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Hi all, I've been researching heavily online for the new Kistler 2019 Z Bone rod. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much recent information out there. It also seems like there are way more G. Loomis owners then there are people who own Kistlers, so the information on these rods are much more scarce than there are for G. Loomis rods. Moreover, the information that's out there is old information on the previous generations of Z Bones. From what I’ve found in my research, it seems like Kistler has left a bad taste in a lot customers and even retailers mouths because they didn’t honor the warranty and a lot of rods were breaking. I think it makes sense because they are sourcing the blanks from North Fork Composites, and I’ve heard horror stories of their customer service. I’ve also heard the newer rods don’t have much of a breakage issue though I cannot verify if this is true. These days, the warranty issue doesn’t matter that much too me anymore since I have not broken that many rods - especially on a fish. With care, rods can last a lifetime. Anyways, the Z Bone has piqued my interest since it came out, but I've been even more interested since purchasing a Kistler 2019 Helium 3 7' 10" Heavy power Moderate action rod last week. It came in the mail a couple days ago, and I'm quite impressed with the Helium 3. It's a tad tip heavy, but for a rod of its length it's really not that bad. The sensitivity is great. It's not as good as my GLX 844c (the newer 2016 one), but for the $219 I got it on sale for, it beats any rod I've bought in that price range by far. I’m now interested in purchasing a Kistler 2019 Z Bone. However, I’m curious how this rod would compare to Shimano-G. Loomis Conquest. Does anyone own both? And if so, could you give a comparison of which blank is more sensitive? Ultimately, I care about the sensitivity as the number one factor in purchasing a high-end rod. However, I’m also interested in hearing about other characteristics like balance, ergonomics, whether it’s light weight, build quality are all important to me as well. Durability isn’t the most important feature I’m looking for in a high-end rod, but at the same time, I don’t want my rod to shatter. So could anyone chime in on other characteristics as well such as the balance, ergonomics, weight, build quality (cork, threading, guides, etc.) and how these rods fare against each other? Thanks, The Pond King

I received few days ago the gift I bought myself, the Shimano Aldebaran 51HG, it is so light that I fought the box was empty so I opened it before sign in front of the courier, really! I was looking for a little reel with shallow spool to use with thin line and light jerkbaits to pair with my ST Croix 6'8 M-XF. I originally ordered the SLX 70MGL online but after a few days the shop called me saying that was out of stock till April, so I ask for a discount in case I'll switch for an expensive reel for the same application. Short story, I paid 80euro less than the original price that here in Europe is 400euro ($490usd) with free shipping. The reel is solid, it is just built solid, no vibration during the retrieve, no side to side movement near the handle (my Chronarch has a little of), not noisy, little and light and it casts very well light lures 1/2oz and below. I know and see Alde is a hot topic in this forum and in general I really think is an high end machine as I expected, but for the right application. The spool is super shallow, Shimano supplies JDM version here in Europe so I suppose, as I read here in other threads, that the US version is not that shallow (more line capacity). The specs on the box indicates 90yds / 20lbs Power Pro, so I can't imagine how shallow it's the 30size Alde version. Since I'm using very thin braid (8lbs Daiwa J) I was able to put almost 100+yds, so it will work for my applications. I read lot of comments about the poor drag power of the Alde, but I want to remember that is built for finesse fishing, it is a superb reel for light fishing, ned rig, drop shot, jerks, balsa minnows...and it can cast them a mile ....but for sure it's not the right tool for big and deep crankbaits, spinnerbaits and heavy punch and flipping techniques and all sorts of heavy app. It can handle but it's not the right reel for that, that's it! Heavy line, especially braid, can also damage the Alde ported light MGL spool IMO. There are other high end reels by Shimano for that: Bantam, Curado, Metanium.... If some of you want to share opinions, advices or anything related to that reel it's welcome. Happy New year to all of you!

Hey guys, I don’t know what it is, but I have this incessant desire to buy some high-end fishing rods. The rods I have in mind are NRX 803c JWR, NRX 854c JWR, and a GLX 843c MBR. I’m seriously on the brink of ordering all three at once. I’ve never owned a G. Loomis rod because of the high price, but always wanted one for the longest time. It’s still a high price for me today; I know it’s going to be a big hit on my wallet, but I can’t help it. Overall, I know logically that it’s a stupid decision if I bought these rods because I have more than enough gear than I need to catch bass… it’s just dumb.. but I’m sure some of you guys can empathize. I know that the new Conquest rods are out, but at $700 pop, I’d rather not, when I could get 3 high end rods that’ll cover more techniques for just a little more. The only contention I have with the NRX is.. how does hold up to the rods today? They were launched in 2010, that’s 7 years ago. I’m sure technology has improved some since that time, but I also know that graphite technology does not get as quickly outdated like reels. Technologically, for graphite to improve significantly it takes a much longer time imo than reels. So, I’m fairly confident that it will still hold it’s own today, but wanted to hear your guy’s opinion on it.