Looking at getting a drop shot/ned rig rod and was looking at the Fantasista X. I have the opportunity to get one for under $200 and was wondering if anyone has any experience with them. Curious specifically about sensitivity, which I know is considered subjective, and how true to power they are. I'll be throwing 1/4 - 3/16 ox pencil weights plus plastics and 1/8 - 3/16oz ned heads.

I can't answer on that specific rod, other than you're getting a really good price for that high finish grade (Ti-frame-ZrO guides)

I can tell you about two Abu Garcia JDM rods I purchased recently, a few months apart, and the first one shined on a week-long trip. 

The blanks are extreme quality, made using Toray prepreg.  One is long, 8'9", and respectably light in hand - 135 g for that long length and big power.  The 7'3" version is shockingly light in hand, 80 g.  Both are fast, powerful rods - mine are salt finesse made for tiny lures and big fish, but also have a very wide lure range.  For being close to the frugal end, they're exceptional quality. 

4 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

I can't answer on that specific rod, other than you're getting a really good price for that high finish grade (Ti-frame-ZrO guides)

I can tell you about two Abu Garcia JDM rods I purchased recently, a few months apart, and the first one shined on a week-long trip. 

The blanks are extreme quality, made using Toray prepreg.  One is long, 8'9", and respectably light in hand - 135 g for that long length and big power.  The 7'3" version is shockingly light in hand, 80 g.  Both are fast, powerful rods - mine are salt finesse made for tiny lures and big fish, but also have a very wide lure range.  For being close to the frugal end, they're exceptional quality. 

Right on those sound awesome. I haven't had an Abu rod in years. I was going to go with the Zodias 7' ML for regular price but saw that I could get a potentially higher quality rod for less. I've not really been able to find reviews on the X though besides one guy on TW complaining how it fell apart. I tend to disregard those reviews unless it seems to be a common issue. 

I have used the Fantasia X 6'10 ML spinning and the Zodias 7 ML spinning , I sold the Abu , I found the Zodias significantly better in terms of sensitivity, specifically for fishing 3/16 and 1/4oz neko rigs in deep(20ft +) water. I feel that monocoque handle makes a difference. 

8 minutes ago, SproDD79 said:

I have used the Fantasia X 6'10 ML spinning and the Zodias 7 ML spinning , I sold the Abu , I found the Zodias significantly better in terms of sensitivity, specifically for fishing 3/16 and 1/4oz neko rigs in deep(20ft +) water. I feel that monocoque handle makes a difference. 

Ok that’s actually the exact models of both rods I was looking at. Good deal. I know the Zodias are pretty well reviewed but couldn’t find hardly anything on the Abu. For the price and for the weights I said I’d be using do you have any other recommendations?

I have never even seen a Fantasia X in person before, so I know nothing about them.  But if they're anything like the rest of the rods in Abu's lineup, then I would expect them to be almost a full half power heavier than their listed rating.  In other words, their Medium Lights are about what most other brands would call a Medium.  So if I wanted a Medium Light rod, I'd look for a Light instead.  

Pure Fishing as I recall has licensed 3M Nano resin technology imagine the rod blank would be excellent.

Didn’t know Garcia had anything made in Japan, my understanding it’s made in China as is Shimano Zodias in bold white white letters! Deal breaker for me.

Tom

10 minutes ago, WRB said:

Pure Fishing as I recall has licensed 3M Nono resin technology imagine the rod blank would be excellent.

Didn’t know Garcia had anything made in Japan, my understanding it’s made in China as is Shimano Zodias in bold white white letters! Deal breaker for me.

Tom

I’m gonna be honest. I’m not entirely sure what that means. Is 3M Nono Resin good?

Yes, the 3M Nano resin was a big breakthrough in fishing rod thin wall high strength flexible graphite. 

China doesn’t honor US patents or intellectual property, one reason I try to avoid products manufactured there.

Tom