JustinU1X Posted April 25, 2016 Posted April 25, 2016 Hey Everyone, I’ve been looking for a quality jig rod and I’m thinking about the Helium 3. The 7’4 Medium-Heavy/Extra-Fast is what I’m looking at. I’d be mostly using it for pitching ¼ - ½oz t-rigs and jigs (#20 copolymer). What are your thoughts on this particular rod for my intended purposes? Are the extra-fast tips on these rods fine for my intended application? Thanks in advance! Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted April 25, 2016 Super User Posted April 25, 2016 I have that same rod for 3/8 to 3/4 oz jigs and it does the job well. I think you will like it. It handles bass well in the brush & weeds of Florida lakes. Great quality blank & good build for a factory rod. 1 Quote
RichF Posted April 25, 2016 Posted April 25, 2016 Most balanced rods I've ever fished. I do find them to be a little under powered compared to other brands like St Croix or Shimano. I have a 7'6 H Helium 3 that I used for 1/2 -3/4 oz jigs with 20 flouro. I think its perfect. Either way, you'll definitely like them. 2 Quote
SDoolittle Posted April 25, 2016 Posted April 25, 2016 2 minutes ago, RichF said: Most balanced rods I've ever fished. I do find them to be a little under powered compared to other brands like St Croix or Shimano. Before I started building my own rods, I used Kistlers almost exclusively. I haven't used the Helium 3's, but the above statement is spot on for the models I've used in the past. Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted April 25, 2016 Super User Posted April 25, 2016 I have the same exact model in question. Good rod as others have already mentioned. If you are not signed up for Kistlers mailing list you should do so. I believe I bought mine for 20% off using a coupon code provided in one of their emails. 1 Quote
SDoolittle Posted April 25, 2016 Posted April 25, 2016 ^^^ Yep. That's how I used to buy most of mine. Quote
JustinU1X Posted April 25, 2016 Author Posted April 25, 2016 2 minutes ago, kickerfish1 said: I have the same exact model in question. Good rod as others have already mentioned. If you are not signed up for Kistlers mailing list you should do so. I believe I bought mine for 20% off using a coupon code provided in one of their emails. I did last night, thanks for the tip! Are their Black Friday deals usually similar to 20%? Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted April 25, 2016 Super User Posted April 25, 2016 They do several sort of random sales throughout the year. Some of them are geared towards how much you spend and others aren't. Up to $300 might be 15% off, $300-499 might be 20% off and over $500 may be 25%. I can't recall the exact numbers and applicable discounts but it is essentially the more you spend the higher the discount. Other sales are just a standard % off your order and some are specific to a certain rod line only. 1 Quote
bt8897 Posted April 25, 2016 Posted April 25, 2016 I had that same rod and it should work well for that application 1 Quote
JustinU1X Posted April 29, 2016 Author Posted April 29, 2016 Do any of you have an idea how the Dobyns Extreme HP compares to these as far as sensitivity? I hear they're close and the Helium is more of the best bang for your buck type of rod. The aesthetics and warranty are obviously better so I'd stretch my budget a bit and try to get that Dobyns when it was on sale. Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted April 29, 2016 Super User Posted April 29, 2016 I can't comment on the new extreme HP models as I haven't taken the plunge yet. However, I have owned several of the older extremes and the H3. The sensitivity was better on the H3 but the balance and looks were better on the Extreme. With the blank and guide upgrades on the new HP extremes I would be willing to bet they would have every bit the feel of the H3. I think member "Iabass8" has or has owned both the H3 and new extreme HP. He should be able to provide an accurate assessment of the rods if he sees this... 1 Quote
JustinU1X Posted April 29, 2016 Author Posted April 29, 2016 5 minutes ago, kickerfish1 said: I can't comment on the new extreme HP models as I haven't taken the plunge yet. However, I have owned several of the older extremes and the H3. The sensitivity was better on the H3 but the balance and looks were better on the Extreme. With the blank and guide upgrades on the new HP extremes I would be willing to bet they would have every bit the feel of the H3. I think member "Iabass8" has or has owned both the H3 and new extreme HP. He should be able to provide an accurate assessment of the rods if he sees this... Hey @iabass8, would you care to share your expertise? Quote
Super User iabass8 Posted April 29, 2016 Super User Posted April 29, 2016 I have the 7'1 MHXF H3 Full grip and a few DXHPs. Sensitivity between the new HP and H3 is close. H3 was definitely better than the previous DX models. Balance on the Dobyns is better than the H3. I personally don't feel the H3 balance was that great but it isn't awful. The H3 cork is good and the real seat is really comfortable. I like their foam covered locking nut above the reel seat. I have no idea how much the H3's are going for now or if they even offer them in full grip this year but mine was right around 200$ after discounts. Easily the best 200$ rod made if it's still at that price point. I bought the H3 for senkos but it's just too much rod for a weightless senko and went a different route for that rod.. It pretty much always has a 3/16oz weight and some sort of tube or worm on it. It's caught a few river bass in your neck of the woods 1 Quote
JustinU1X Posted April 29, 2016 Author Posted April 29, 2016 Much appreciated, thank you! decisions decisions, man that new HP sure is a good looking rod though. Quote
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