Which Of These 3 Rods....

[SNK]

I am looking for a rod whose primary purpose is to fish 3/8 oz - 1/2 oz spinnerbaits (mostly 3/8), but can also in a pinch be sensitive enough to fish T-rigs up to 3/8 oz and maybe a light 1/4oz jig & trailer. I know, that is quite the range of lures. 

 

I think I have narrowed it down to 3 rods that may be versatile enough to do this, so in no particular order.

1. *** Black MF - 1/4 to 3/4oz - (some claim it fishes closer to a MHF than a typical MF.) 

2. Kistler Helium 3 MHF - 3/16 to 7/8oz

3. ALX - "Deputy" MHF - 1/4 to 1oz

 

looking for any opinions or considerations from those of you who have fished one or more of these rods for the applications I listed above, it will be much appreciated.

 

They all run around 250.00 (which includes shipping on the ALX rod if ordered thru their website) and is in the range I am looking spend. I am not overly concerned about warranty because if it is a mfg defect, I typically discover that sooner than later.

 

Thanks everyone. 

[Dwight Hottle]

I can't speak about the other two but that Kistler Helium is a really nice rod. The source for that blank tells it all. Very crisp action with great sensitivity. I picked one up last December & just started using it this spring. You will like it for sure.

[flippin4it.]

I'm a Kistler guy. I have tried a vast array of rods. Helium rods are sensitive, light, balanced and have great actions.

[Capt.Bob]

I can't speak about the other two but that Kistler Helium is a really nice rod. The source for that blank tells it all. Very crisp action with great sensitivity. I picked one up last December & just started using it this spring. You will like it for sure.

There you have it, from a guy who definitely knows and owns some very fine rods!!! If he can say it's a keeper with the other rods he has to compare it to, they ain't box store beauties or run of the mill, I would not think twice about the others!!!  

[sarcazmo]

Those NFC blanks are legit.  I've loved every KLX i've used, and the Helium is supposed to be a step above that.

 

I have a first gen ALX Deputy and Dragger as well.  The dragger is AMAZING for c-rigs or heavy jigs IMO, but I'd go Helium over Deputy.  Deputy is a fine rod, I just think those NFC blanks offer more value, especially if price is similar.

 

There used to be codes floating around all over the place for discounts on kistler rods as well.  Not sure if they're still doing that or not.

[gulfcaptain]

Myself, I'd take the Black ***.  But that's my just my opinion.  Been impressed with all the *** products I have.

[SenkoGuru]

I'm going to agree with the other and say that the Kistler will be the top rod in that area but it will not beat out that ALX by very much. You can't go wrong with what you listed but as people have already said those NFC blanks are a thing of beauty. I've owned all three of those rods and I would list them in this order.

1. Kistler Helium 3 because of the NFC blank. They are also $50 more that the ALX Zolo.

2. A VERY close second is ALX - "Deputy. This is one fine rod too. I love the ALX Zolo series.

3. *** ***. I hate rec guides but the blank is solid.

[F14A-B]

Kistler would be my easy pick.. ALX rods are said to be fine rods, I have not used one however..

13 blanks are good, I like the rec guides but for that money w that grip, it's a deal breaker for me.

The *** at its price I can tolerate the handle. Just not on the price level of the ***..

[SNK]

Thanks for the responses!

[WPCfishing]

Lews Custom speed sticks are sleepers, check them out.. I recently bought one. You'd have to fight me to get it out of my hands.

A serious Rod.