Villain Rods: The Villain series of rods offers 9 baitcast models and 5 spinning models that weigh as light as 3.7 ounces, among the lightest in the industry. Designed for custom balance with the new Abu Garcia Revo MGX baitcast reel, the Villain-MGX rod and reel combination is truly the ultimate lightweight outfit weighing as little as 9.1 ounces.

Introducing the new Abu Garcia Villain bass rods

The new Villain is made to match the new Revo MGX

The rods’ extreme light weight is a product of cutting edge technology - a blank made of 40-Ton Low Resin Content graphite coupled with a construction technique that reduces weight and provides optimum sensitivity. This technology allows the angler to feel vibrations from the lightest strikes while carbon fibers are integrated into the blank design for a unique look.

A Low Resin Content is used so the rods are lighter without sacrificing strength and durability

Titanium alloy guides and TiN coated inserts

The Villain incorporates top-of-the-line components, such as titanium-alloy (Ti) guides with titanium-nitride (TiN) coated inserts. Each guide is carbon wrapped to reduce weight. The C6 Total Exposure Carbon Reel Seat adds to the rod's sensitivity, while the high-density EVA split grip handle configuration provides secure control of the rod at all times. To top that off, the Texas-rig hook keeper is designed to hold any bait.

Abu Garcia's C6 Total Exposure Carbon reel seat

A different view of the Total Exposure Carbon reel seat

Baitcast models are available in lengths from 6’6” to 8’0” in medium-light to heavy actions and weigh from 3.8 ounces to 5.4 ounces. Spinning models range from 6’6” to 7’1” in medium-light to medium-heavy actions and weigh between 3.7 ounces to 4.5 ounces. Available in December of this year, the Villain will retail for $179.95.

Impressive cosmetics throughout the rod including the reel lock nut

Reel seat on the spinning model

Veritas Rods: The Abu Garcia Veritas rods were a big hit last year when they were introduced. Building on their popularity, Abu Garcia added a few new rods to the lineup that include new Micro-Guide models, technique-specific models, and two-piece versions in the popular models.

Abu Garcia adds more rods to their popular Veritas series

Five Micro-Guide rods are now available under the Veritas family

Five of the popular Veritas models get Micro-Guides. The Micro-Guides will most likely not gain you much in casting performance but because of their lower profile you will get better sensitivity and response from the rod. The Micro-Guide offerings range from 6’6” medium action weighting only 3.9 ounces to a 7’0” medium-heavy that weighs 4.6 ounces.

Micro-Guides will provide quicker response and greater sensitivity

Because the Abu Garcia rods are built to balance well with their Revo reels, Abu introduced the new Winch series of casting rods to match the Winch baitcast reel for cranking. Two models are available, a 7-foot medium and a 7-foot 6-inch medium-heavy to cover most cranking needs. Both weigh only 3.8 ounces and sport all the features you would see in the original line up. Lastly, there is the 7-foot 11-inch flipping stick. This brut is a heavy power rod with a medium fast action, great for flipping and working plastics in heavy cover.

The Veritas now has a Winch series of rods made to match the Revo Winch for cracking

It seems that this is the year of the travel rod here at ICAST and Abu Garcia didn’t disappoint, introducing 5 models in a two-piece configuration. In the travel rod lineup there are 2 baitcast models and 3 spinning - both versions in the most popular length, power, and action.

Nano Technology used in all the Veritas rods

With the new additions to the Veritas family, the good thing is that there are no changes to their overall construction, materials, performance, and of course the price point. All the Veritas rods make use of NanoTechnology with 30-ton graphite construction. The NanoTechnology gives the Veritas rods 2.5 times more impact resistance compared to standard graphite. In addition the rods use a one-piece anodized aluminum screw down which provides a secure mount of the reel plus the high density EVA handles are great to grasp all day. Retail price of $99.95 will remain the same for all of the Veritas models.

A stunning rod with great features but costing only $99.95

Conclusion: Ever since the introduction of the Vendetta about two years ago, Abu Garcia has been moving in the right direction with their rods. You have the outstanding Veritas rods at a great price point and building on the already-popular models and brand is just the smart way to go. At $99.95 it’s very hard to beat a rod like the Veritas.