Looking To Get My First High End Baitcasting Rod.

[tnt2671]

Kistler helium 3 would get my vote ,in the past 2 years I have have bought and sold more than a dozen high end rods everything from super expensive megabass through at croix, duckett, shimano and the list goes on. I can say with out doubt imho the best rod for the money available anywhere is the h3's. They are that good!!

[bootytrain]

Or you could source a Poison Adrena from Japan

[Weld's Largemouth]

Kistler helium 3 would get my vote ,in the past 2 years I have have bought and sold more than a dozen high end rods everything from super expensive megabass through at croix, duckett, shimano and the list goes on. I can say with out doubt imho the best rod for the money available anywhere is the h3's. They are that good!!

I like what Ive heard about that rod but the handle and butt are very unattractive looking and just look clumsy, and if im spending this kind of money I think id like a rod that also has some style.

[Sam]

G. Loomis NRX series.

Abu's Steetz series.

 

Be sure to get a loan for either one.

[kschultz76]

The Zodias/Expride and Poisin Adrena use two different blank constructions. As I recall reading on a different forum where a Shimano rep posts both constructions are different ways of achieving the desired power characteristics, and prevent ovaling and twist. I believe the Poison Adrena construction leads to a better strength to weight ratio and lighter rod. Try googling Zodias Hi Power X to find more info. In the Zodias there is just an extra 2 layer of carbon tape wrapped around the blank at different angles to reinforce, that's hi power x. Spiral x in the Expride the carbon sheets are laid at alternating angles during they layup and rolling of the blank, with one layer of carbon tape. At least that's how I understand it. This is all about strength and construction, not the materials used in the construction. Again it's my understanding that the materials used in the Zodias and Expride are not the same, but can't find confirmation of that.

The 40 ton carbon reference of the Invicta is a specification of the materials used in the construction. Shimano doesn't seem to publish this for the Zodias or Expride. Generally it's accepted the higher the ton rating the higher quality the blank. But not all materials manufacturers or blank manufacturers publish that rating so very hard to use it as an industry standard for comparison.

[kschultz76]

I like what Ive heard about that rod but the handle and butt are very unattractive looking and just look clumsy, and if im spending this kind of money I think id like a rod that also has some style.

My Kistler KLX build looks better in hand then in photos. Also if you contact them for an up charge they'll do some customizations like full cork handles. All that said from a pure cosmetics perspective my MB Orochi and Legend Xtremes have more style and beauty. But what's more important to you, the sizzle or the steak? I like a little of both

[tnt2671]

Kistler helium 3 would get my vote ,in the past 2 years I have have bought and sold more than a dozen high end rods everything from super expensive megabass through at croix, duckett, shimano and the list goes on. I can say with out doubt imho the best rod for the money available anywhere is the h3's. They are that good!!

the klx butt is a little more flared but the h3 actually has a nice thin profile and you can also get then in full cork , I actually just ordered a 7'4 mh xf fast full handle today to add to the collection but I hear ya to each there own and if it doesn't appeal to you let the search go on

[Weld's Largemouth]

My Kistler KLX build looks better in hand then in photos. Also if you contact them for an up charge they'll do some customizations like full cork handles. All that said from a pure cosmetics perspective my MB Orochi and Legend Xtremes have more style and beauty. But what's more important to you, the sizzle or the steak? I like a little of both

I really like the look of the shimano's at the same price point at the kistler h3. Do you think the kistler's really have an advantage over the shimanos or really at this price point most rods are similar and just vary in components and styles?

[tnt2671]

I really like the look of the shimano's at the same price point at the kistler h3. Do you think the kistler's really have an advantage over the shimanos or really at this price point most rods are similar and just vary in components and styles?

again you have to like the look and design of the rod especially when your spending good amount of money but looks alone to me would not dictate my rod purchases although I guess it does factor in but weight , blank quality, sensitivity , guides and feel should really be what comes first when make the choice if it has the looks to match then you found a winner! Shimano vs h3 or z bone kistler wins every time in my book although some of the shimanos are really nice rods in both form and function so if you really like the looks and they offer length and action you want then by all means go for it and if it turns out not to be the one you can always sell it

[kschultz76]

I really like the look of the shimano's at the same price point at the kistler h3. Do you think the kistler's really have an advantage over the shimanos or really at this price point most rods are similar and just vary in components and styles?

I think at the $300 price point you have several options that will all perform well, each will have different strengths. Having not personally fished the Helium yet I have no basis for comparison between it and say an Orochi or a Legend Elite. I've also not fished an Expride either. So my opinion on this will not provide any real objective feedback.

I went out on a limb trying the KLX because I was looking for a length and action that seemed to be a niche. If I could have gotten an Avid in a similar specification it would have likely been my first choice. In your price range I have more confidence recommending the Orochi XX or a St Croix bc I have more time on the water with them. I've only had my KLX about 3 weeks. I will say I see far more discussion and feedback about the Orochi line then I do about the Exprides, while they look nice they just don't seem as popular as the Orochis.

Sorry I can't help more on that direct comparison. I think given your recent disappoint you should go with the purchase you have the most confidence in and don't look back.

[kschultz76]

Also be sure you are looking at the specs on the Expride closely, many if them are 2 piece designs which may not always be obvious.

[Weld's Largemouth]

Also be sure you are looking at the specs on the Expride closely, many if them are 2 piece designs which may not always be obvious.

I noticed that 

[kickerfish1]

A Steeze is not worth the money if you want an ultra sensitive blank and on a lower scale neither is the Expride.

[kschultz76]

A Steeze is not worth the money if you want an ultra sensitive blank and a lower scale neither is the Expride.

If I was looking in the Expride price range it just couldn't pass up another Orochi XX.

[WPCfishing]

I recently bought an IMX and an Avid.

Both are excellent rods..

I also held the MHX blank that Mike at DVT uses to build custom rods. I swear it's a G Loomis blank.

On a scale of 1-10 it's a 10. I think it was the 824 version. Great worm & jig blank that could easily be used for spinner baits around docks ect..

[kickerfish1]

Welds, while I am a big Shimano fan I really don't think many of Shimanos rod lines will wow you for feel any more than your red Cumara. The Cumulus rods are the best rods Shimano has ever offered for feel and they are incredibly light. The downside is they fish lighter in power than their ratings suggest. For example the 6'10 MH casting rod fishes more like a true medium rod. I use mine for sort of a mag finesse rod. The only way to get your hands on a Cumulus would be buying one used more than likely and also keep in mind that they are lighter in power than their specs would indicate.

 

Even if you could save some money and buy an Avid, a Zodias, a KLX, etc in the back of your mind you will always be wondering "what if". I would encourage you make this one count. Whether it be an Orichi XX, older classic GLX, Rep Sample NRX, Custom rod, Z-Bone, or some JDM rod you should treat yourself to something nice that has proven itself for feel. I would save up for the NRX rod and not look back. Rep sample and dealer demos can be had for under $400 and used rods are closer to $320-375.

 

Good luck whatever route you go!

[deep]

A few things that might be useful.

 

1. The Helium3 is reputed to be as good as the GLX. I won't know since I never had a GLX.

The Helium3 is *almost* as sensitive as the NRX (in my hands). I do know since I have both.

The last time I looked at a fishing rod while fishing was.... never.

 

2. The most highly regarded NRX-es seem to be the 7'5" JWR ones (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). My Helium3 (7'6" light MH/ fast) is more versatile than my NRX 893 JWR.

 

3. I'd lose the braid and spool on some premium fluoro if I were you.

 

4. How long do you think you'll fish your new purchase? Used high-end rods hold their value pretty well. You can buy an used NRX for 350 bucks, use (not abuse) it for 2 years, sell it, and lose maybe only $40 for shipping and paypal fees. If you buy a new $300 rod (say), you'll lose maybe a hundred bucks. Probably even worse for custom builds.

 

Good luck.

[kickerfish1]

Very true on the resell value of custom rods. Custom rods are great but what you never hear about is their cost. Start with a $150 blank, add in guides, a real seat, cork or Eva handles, thread wrap, any trim or accent parts and you could easily be up to $250-$300. Add in the cost of the builders time (probably a good $50+ and their cost to ship it (probably $25-35) as they aren't like TW where they can give you free shipping. When it is all said and done you could easily be at $350 - 450. The builder will probably put their name or company name on it and in return you may want your name on it or something to your liking. When selling it you would probably only get a fraction of what you paid for the rod. Sure you get exactly what YOU want when you ordered but the problem is that on the secondary market the number of potential buyers is also very small. I have seen custom rods that cost about $500 to create sell for about $225. I know this because I have one. You can build a custom rod for about $175-200 realistically however to get anything with high end feel and performance you will easily be close to $300+ even with a simplistic look.

Deep I would say you are 100% right about the 893 and 894 being two pretty popular rod choices in the casting models. I would also add the 873 CRR to the list as well. If you have the storage room for one in your vehicle or on your boat they are great to use though some guys with space limitations opt for the shorter rods.

[heyitzpetah]

Or you could source a Poison Adrena from Japan

I agree with looking at the poison adrena. I am extremely happy with the rod. I think it performs a bit better than the expride in feel and sensitivity.Additionally, I pretty much use my adrena for everything from moving baits to texas rigs. The adrena retails for 400, but I bought mine new for less than 300. The only other rods I might've wished I got instead of the poison adrena is either a megabass or nrx, but I am perfectly content with my adrena. 

[Weld's Largemouth]

Or you could source a Poison Adrena from Japan

How would one go about doing that?

[bootytrain]

How would one go about doing that?

Plat.co.jp is a good place, shipping a 1 piece rod will run about 65 plus maybe 15 or so in customs fees. There's other reputable jdm sites as well. You just have to shop around. It may run a little over your budget total but the Adrena ticks all the boxes that you want.

[Stapsy]

For the techniques you listed I think the Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F would be awesome.  It isn't as sensitive as an NRX but there is definitely enough feel for me with bottom contact.  It is one of those rods that is versatile enough to perform a lot of techniques really well.  I have mainly been using it for swim jigs and spinnerbaits, but when I need another rod for jigs or t-rigs I have no problem picking it up.  It would be a little long for topwaters but it will work if you can get used to the length.  If you do ever want to upgrade your bottom contact rod to an NRX you will still be able to find use for the Orochi in your lineup because of its versatility.