Sensitivity: We’ve yet to meet a micro-guided rod that disappoints in this department and the DFMM70MS is not going to be the first. The Zappu Mustang head is made of tungsten. I was using one rated at one eighth of an ounce and fishing it at the end of eight pound test Sunline Shooter Metan Invisible fluorocarbon. Sensitivity should be at a premium given these factors, so if I could not feel anything at the end of my line using this tackle, there’s something seriously wrong with the rod. Fortunately that was not the case. The DFMM70MS is rates very good for sensitivity.

Balance has never been much of an issue to me with spinning rods because my hand position is so far forward, just about any reel will balance the rod out.

Design/Ergonomics: We’ve already discussed the micro-guides. Balance, for me, is not that critical a factor with a spinning rod for the simple fact that just about any spinning reel can counter balance tip-heaviness given that my hand is constantly changing position while fishing a spinning combo.

One thing I don't like is the "power hump" on the reel seat.

On the cast, I tend to center the reel’s foot between my middle and third finger, but when I’m working a bait on the bottom, I tend to move my hand up the rod with the reel’s foot between my third finger and pinky. This forward hand position almost always puts the weight of the spinning combo behind my hand.

Micros can be magical though we're not certain their relevance on a spinning rod... maybe we just need more time.

One area of discussion on regarding this rod’s ergonomics and a matter of personal preference is the reel seat. There are those that enjoy the form fitting factor of that hump on featured on some spinning reel seats. I am not one of them. Unfortunately, the DFMM70MS has this seat. What can I say, you either love it or hate it, and I really do not love it.

Do you believe in Micro-Magic? What the Finesse!

Warranty: Every rod from Duckett Fishing is covered by the company’s 20 Year Warranty and is provided to the original owner only – with proof of purchase. This warranty covers defect in workmanship and materials only and does not apply to accidental breakage or damage by any other factors. As far as we can discern, Duckett Fishing does not offer a “no-fault” replacement program, but as always, please contact the company directly for any questions regarding warranty coverage and how this may or may not apply to your situation.

Conclusion: So in our estimation, does the Duckett Fishing Micro Magic DFMM70MS offer anything new or revolutionary? Not really. Is it a stick worthy of its $160 price tag? Yes. Is there anything in this stick to distinguish it from the competition other than the color of its blank? Not

so much.

The DFMM70MS might not set the world on fire, but it's a good option in a crowded segment of buck fifty (~$150) rods.

In the final analysis, the DFMM70MS is a decent stick. There's nothing extraordinary about it nor does it have any serious deficiencies. It proves to us that micro-guides on spinning rods can work even if they are somehow less compelling on a spinning rod than casting. What this stick and all the others in the Micro Magic lineup do provide is yet another option in the very crowded buck and a half ($150) rod space. If the retro-white blank is your thing, and you're looking for a spinning rod with a solid performance, the DFMM70MS might just be the stick for you.