I also work at Gander and the rods are not made by Kistler. I am having a difficult time getting a straight answer on this one. I have been told by more than 1 person in upper management that they are made by a smaller company whos name im having a hard time beating out of them. For some stupid reason they're staying tight lipped about it. The rods are great for the $$. I have used primarily croix's for the last 10 years and they are comparable to the avid series. Not as lightweight or sensitive as the legends but every bit as nice as the avid's. For 149.99, they are a great deal for a lifetime warranty rod. As far as the x-factor reel, it is basically a Catalyst PT. It is NOT an energy so dont let any sales associate tell you otherwise. It is a catalyst with a new paint job. It is a nice reel for the 129.99 introductory price but I would not spend 150$ on it. Spend the extra 20 and buy a curado. I will do some more digging on the rods but I know for a fact that they are NOT made by Kistler.
