Lastly, an often over looked element in a value priced stick is Abu Garcia's choice in guides or rather guide design. The inserts on the VTSS70-4's guides are Zirconium - a material that is roughly equivalent to aluminum oxide on the hardness scale (according to the 2005 Vicker's Hardness Scale for line guide ring materials). The frames are a titanium alloy and have a nice kind of gunmetal/pewter finish to them. The guides perform just fine, but what I want to point out is they don't look cheap.

Too many budget rods I've fished in the past have guides that look cheap. This has an effect on the rod's aesthetic. The worst are those 'Hardloy' guides featuring a light grey insert material and black frames. They make a rod look cheap and even if you didn't pay a lot of money for a certain fishing rod, it doesn't have to look like you didn't spend a lot of money. Rod manufacturers are doing such a good job with this aspect today and using guides like those Abu Garcia is using on this stick goes a long way.

When an angler is in the market for a new fishing rod, the first thing a rod has to do is convince that angler to look at it. Then it has to convince that angler to pick it up. If it is rewarded by being purchased, the fishing rod then has to inspire its owner to go fishing. Once out on the water, the fishing rod has to continue this inspiration by bringing a smile to its owner's face during those slow periods we all face when the fish aren't biting. Cheap looking guides on a stick that has poor overall aesthetics is not going to accomplish this mission.

Price & Applications: The VTSS70-4 sits right at that magical price point of $99.99. It is essentially a $100 fishing rod, but even though we all know it's just a marketing and sales ploy, that one cent discount makes a difference!

As with any rod with this stick's power rating, it is best suited for finesse techniques, or if you're looking for something with a broader application, this would also make a wonderful rod with which to soak some power bait fishing for trout in a stocked lake or soaking some minnows under a bobber for crappie. This is the exact stick you can use to inspire fun fishing experiences of all kinds to the young or even not so young angler in your family.

This stick represents the true definition of medium-light in my mind.

Conclusion: It's a little rare to find a "medium-light" rated spinning rod with a true light powered tip matched with a medium powered backbone. Most are just between a light and medium powered rod overall. This stick represents the true definition of medium-light in my mind and is a really fun, multi-application and species stick to fish with. The VTSS70-4 has a lot of subtle touches in its reel seat, guides, and balance that make a difference to a discerning angler's eyes, so if you're just as picky as I am, but looking for a stick that won't break the bank, check out the Veritas series from Abu Garcia. At the very least, check out the VTSS70-4. You, like I, may be surprised.

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