Kistler Helium 3 for Frogging/ Punching

[Bass Apprentice]

Hey guys, 

I've been looking at getting a rod to fish in heavier cover. I would like to use it for even more applications than it's intended for because I'm not really one to give a pole one specific job. I was looking at the kistler Helium 3 7 foot heavy and was wondering if any of you have used it and what you thought. Did you think it was to flimsy or did it have enough backbone to get the job done? Any input will be great thanks guys.

[RichF]

I have a 7'3 Heavy Magnesium I use for froggin and it's amazing.  I also have a 7'6 Heavy Helium I use for big jigs.  I would say Kistlers are a touch softer than my St. Croixs and Shimanos.  Like, a heavy Kistler would be between a med-heavy and heavy in the other two brands.  I don't know if I would use a 7'3 Heavy Helium for punching, personally.  It would probably work, but I tend to lean on the heavier side for almost all my techniques.  I use a 7'6 Extra Heavy, modfast, Helium for punching. 

[Mr. Bassin II]

I have the exact rod you are asking about.  Mine is spooled up with 15 pound fluorocarbon and is used primarily as my jig rod. For this duty it is almost perfect due to the sensitivity and the extra fast tip needed to set the hook hard.  The sweet spot for this rod, in my opinion, is between 1/2 oz to 1 oz of lure weight. When being used as a bottom contact rod it is has few equals and would highly recommend for such techniques I've mentioned.    

 

This rod could be used as a punching rod with lighter weights but an extra heavy would be better suited for this task.  Kistler offers an H3 extra heavy that might suit you better.  It has a slower tip as well which works better with braid than the H3 heavy.

 

For frogging, the He Heavy is not really the best choice due to the extra-fast tip.  Combine this with low stretch braid and you could experience hook set issues.  I actually prefer my KLX heavy for frogging due to it slower action.