Kistler Helium 3 Rods Any Good?

[jonnyblazex]

Hi guys, have been thinking about upgrading one of my baitcast rods, mostly will be using it for Texas rig worms and smaller jigs, so I want something light and sensative, but needs a good backbone. Have been looking at rods, and the kistler helium 3 has caught my eye. I'm intrigued about the NFC north fork composite IM rod blank, wondering if anyone has tried these rods, and how the feel, and fish. I know the z bone uses the top of the line NFC hm blank but cost about $150 more than helium. I guess my main question is how does a helium compare to say a g loomis glx or nrx or any loomis if anyone has tried both? I have a nrx in a spinning rod, and love it, but cannot drop $500 on another one as of right now. Was thinking these NFC blanks should be awesome from Gary's new company? For $260 this kistler rod should be a heck of a deal, but without being able to even hold one, I may never know. If anyone has any opinions it would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

[Jrob78]

I bought one around Christmas.  The rod is very well constructed, very clean wraps, guides are perfectly straight, the epoxy is very clean and the cork is good quality.  The blank is very crisp and straight.  That's about all I can say about the rod though, I haven't fished it yet.  I was going to get the KLX in the same model but wanted the X-fast action of the Helium vs the mod fast of the KLX.  I have very high hopes for the rod based on how it looks and feels but won't know for sure until I fish it.

[Tywithay]

I think the Helium rods are fantastic. I think they're the best rod in the price point. Not the prettiest, but performance-wise I like them more than anything else I've tried at that price (like them better than a lot of rods that cost more than $300 too). In my hands, the sensitivity is similar to the GLX, and the rods themselves actually feel a little lighter. Components aren't as nice as the GLX, and the GLX may balance a hair better; neither are poor in that regard.

[G_money]

First I've never fished a Kistler rod, but I do know the Zbones are built on NFC HM graphite, which I own two blanks made from this, and it's a step above GLX close to NRX.  As far as North Fork IM, that's where it's at, honestly GLX sensitivity and very good blanks.  I've owned 4 customs built on NFC IM graphite.  But are you sure Helium rods are built on North Fork IM blanks? I've never heard that.

[tnt2671]

fished klx's and H3's extensively last year , fabulous rods i can't see how anybody would not enjoy them at there price points. 

[dwong]

Picked up a Helium 3 casting rod recently to celebrate getting a new job. Unfortunately working full time doesn't give me much time to fish any more...