my question is-Which is the better: Abu Garcia Villain rod, or a Carrot Stick E21 Gold?
Better as far as performance, service, and overall the popular favorite? Thanks

I would go with abu, I havent yet got to try the villian but I did look at one and they felt good and balanced, but all ive used is the veritos and vendetta and have been very pleased especially for the money, the e21 stuff, I bought my dad one and he has done went through 3 of them and I'm sure he will have another break on him I've tried talking him into getting another brand (abu) but he just has to have that Orange rod, but I haven't wanted a e21 brand after that, so my opinion would be abu garcia

The e21's are garbage. I sell both of those rods and the Villian is far superior. If you're feeling froggy, match it with the MGX and you will have a combo that is virtually untouchable!

I have a few Carrot Stix as well as Abu Garcia Vengance and they have performed for a few years now with no problems at all. I say you need to check each of them out and see which works best for you.

Jody

I returned a rod to Academy and then got a Carrot Stick just because it didn't cost anything and I wanted to see what I could put it through before it broke. Well, I still have it and have caught a bunch of fish on it using many different techniques. I wont buy another one, but the one I have hasn't been too bad.

love my carrot sticks

My Carrot Stix rod was my favorite rod, until it broke setting the hook. Very light and extremely sensitive. I have been contacting E21 since November of last year to order a replacement, as per their warranty. In fact, I sent another email today. No response so I will not buy another product from them!

I got a veritas today we will see if I like it, I have never fished with either one. It is funny that this thread came up because these rods are the two I looked at.

The Abu Garcia Villain's are amazing! The carrot sticks....well, they're not Villains.

I caught that 11.4 today on a Veritas paired with a Revo SX. I have always been an "Abu Guy" so I picked up the rod on that factor alone. Have had it a year and picked up 2 more! Good all purpose rods with a quick tip and impressive feel while still providing strong backbone. I still use my Falcons, Looms, and others for certain applications but I have been impressed with the quality and durability of this rod. I have never owned or fished with carrot sticks so I can't say one is better than the other, but based on my personal experience with the Veritas rod, I can say that in the $100 price range, it would be my choice.

Apples vs Oranges. Both have a warranty for a reason. If they snap due to the manufacturer defects, take them back. Other than that, pick both of them up and pair them with the reel of your choice; and whichever feels better to you, have at it! If it's going to break from any type of factory defect, the first year should cover that.

I dont have a Villian, but I do have a Corrot Stick and a Vendetta. I like both rods, but the CS is considerably lighter and more sensitive.

Of those two choices go with the ABU. I haven't had any abu rods, but have had 2 early model(not first ones) Carrot sticks.
Here's why. The carrot sticks ARE nice rods. Don't know why, but some (alot) will break, some will be fine. I have had to try to get one warrantied a while back, and almost got screwed, but finally got a replacement. Very long and overly difficult ordeal to get done.
Have had a parabolic crankin model for 2 years and has been great, love it.
But due to it being a gamble on getting a good one(maybe these new models have corrected the break issues), and the fact that customer service is terrible. Have heard none of these issues with the abu line.