CWilliams Posted June 18, 2009 Posted June 18, 2009 I had the guide insert(ring?) break, on the tip of the rod, during shipping. Is this something a custom builder could repair? Any idea on a price? Anyone know any good builder in the Muskegon Michigan area? Is there a list of rod builders anywhere? Thanks in advance. Quote
Super User flechero Posted June 18, 2009 Super User Posted June 18, 2009 Almost all tackle shops carry the replacement tops... and most will install free with purchase of the tip top. (most tops will fall between $2-$10) Quote
Super User flechero Posted June 18, 2009 Super User Posted June 18, 2009 Or get a replacement from whoever sent you the rod (orbuy a replacement tip) and follow these instructions: http://www.rod-crafting.com/resource/articles/rod-tip-repair.html Quote
CWilliams Posted June 18, 2009 Author Posted June 18, 2009 Thanks for the help, but not really what I was looking for. I will need to have the old tip removed and a new one put on and was hoping somebody here could point me in the right direction. I would like to it look "stock" and know I do not have the skills to do so. I purchased it through the flea market part of this board. Quote
Super User .RM. Posted June 18, 2009 Super User Posted June 18, 2009 Have you considered trying it yourself, if not then trying your local yellow pages for rod repair. flechero suggested a local tackle shop, I second that suggestion (if you don't think they can do it) Then ask them about local rod builders, they will have someone they use.... Good Luck Tight Lines!! Quote
BigBassGuy Posted June 18, 2009 Posted June 18, 2009 Like the lady at St. Croix said to me when I called them about the same problem back before I started building my own rods "If your smart enough to use a cigarette lighter your smart enough to replace the tiptop". What brand is it? Call up the manufacturer and tell them you got a damaged tiptop. If its a company like St. Croix they will send you a new tiptop and some heat melt glue. Follow the directions they give you and your done. Its really very simple and will look 'stock'. They may charge you for it but if will be very minimal. If you are dead-set on getting it replaced by a professional a quick google search of "custom fishing rods Muskegon Michigan" will give you a few results. Quote
CWilliams Posted June 18, 2009 Author Posted June 18, 2009 It is a Kistler LTA. Is it easy to remove the tip from the rod? I do not mind doing things myself, but would rather not screw up this otherwise nice rod. Looks like I will try calling the local bait shops around town and see what/who they suggest. Thanks for all the suggestions. Quote
BigBassGuy Posted June 18, 2009 Posted June 18, 2009 Is it easy to remove the tip from the rod? Yes. Hold onto the guide with a pair of pliers (so you don't burn your fingers) take a cigarette lighter and gently heat up the ferrull (the metal tube that slips onto the rod) being careful not to heat up the rod. The glue inside will soften and allow you to pull the guide off. Quote
CWilliams Posted June 18, 2009 Author Posted June 18, 2009 Looks like all I have to do is heat it up and it should come off(should have read whole article the first time). Now to get ahold of kistler and see if I can get a new tip. Thanks guys. Quote
Super User KYntucky Warmouth Posted June 19, 2009 Super User Posted June 19, 2009 Looks like all I have to do is heat it up and it should come off(should have read whole article the first time). Now to get ahold of kistler and see if I can get a new tip.Thanks guys. With Kistler, you've got a fuji guide...not sure about the helium but I would say either hardloy or alconite Quote
cidgrad96 Posted June 19, 2009 Posted June 19, 2009 I don't think the Argon or Carbon Steel use Fuji guides. Once you get into the Magnesiums, you begin seeing Fuji Hardloys. Depends on what line as to what brand guide it is. The long and short... as long as it is an appropriately sized tip (tube and ring), it will work just fine regardless of brand. Ring is probably a 6, tube is probably a 5, 5.5, 6, or 6.5. Most common sizes on bass rods. Quote
CWilliams Posted June 20, 2009 Author Posted June 20, 2009 Does anyone know what guides are used on this rod? It's a 08 Kistler LTA 7' XH. The rings are metalic blue. Batson and Pacific Bay make something that could be what I am looking for. What size would I need? Quote
cidgrad96 Posted June 21, 2009 Posted June 21, 2009 I'd bet it's a Batson but really either would probably match good enough you can't tell the difference. You'd have to measure the tip. Try this on how to measure: http://www.mudhole.com/site/instructions/tiptopsizing.html Tube size conversions: 0.078" or 1.98mm - 5 0.086" or 2.18mm - 5.5 0.094" or 2.38mm - 6 0.102" or 2.58mm - 6.5 0.109" or 2.78mm- 7 Quote
Super User .RM. Posted June 21, 2009 Super User Posted June 21, 2009 Does anyone know what guides are used on this rod? It's a 08 Kistler LTA 7' XH. The rings are metalic blue. Batson and Pacific Bay make something that could be what I am looking for. What size would I need? FUJI SIC stainless steel lightweight guides, two footed frames on first three guides, according to the website. Tip top size would be around the 6.5 - 7.5 with a X-Heavy blank Good Luck & Tight Lines!!! Quote
ejtaylor822 Posted June 21, 2009 Posted June 21, 2009 The best way I have found to remove a tip-top is to get a paper clip and bend out the ends so you have the "bends/hooks" on each end. Put one bend through the ring in the tip-top and the other ring through a rubber band. Attach the rubber band to something to hold it - I have a hook in the wall in my shop. Put the rod on something so that it is elevated and can be moved easily; I use my V-blocks. Now, pull on the blank with one hand so you have good strong tension on the tip-top and stretching the rubber band. With the other hand, apply heat - I use either a lighter or my alcohol burner. Put the flame right under the ring - don't need to heat the tube. This way you heat only the metal tip top and not the blank. As soon as the tip-top/glue is warm enough, the tip-top slides right off as slick as can be. Only takes a few seconds and the beauty is the tip-top and glue take all the heat and the blank never gets heated. It's simple and works perfectly every single time. Be sure to crimp the ends of the paper clip and wear eye protection. I have never had a top go flying, just usually slaps the wall, but all it takes is once to mess up your eyes - better safe than sorry. Eddie Quote
cidgrad96 Posted June 21, 2009 Posted June 21, 2009 Does anyone know what guides are used on this rod? It's a 08 Kistler LTA 7' XH. The rings are metalic blue. Batson and Pacific Bay make something that could be what I am looking for. What size would I need? FUJI SIC stainless steel lightweight guides, two footed frames on first three guides, according to the website. Tip top size would be around the 6.5 - 7.5 with a X-Heavy blank Good Luck & Tight Lines!!! I don't mean to be disrespectful Reel but Fuji SiCs aren't metallic blue and he said it's last year's model. Probably changed guide manufacturers. Website is for new models. Quote
CWilliams Posted June 21, 2009 Author Posted June 21, 2009 Yeah, my google skills must be lacking. Information on this rod is hard to come by. I am hoping Kistler emails me back. I contacted them Thursday by emial asking them about a replacement. Until then, I have attatched a tip that was available at Dicks Sporting goods. Quote
cidgrad96 Posted June 22, 2009 Posted June 22, 2009 Hey - you got it back in service and ready to catch fish though! I remember seeing the Kistlers with blue guide rings back last year. All the guys around here thought the blue rings were awesome. They do look good. Quote
CWilliams Posted June 22, 2009 Author Posted June 22, 2009 Kistler contacted me today and offered to send me a few replacement tips. no need to hunt down the correct one now. Thanks for all your help, guys. Quote
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