Which Kistler Helium 3 For Jigs?

[Chris at Tech]

Hey guys,

 

I'm pondering a purchase but need some input for those who have handled or fished the Kistler Helium 3s.

 

I'm considering picking one up as a jig stick, and the weights I normally throw are 1/4 or 3/8 oz with trailers around moderate cover, but also want enough rod for slightly bigger jigs as well.  When I look at the website, the Light/MH Fast, the MH XF and the H XF all look like options.

 

Anyone have any real-world feedback on which might fit the bill?

 

Thanks!

[21farms]

i have the helium3 in MH/XF 7'1" spinning. i would definitely rule out the H/XF as way too powerful. if you're pitching your jigs, i'd be more inclined to go MH/XF. if you're casting them, i think an XF taper will give you fits and you'd be better off with the LMH/F.

[Ozark_Basser]

I have a 709 XH MF HM North Fork Composites blank on a build that I did. Almost the same blank as on the helium 3's. Its rated 3/8-2 oz and is true to its rating. I will agree with 21 farms and say go with the LMH/F. Might be a little underpowered for 1/2 oz jigs, but that's just a guess.

[Dwight Hottle]

Chris I have the Helium 3 in a 7' light/med heavy/fast action. Its rated for 3/16 to 7/8 oz. The same blank is available in a BC version also. I think you would really like it for casting jigs. I have used it up to 1oz for jigging spoons vertically. It's a quality blank.

[Mr. Bassin II]

I have a Helium 3 HE3H70XF and use it down to 3/8 oz and jigs and up to 1 oz jigs w/trailer.  Rod handles these weights flawlessly so don't think the rod over or under powers your weight range.  Irregardless of which one you ultimately choose, you will be very happy with any of the Helium 3 rods you mentioned.

[SenkoGuru]

^{I have not fished the Helium rods but do have the KLX and Z-Bone.  The Medium Heavy would be my choice, It is rated 1/4 to 1 Oz. Sounds perfect.}

[dam0007]

Went through great lengths for this lmao a good friend of mine is die hard Kistler. I showed him the post just now he said MH/XF is ideal. And you'll have the extra power if you want to throw something bigger.

[iabass8]

I have the 71MHXF I bought to compliment a DX743 based on a few recommendations. Way way more rod then what I was looking for. 1/4oz-3/8oz jigs would be perfect on it /w trailer. I haven't put a 1/2oz anything on it so I don't now how it would handle anything over that.  I use mine in moderate cover pitching finesse jigs, 1/8oz trigs (rod is a hair much for this weight but I like the blank a lot)and senkos into laydowns and light grass. Works perfect. Balance is good, not great. I ordered mine /w a nice discount from Kistler and got the full handle. Glad I did. Very well built, clean rod. You get a lot of blank for the price tag. I received a "first time buyer" discount that you just have to e-mail them for. I think I paid around 220$ shipped for the full handle. 

[Mike2841]

I have a 68 lmh helium 3 and it wouldn't be my first choice for jigs, I'd like a little more power. If I were to get another one for jigs (I probably will) I'd get the mh

[deep]

The light MH would be a great choice for casting situations.

 

For pitching/ flipping/ if you're trying to turn the fishes head out of cover fast, it *might* be a little underpowered (or slower- under load, it bends pretty far down the blank like a fast action should).

 

 

Disclaimer: I haven't fished the MH or the H.