Toronto Sportmen’s Show: Abu Garcia Vendetta

Yesterday at the Toronto Sportmens Show I got my first hands-on look at the new Abu Garcia Vendetta rods, and I must say I’m impressed. These rods are extremely light and very nicely balanced. This is the first year for these rods so they do not come in as many variations as other established lines of rods. Still this is a solid release of a hot new product. I even got a few closeup shots of the laser etched butt cap too! I think I might pick one of these up this weekend, might even pair it with an Abu Garcia Revo!

These photos were all taken by Brandon Seibel, one of my friends and co-workers, on his Canon 50D. He will be joining me again this afternoon when we check out one of the other buildings.

Toronto Sportsmen’s Show: Day 1

Today was the first day of the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, and it’s also the first time in years that it was not at the Canadian National Exhibition. Unfortunately, I ended up walking all the way there with photographer friend in tow, only to be greeted for some kind of flower show. We hopped on the streetcar back up the Queens Quay to nearly where we’d started and headed to Toronto’s Metro Hall.

Once there we obtained our admission stamps since the passes were unavailable at the time. It was almost 7PM at this point and the convention closes at 8PM, but we managed to get in and explore the first section pretty well. Unlike the previous years CNE, Metro Hall has broken up the convention into multiple rooms/buildings. If you’re going to the convention get a map immediately! Without it you might get lost or frustrated, and this convention is all about fun, so get a map!

While we were there we covered may of the booths and products we’ve discussed recently such as Koppers Lures, Quantum, Storm, Abu Garcia, and if I had more time I could have completed my boater exam! It was probably a very fine example of the phrase, “a kid in a candy store.” I’ll post more stories and photos tomorrow, as well as tweeting the event tomorrow after work.

Sorry for the low resolution photos, these were taken with my iPhone. I’ll have some real photos tomorrow!

Abu Garcia is Out For Young Blood

It was pretty clear to me before watching the video below that Abu Garcia is looking to attract a much younger crowd than before. Their magazine ads are beautiful, I could easily imagine a Mercedes or BMW ad with the same flare and design. It’s a mix of luxury and prestige with an aggressive attitude undertone. Personally, I think it’s working- at least on me! These two new 2010 rods are nothing to laugh at, they might slap you across the face if you try.

Vendetta

The Vendetta promises to be a perfectly balanced and aggressively designed rod built for performance. The counterbalance system built into the handle is designed to the weight and specifications of Abu’s own Revo and Soron reels, but should prove almost perfect for any aggressively styled low profile baitcasters. Abu spared no expense in the details combining a Fuji Soft-Touch Reel seat with 30-Ton graphite blank, stocked with Pac Ba zirconium frame guides, and even the little details like the anodized aluminum reel screw and the laser etched Abu Garcia crest on the butt cap. The Vendetta should set you back about $70-80 bucks.

Vengeance

The Vengeance is designed on the same platform as the Vendetta, with just as much attention to detail, value, and performance, but at a better price point in todays market. Many of the parts are down grades from the Vendetta, but are still quality parts. Even at the lower price point of $50-60 bucks you’ll still enjoy the laser etched Abu Garcia crest on the butt cap.

Spring Is Coming – Gear Up and Save Big!

The weather is finally warming up which means only one thing, spring is coming! We all know that spring can be an awesome time for fishing so we’ve teamed up with our friends at OpenSky to offer our readers another great promotion! We’re offering 15% off one of Abu Garcia’s hottest reels, The Revo Toro, so you can gear up for catching some big fish this year. Not only can you save 15% but you can also send your proof or purchase to Abu Garcia and receive a free pair of Wiley X sunglasses, valued at over $125!

Click the image below to head to OpenSky’s spring promotion page, where you can save 10% on all spring products – select the Abu Revo Toro reel and use promo code is REEL15 to save 15%

This offer is only good from March 4th – 11th and while supplies last, so act quickly!

Download the Wily X coupon from Abu Garcia (PDF)

Free Wiley X Sunglasses With an Abu Revo Purchase!

The good folks at Abu Garcia are offering a free pair of these great looking Wiley X sunglasses to anyone who buys an Abu Revo reel over $159.95. These sunglasses usually cost around $125, so if you are looking for a great reel and a great pair of polarized sunglasses, this is the deal for you. You can even find these great Abu Revo reels in the Fishing Fury OpenSky shop.

Buy any Abu Garcia® Revo™ reel over $159.95 and receive a *FREE pair of Wiley X sunglasses!

Click HERE to download coupon (PDF)
Offer valid January 1 – September 7, 2010

Check out the Abu Garcia website for the promotion details.