I'm set on getting a new Abu Verdict rod (primarily for the collapsable handle as I can't fit a 7'6" rod in my car w/o it).

I will be using this rod as my primary jig rod. I usually throw 3/4oz jigs in anything from sparse cover to heavy slop, timber, or around docks.  I will use this rod about 60% of the time while on the water, so I have it make it count!   I often rip the jig free of weeds and grass and this is where I think a stronger backbone and faster tip prevails, but I could be wrong.

Last year I used a 7'3" Abu Garcia Vendetta, Heavy, X-Fast.  It was nice. Real nice! 

Should I stick with the Verdict 76-7 (H/XF) or go with the Verdict 76-6 (MH/F)?  I use 70# Daiwa Samurai braid, so there's zero stretch in that line...

Lastly, has anyone used either of these 7'6" Verdict rods? Opinions and experiences are greatly welcomed!!

Never fished an Abu rod, but I would go with the H/XF. Just try not to swing for the fences so you dont snap your new rod!

Never fished an Abu rod, but I would go with the H/XF. Just try not to swing for the fences so you dont snap your new rod!

why XF?

Never fished an Abu rod, but I would go with the H/XF. Just try not to swing for the fences so you dont snap your new rod!

why XF?

I like a soft tip when fishing jigs, it gives it a reel nice action IMO. And it will get a lot more backbone faster than a slower action rod, which IMO, with braid, equals a good hookset, which IMO you need due to heavier wire hooks used with jigs. 

And I say H rod for jig weight, and more backbone.

      

id say hard fast. i think an xf with a rod that long and braid could make you jerk the bait out of the fish's mouth.

Never fished an Abu rod, but I would go with the H/XF. Just try not to swing for the fences so you dont snap your new rod!

why XF?

I like a soft tip when fishing jigs, it gives it a reel nice action IMO. And it will get a lot more backbone faster than a slower action rod, which IMO, with braid, equals a good hookset, which IMO you need due to heavier wire hooks used with jigs.

And I say H rod for jig weight, and more backbone.

Extra Fast action means stiff tip, not soft. The faster the action, the smaller the amount of flex.

If you are already using braid, I really don't think you need a broom handle since the braid itself should be enough to help you get a good hook set. The problem with XF tips is that if you have a bionic hookset, you risk injuring the fish by tearing too big of a hole in its mouth or even tearing its jaw apart. Pair that up with braid and it's a real possibility.

If you debarb your jig hooks like I do, XF is even worse of a choice because it's a lot harder to maintain constant tension with an extra fast action rod than a fast action rod when fighting the fish. And if you lose tension, the fish will have a good chance to throw the hook.

Never fished an Abu rod, but I would go with the H/XF. Just try not to swing for the fences so you dont snap your new rod!

why XF?

I like a soft tip when fishing jigs, it gives it a reel nice action IMO. And it will get a lot more backbone faster than a slower action rod, which IMO, with braid, equals a good hookset, which IMO you need due to heavier wire hooks used with jigs.

And I say H rod for jig weight, and more backbone.

Extra Fast action means stiff tip, not soft. The faster the action, the smaller the amount of flex.

If you are already using braid, I really don't think you need a broom handle since the braid itself should be enough to help you get a good hook set. The problem with XF tips is that if you have a bionic hookset, you risk injuring the fish by tearing too big of a hole in its mouth or even tearing its jaw apart. Pair that up with braid and it's a real possibility.

If you debarb your jig hooks like I do, XF is even worse of a choice because it's a lot harder to maintain constant tension with an extra fast action rod than a fast action rod when fighting the fish. And if you lose tension, the fish will have a good chance to throw the hook.

I thought it was the way I mentioned it. And I made a quick picture to explain my thinking. The red rod, the one with the XF tip bends more near the top of the rod. While the Blue rod, with a F tip bends a little more down the rod. So if your acheiving the same amount of bend(in the pictures case about 90*) in a smaller area, wouldn't the tip be softer? I thought thats what a stiffer and softer tip was, and that Fast, extra fast, moderate was related to how quickly the tip returned to original position after being moved from its origin.

I hope that made sense.

xf is very stiff, with braid a softer action is preferable which a mod-fast or fast is better. some people even use a 1 power less rod with braid. think of it like a spring.

Faster action rods have a smaller % of the rod flex when pressure is applied. It takes a much smaller amount of pressure to bend a long piece of material than a shorter piece of of the same material.

That means while you might be able to achieve the same amount of bend in a smaller area, it takes a hell of a lot more pressure to do so, hence stiffer tip.

Faster action rods have a smaller % of the rod flex when pressure is applied. It takes a much smaller amount of pressure to bend a long piece of material than a shorter piece of of the same material.

That means while might be able to achieve the same amount of bend in a smaller area, it takes a hell of a lot more pressure to do so, hence stiffer tip.

Thanks Nibbles, that clarified it for me.

In that case I like the XF rod for its stiffer tip. I like the action my jig has with a stiffer tip 

But yes, an XF rod with braid can be trouble on a hookset by; ripping it out of the fishes mouth, or ripping its jaw etc, but for me the risk is worth my reward.

Ive handled em both, and alot of flipping sticks for that matter. Personally I prefer the MH for most applications. I only  prefer the H for heavier then 1oz flipping/punching. So I am ordering 2 of each. If you can only get one Id say the MH is much more versatile.

I 2nd the MH.

Wow, great discussion, thanks guys!

I see the logic behind the tip 'speed' being one step slower (fast vs. XF) for braid.  However, if the action (heavy, med-heavy, etc...) is speaking to the backbone strength, then how is this relevant to being more versatile?  IE: Wouldn't a heavy action mean it's easier and quicker to horse the fish into the boat vs. a MH or a M action rod?  Since I fish 75% of the time in tournaments, and only 25% of the time for pure relaxation, my goal is to get the fish into the boat ASAP and get back to fishing.

Would a MH be more sensitive vs. a H blank, if their tips were both rated the same? Would a Fast tip be more sensitive than an XF tip?

Keep this discussion going, it's great to learn more and get more educated opinions!

Cheers,

Eric

You are not giving up any back bone in most cases. What you get is a different location in the rod before you hit the stiffer part of the rod. As I mentioned earlier the MH is gonna be more versatile and I think better for fishing jigs up to 3/4oz. If you are gonna be throwing heavier jigs most of the time then maybe you want the H(me Id still go with the MH). If your gonna be punching over 1oz then the H might be better. I really prefer a MH for stuff under 1oz. It gives ya a bit more loading for casting and when a fish bites. Yes I find MH to be a bit more sensitive.

Im also a tournament fisherman. I rarely use a H action rod. I have many wins over the years. A MH flippin stick is still gonna give ya plent of power to dominate 10lb fish. I like them for detecting more bites, and having a second longer before the fish spits the bait.