy also. i read awesome things on it and for 150 bucks it looks like a 250 dollar G loomis. i think i may pull the trigger on one of the 6'6 med heavy ones. i have read alot great stuff about Doybins

I am torn between the two.. Wish somewhere local had them to get my hands on it. My buddy has the Duckett but I want to see the Dobyns.

Delsol send me a pm. I don't have any experience with the Duckett line but i have several savy series rods. There are a few other rods in the $150 price range that would be worth a look. Depending your intended baits there should be several rods that will work.