Just thought I'd share my opinion.

Lews Custom Lite and the Abu Garcia Villian 2.0. 

I'm a Lews guy through and through.

I wanted a couple new rods and took a chance on the Villian 2.0... They're fantastic.

My friend bought a villain and loved it till he broke it

16 hours ago, fisherrw said:

My friend bought a villain and loved it till he broke it

Did he step on it ? Close a door on it?

I have a gen one 6'9" ML Villian that I use all the time.Paired with a Stradic FJ 2500,It's a sweet setup

9 hours ago, WPCfishing said:

Did he step on it ? Close a door on it?

He actually closed it in a van door!

Just came across some Garcia Vendetta rods at walmart for $20.00. Bought the 6'9" ML ex-fast. Will use it for some split shotting or a loaner rod. May go back and get the 7' med. fast that is there. Thee are foam handles. I'm more into cork handles. These rods are nice and not banged up. Blanks are straight and not hooked. Check it out if you have a Walmart nearby. Clearance item. 

On 9/11/2016 at 11:47 PM, fisherrw said:

He actually closed it in a van door!

Ouch!

I have a gen 1 also and its a great rod! Very light, very sensitive and a stout backbone.  6'9" mh f, It gets used all the time and I have G loomis, kistler and St Croix rods.  All very good rods and the villian holds its own with all of them.

My 7'6" Villian 2.0 is interesting. It's light and has enough tip to make any accurate cast. I use it primarily for toads. When I get a blow up I'll still it and get the tip down. When I set it the tip it reacts really quick and then the 2.0oz back bone kicks in. It's brutal.. it's become my favorite toad rod. My hook set ratio is up a solid 15%. I trust this rod.. I've boated 5+ pounders after hauling them 60-100 feet and thru some heavy cover.

Using the Owner 5.0 Double hook has helped as well. Much better than a Stanley 4.0 The Stanley 5.0 is also a good hook for long toads like a Zoom. I prefer Gamblers with the Owner.

I highly recommend the Villian 2.0  76-6 for frogs and toads or flipping.