Bought one after getting a ML spinning rod.  I've had the casting rod out 3 times over the past 2 years.....for casting practice, not fishing.  Abu is a company noted for under-rating their rods.  IMO this rod is way too stiff for a MH.  Rating is for 3/8-1 1/4.  I wouldn't use less than 1/2 oz.  Had a 1/2 oz. swim jig on it this afternoon with this type plastic.  http://www.plasticlures.com/

 

I can throw a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap on two 7' rods and one 6'9" rod as far as I was casting the above combo.  The current is slow where I was casting at the river today.  Reeling this combo upstream barely put a slight (and I do mean slight) deflection in the tip.  You had to look close to see the deflection, but it did go far enough down into the rod for me to classify it as a Fast action.  Personally I think 3/4-1 oz. lures would be more optimum on this rod.  I've heard the term "boomstick" before, and assume this rod would fit that category.

 

I am considering taking up catfishng so I could possibly find a use for this rod.  I am curious if anyone actually uses it for bass, and what technique you use with this rod.  Heck, I'd like to know what you find it appropriate for no matter what you might be fishing for as I have yet to sell a rod or reel after purchase.  Thanks.

 

 

I use mine for 1/2 oz footballs. I don't use it allot as I prefer my 8' Villain

Spinnerbaits, texas/carolina rigs, topwater now and then

Spinnerbaits, texas/carolina rigs, topwater now and then

 

What weights?

I use mine for 1/2 oz footballs. I don't use it allot as I prefer my 8' Villain

Are you satisfied with casting distance?

Yes it casts great and I like the long rear grip. It's a great rod imho

Yes it casts great and I like the long rear grip. It's a great rod imho

 

I don't know what to think.  Maybe I got a lemon.  I can get at least another 15 yards more out of my 6'10" Heavy Quantums with similar weights.  My 7'6" HF Zillion will flat out launch a 3/4 oz. spinnerbait.  I want to like the Villain, but am really dissatisfied with how it casts.  I always cast 2-handed, and the longer handle does offer more leverage.  The reel I used yesterday is the same one I was using to cast 10" unweighted worms on a 3/0 hook.  I didn't change any settings including spool tension which I always run so the spool flies when the clutch is disengaged.  The reel handled the worm just fine so I don't think the reel is part of the problem.

I do agree that Abu rods are under rated but I have a 7' MF Villain and it feels right on maybe even a little over rated. When I tie on a KVD 1.5 to it, it bends the tip down more than any rod I have (besides my crankbait Kovert rod). I also feel this rod is weak and the tip and alter my hook sets and casting to compensate for it. I prefer the less expensive Veritas line than the Villain line. Anyways I got off the topic. I use my Villain for small crankbaits but it is a M not a MH.

What weights?

 

1oz or less, most often 1/2oz or less. I really like how stiff it is for walkn baits.

I don't know what to think.  Maybe I got a lemon.  I can get at least another 15 yards more out of my 6'10" Heavy Quantums with similar weights.  My 7'6" HF Zillion will flat out launch a 3/4 oz. spinnerbait.  I want to like the Villain, but am really dissatisfied with how it casts.  I always cast 2-handed, and the longer handle does offer more leverage.  The reel I used yesterday is the same one I was using to cast 10" unweighted worms on a 3/0 hook.  I didn't change any settings including spool tension which I always run so the spool flies when the clutch is disengaged.  The reel handled the worm just fine so I don't think the reel is part of the problem.

Try using the reel from the zillion rod and casting the same 3/4 spinnerbait and see how it casts?

I'm guessing ite not loading the rod throwing a weightless worm?

Try using the reel from the zillion rod and casting the same 3/4 spinnerbait and see how it casts?

I'm guessing ite not loading the rod throwing a weightless worm?

 

You misunderstood.  I was using the same reel with the same settings that I had used to throw a weightless worm on a different rod when visiting in Florida.  I wouldn't consider using such a light bait on the Villain.

 

 

 

EDIT:  I have cast a 3/8 oz. spinnerbait with this rod.  Distance was poor.  I must be weaker than I thought. 

I do agree that Abu rods are under rated but I have a 7' MF Villain and it feels right on maybe even a little over rated. When I tie on a KVD 1.5 to it, it bends the tip down more than any rod I have (besides my crankbait Kovert rod). I also feel this rod is weak and the tip and alter my hook sets and casting to compensate for it. I prefer the less expensive Veritas line than the Villain line. Anyways I got off the topic. I use my Villain for small crankbaits but it is a M not a MH.

 

Never used a Veritas.  My ML Villain spinning rod is rated down to 1/8 oz.  I tried a 1/16 oz. lure on it figuring "Hey, it's a spinning rod.  It will cast it with no problem.".  I probably could spit further than I could cast that weight....and I can't spit for crap. 

 

Believe me when I say the MH rod has a very stiff tip.

Never used a Veritas.  My ML Villain spinning rod is rated down to 1/8 oz.  I tried a 1/16 oz. lure on it figuring "Hey, it's a spinning rod.  It will cast it with no problem.".  I probably could spit further than I could cast that weight....and I can't spit for crap. 

 

Believe me when I say the MH rod has a very stiff tip.

I noticed the MH and ML rods from Abu no matter what line seem stiffer than they should.