Kistler Z Bone

[nd1225]

Just wondering what feedback there is on this particular rod, is it worth the money?

[RichF]

Never used a Z Bone but my Heliums, KLXs, and Mags are all incredible rods.  To be honest, I don't know if ANY rod is worth $500 and this is coming from a guy who owns a couple St. Croix Legend Xtremes.  I have no doubt it's a fantastic rod though.  I'm pretty sure Kistler is running a special right now too.  Spend $299 and get a free rod.  Last I saw there were like 14 free rods to choose from ranging from Mags up to Heliums.  Pretty solid deal.

[kschultz76]

I’ve not used a Zbone, but I’m happy with my Helium 3 rods, well built, solid blanks, lightweight, and sensitive. Unless one of the free rods in the deal right now interest you may want to see if they run the “pick your discount” sale again. When they do that the Zbones go for 40% off. 

[gall]

   - He3H810MAD (Helium 3 Heavy 8' 10" M.A.D. Moderate  12.5)
   - He3ML70F (Helium 3 Medium-Light 7' 0" Fast A 9)
   - He3SpML70F (*SPIN* Helium 3 Spin Medium-Light 7' 0" Fast E 9)
   - He3XH711F (Helium 3 X-Heavy 7' 11" Fast  11.5  G)
   - He3XH73F (Helium 3 X-Heavy 7' 3" Fast  10.5 B)
   - He3XH76F (Helium 3 X-Heavy 7' 6" Fast  11 C)
   - KLXFJCW76H (KLX Frog, Jig, Creature Worm Heavy Mod-Fast 7' 6" C 11)
   - KLXGPSG73XH (KLX Grass Punch-Stump Grind X-Heavy Mod-Fast 7' 3" B 10.5)
   - KLXGPSG76XH (KLX Grass Punch-Stump Grind X-Heavy Mod-Fast 7' 6" C 11)
   - KLXTCRWJ73H    (KLX Texas/Carolina Rig Worm Jig  Heavy Fast 7' 3" B 10)
   - MG2HMH70XF (Magnesium2 Heavy-Med-Heavy 7" X-Fast Cast 10.5")
   - MG2HMH73XF (Magnesium2 Heavy-Med-Heavy 7' 3" X-Fast Cast 10.5")
   - MG2M70F (Magnesium2 Medium 7" Fast Cast 10")
   - MG2ML70F (Magnesium2 Medium-Light 7" Fast Cast 9.5")

 

Those are your choice for the fee rod. I mean its a pretty solid deal if you want one of those rods. 

[FrankN209]

Love my Helium rod, even better than my St Croix LTX. The only one I like equally at much is my Shimano Zodias..

[Yudo1]

I'm a big fan of kistler rods. I have klx, helium3 and z bone. In my hands, it's comparable to my nrx. As far as worth the money? I always take advantage of their sales. The current sale is worthwhile if you need another rod from the klx or helium3 line. The build quality of z bone beats nrx IMO. Sensitivity is excellent and comparable.

[thebillsman]

Any kistler rod beyond the KLX line is going to be great.

[Dwight Hottle]

I picked up a LEXF 3MH Light casting rod after talking to Trey about what I was looking for. I wanted it for jerk baits up to an ounce in weight while using fluoro. I paired it up with a aldebaron 50 which balanced out nicely. The rod is rated up to 3/4 ounce but Trey said it will handle 1oz with no problem. It does without any strain. I have been very happy with the quality of the build & great sensitivity while working a jerk bait. Powerful rod but flexible enough to really load up nicely when hooked up to a good fish. 

[Fishinthefish]

It's hard to say any stock rod at that price point is going to be worth while. As far as wanting something faster, or being less detail oriented. You really aren't going to beat the ZBone in that price range, it's all going to be preference as to which rod you prefer more than the other in that range. The NRX is probably going to be the most common comparison that you get to it. I love the NRX, and what limited time I've spent with the ZBone I've also loved that rod as well. It's really just a coin flip of which one feels better in the users hands. I think any time you're looking to spend that kind of money it'd be quite difficult to go wrong. But there is always the custom rod route as well. In that price range you can have quite a few fancy additions added to your rod, and setup just that way you'd like for specifically what you're looking to do with it.

[Basseditor]

I have many ZBones. I’m happy with them all. Are they worth more than a Helium? I think so if the stock models are what you are looking for. I have a few custom models too, which are top notch if you want to spend the money. For example, choosing reel seats, balancing kits, etc. 

[nd1225]

Thank ya'll for the insight