Introducing the new Abu Garcia Verdict fishing rod

The Verdict: Remember when we first gave you a glimpse of the prototype Verdict at the 2009 ICAST, preview article, and at the time we couldn't show you much nor give you much details. It has nearly been a year since then and the Verdict is now ready for prime time. We have begun preliminary tests on the new rod and overall this stick has carried much of what the initial prototype indicated, just with a little more polish.

Exposed reel seat for ultimate hand to blank contact and an awesome lock nut design

  
The Verdict features a silver rod blank with gold accents, is designed to be lightweight and balanced no matter what reel or bait you are using. The Verdict uses a 36 Ton Graphite constructed blank that is very lightweight and transmits every little bump from the line to the guides to your fingertips.

A closer look at the hook keeper on the casting 7'0" Medium rod

With an emphasis on lightweight overall design Abu Garcia has paired the blank with Titanium Alloy guides and SIC inserts that match well with the rod's overall design and performance target.... anglers looking for a high end rod to pair with their Revo reels.

Durable, styled EVA grips are used

A close up of the double-anodized aluminum screw down for the reel seat

36 Ton Graphite is used to construct this lightweight blank

We have seen this type of implementation from custom rod builders in the past and the design allows for greater flexibility in a single rod and to fit any angler's handle length preference.

8 Casting and 4 Spinning models are available

Other features include a stylish looking one piece double-anodized aluminum screw down for secure mounting of the reel and high-density EVA handles for comfort and durability.

EHS, Abu Garcia's new Extending Handle System

Adjusted to have a short handle when needed...

...and then extended for certain applications

The Verdict rods will be available in both casting and spinning configurations. The spinning rods range in lengths from 6'6" to 7'0" in M, ML, and MH powers. The casting models range from 6'6" to 7'6" in M, MH, and H powers. in keeping with their exceptional bang for the buck value these new Abu rods will retail for only $129.95 to $139.95 depending on model and will be available for sale come September.

Aluminum butt cap

This is the Verdict Spinning model. This photo illustrates how the handle extends and retracts

 
Conclusion: Well, there you have it as Abu Garcia has extended their Verdict. This lightweight, well balanced rod features the Extending Handle System, which allows anglers to adjust the handle length to match your reel, bait, and application. The near-production rod that we just received meets the initial expectations set when we previewed the prototype last year at ICAST, and while all the evidence looks solid the final "verdict" will come after the field tests are complete.