Kistler KLX vs Dobyns Champion vs Hammer

[Jay Dubs]

I haven't bought any new tackle for ages, until this year, when I picked up a Dobyns Fury 703C for an all-arounder.  It was an eye opener, as to how much gear has improved.  I'm now looking for a drop shot/finesse/shakey rig and after reading "sensitive rod" threads in this forum, I'm looking at Kistler, Hammer and keeping Dobyns in mind, as I love my Fury.  I want a price around $200, and sensitivity being the biggest point for me. I'm open to hearing about other brand too.  I'm going to end up buying a rod without being able to see our handle them though, so please offer a little more detail than "I like this one best."  I'd really love to hear what and why made you choose the rod you recommend.  Thanks!

[Angry John]

At 200 your right on my go to rod the st croix avid.  The avidx is also nice.  The action on dobyns rods are slower than I like and my dx743 makes a good crankbait rod.  The dobyns handles are very nice looking but there is a lot more fill than I care for.  On the avid and up I don't have any fill in the cork.  I also like the palm bulge on the handle.  The reel seat is also a favorite on the avid.  The only thing I am not all about is it has a for grip which the dobyns does not.  The sc3 and above blanks have plenty of feel, I seem to feel them bite.

[Oklahoma Mike]

I’m not a fan of Kistler but the Dobyns and Hammer are both great choices. I’m especially fond of Hammer rods and would pick that among your choices. The Avid X as mentioned above is an exlceellent option as well. I’ll also throw Major Craft into the conversation because they have some nice options for DS rods in your price range. 

 

 

[Stephen B]

In terms of sensitivity I don't think you will beat the KLX at that price. Although Hammer makes a great blank as well, I think there QC isn't as good. The Avid X is also a great choice. It is a great price point with a lot of good options.

[kickerfish1]

All 3 are fine options. I would say the Champion would be the least sensitive of the 3 but the best balanced and arguably the best warranty. Keep in mind the Kistler will have macro guides which is a guide that is just bigger than a standard micro guide. The Hammer uses true micro guides which is something I do NOT like nor am I fan of win grips. Of the 3 I would get the Kistler. Get on their mailing list so you will be notified when they run their big sales several times a year. When they do the Helium 3 rods are going to be right in your $200 budget and will night and day be the best option in feel alone.

 

All give you an alternative. The ALX Zolo B Maestro. You can fish about any finesse technique you want on the rod. It is sensitive, balanced, is one of those rod where once you hook up with a fish they stay pinned pretty well. Again with a sale of some sort you can purchase the rod for well under $200.

[kschultz76]

Likely all decent options. But I’m going to throw in a better one in my opinion. The Tackle Trap looks to still have the Megabass Orochi XX Dropshot Rod in stock for $175 shipped. In terms of sensitivity and quality in my experience it’s a step above all the options you’ve listed. Check in with tomorrow to confirm it’s still available. 

 

On your list I’d probably go with the KLX. But if you don’t pick up the Megabass then I’d wait till Kistler has a sale and get a Helium 3 over the KLX. Avid X is another great option in your price point. 

[new2BC4bass]

All the rods you mentioned get good reviews.  Love the one Orochi XX I have, but it is not a Dropshot rod.  From what I have read, the Helium 3 is a great rod.  ALX rods are getting excellent reviews.  I wanted a better rod than what I normally buy, so I took advantage of the Black Friday sale and bought 2 ALX rods from TW.  It will be a few months before I get to use them, but I can tell you they are a very clean build.

[Stalking bass]

I use the Avid X in medium light with an extra fast tip for dropshot. If any fish of any size hits your worm trust me you will feel it. A little extra help on that note. Buy a light weight spinning reel for whichever rod you choose. It will help tremendously with sensitivity. 

[Angry John]

10 hours ago, Stalking bass said:

I use the Avid X in medium light with an extra fast tip for dropshot. If any fish of any size hits your worm trust me you will feel it. A little extra help on that note. Buy a light weight spinning reel for whichever rod you choose. It will help tremendously with sensitivity. 

I run the 2000 size daiwa.  Great for 6lb flouro but smaller might not be so good.  IF you going braid then go as small as you want.  I agree though that i think it helps a lot.  

[thebillsman]

I've got a garage full of KLXs. Probably my favorite rod in that $159-229 price range to date. 

[dam0007]

If your going with baitcasting, the Dobyns DX HP 702 over those 2. 

[RichF]

Kistler makes incredible rods.  The KLX line is hard to beat at that price.  The Avid X is a great choice too like others are saying.  I have to mention the Shimano Zodias as well.  They are really nice at $200.  I have all these rods and I honestly couldn't tell you which is more sensitive.  They're all really good.

[Yudo1]

On 12/10/2017 at 11:43 PM, kschultz76 said:

Likely all decent options. But I’m going to throw in a better one in my opinion. The Tackle Trap looks to still have the Megabass Orochi XX Dropshot Rod in stock for $175 shipped. In terms of sensitivity and quality in my experience it’s a step above all the options you’ve listed. Check in with tomorrow to confirm it’s still available. 

 

On your list I’d probably go with the KLX. But if you don’t pick up the Megabass then I’d wait till Kistler has a sale and get a Helium 3 over the KLX. Avid X is another great option in your price point. 

I agree 100%. Get the megabass drop shot rod. Kistler runs some great sales where you could get the klx or better yet a helium3 30% off. The nfc blanks are the real deal. Sign up for their emails.

[Chance_Taker4]

KLX for sure they even make a Drop Shot specific spinning rod. Its a 6-10 drop shot finesse rod.