St Croix Legend Tournament vs Daiwa Tatula vs Kistler Helium 3

[Nunz]

Deciding between one of these 3 for a new jig rod. All would be rated for 3/8-1 oz lures. Daiwa is the most affordable, and people claim its very sensitive, but i like the looks of the st croix LT and after researching it seems kistler makes some of the most sensitive rods. Anyone with experience, is there a big difference in sensitivity, and is there a big difference in performance from the higher prices of two of these rods as compared to the tatula? Also considering a refurbished dobyns champion extreme hp but i'm afraid a 705 would be too heavy and stiff for a jig/heavy texas rig rod.

 I know i've posted a lot about this, but really want to make sure my money is spent wisely.

 

Thanks

[r83srock]

I have the new LT 6’8” mh worm/jig rod and it’s pretty dang perfect for that. I’m not too picky but it’s a good one. Looks sweet too.

[LxVE Bassin]

I have a LTB and a Tatula rod. The LTB is the more sensitive and overall better rod. LTB is $260 and the Tatula is $150. Not sure what your budget is but you can do a lot with $100. But the LTB is definately a better rod.

[Nunz]

45 minutes ago, LxVE Bassin said:

I have a LTB and a Tatula rod. The LTB is the more sensitive and overall better rod. LTB is $260 and the Tatula is $150. Not sure what your budget is but you can do a lot with $100. But the LTB is definately a better rod.

$270 was the most i was going to spend, but if that tatula was just as good id be glad to save 100 

[LxVE Bassin]

59 minutes ago, Nunz said:

$270 was the most i was going to spend, but if that tatula was just as good id be glad to save 100 

Let me know what u end up moving forward with.

[Dwight Hottle]

The kistler is more sensitive than the St Croix based on my experience with those two models. No experience with the Daiwa. Keep an eye on Kistler's web site or sign up for product emails. They have semi-frequent sales. You have to remember Kistler is buying the blanks for most of his lineup from Gary Loomis's new company North Fork Composites. 

[Nunz]

6 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

The kistler is more sensitive than the St Croix based on my experience with those two models. No experience with the Daiwa. Keep an eye on Kistler's web site or sign up for product emails. They have semi-frequent sales. You have to remember Kistler is buying the blanks for most of his lineup from Gary Loomis's new company North Fork Composites. 

supposedly those are some of the best blanks?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If you ask them they are. They make good blanks no doubt about that but they're not head and shoulders above other top end offerings. The z bone I would expect to be closer to an LTB than the helium. Best to lay your hands on one of each if possible. Dwight has hands on with 2 of the 3 and has a history of offering solid advice I'd say. 

[swimmingjig]

I have a  LTB71MHF and similar spec tatula ,tatula xt and some zillion . For me I think the daiwas are focus too much of the weight of the rod itself , yes they are sensitive enough even the tatula XT at least for my self . But sometimes that is too light . When I’m in action I want to feel something in my hand ,that’s why I work with my LT more than any of my daiwas.

[LegendaryBassin]

The Kistler H3 has an inferior warranty than the Tatula and LTB. Overall, I would pick the St Croix just based off of warranty. St Croix has some of the best customer service in the industry. Great family-run company that takes pride in their product and stands behind their product.

45 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

If you ask them they are. They make good blanks no doubt about that but they're not head and shoulders above other top end offerings. The z bone I would expect to be closer to an LTB than the helium. Best to lay your hands on one of each if possible. Dwight has hands on with 2 of the 3 and has a history of offering solid advice I'd say. 

I agree. I have a few Kistler rods and while they are good, but there are plenty of options as good if not better than them. The thing that concerns me is NFC (Kistlers blank supplier) has filed for Ch 11 bankruptcy about a year ago. Things aren't looking up for NFC as only 10% of all companies survive Ch.11 bankruptcy reorganization. Assume NFC goes out of business and you break a Kistler rod still under warranty, you won't be getting the same rod. 

[padon]

Can't speak for the other but I bought 1 Ltb two years ago and now own eight of them. Many times I feel my lure hit bottom on slack line with the reel disengaged. To me they are extremely sensitive.

[Matt_3479]

I can’t speak directly for the ltb but have a kistler helium, daiwa tatula lt, daiwa zillion and a st. Croix avid X. The daiwa rods aren’t in the same Legue as the kistler and st. Croix as far a sensitivity goes on the models I have. Still an excellent rod, and d**n well worth there price tag! The avid x is excellent as well and would highly recommend to anyone. The thing about st. Croix that bothers me a bit is that a lot of there models are tip heavy and is the reason when I spend a little extra i lean a different route. There warrenty is second to none and is a huge factor for most. The kistler is my favourite out of the three mentioned. Light, well balanced, good power, very sensitive. Will be purchasing another for sure

[dave]

Until you've held and fished a Helium...

 

[Stephen B]

35 minutes ago, dave said:

Until you've held and fished a Helium...

 

I haven't fished the H3 but you will get a lot of differing opinions on this. But ultimately, I am not a fan of Kistler rods so personally I would look elsewhere. I sold all my Zbones for new rods within a year of owning them. There sensitivity was subpar for the rods I fished when compared to my current rod from G Loomis, Megabass, JDM Evergreen, etc at similar price points. I was disappointed in the sensitivity of the 2015 Zbones for a retail price of $500. The only advantage going the Kistler route is he runs a discount a lot. I recommend going to a real tackle shop and talking with their staff about what you are looking for, plan to use, and they should be able to give you some great options. They likely have fished every rod in the store and talk to other fisherman.

 

I am curious to how the new 2018 Zbone fishes though. Ultimately, of the rods you named none are bad rods so you can't pick a wrong one. Just make a list of positives and negatives and decide based on what works best for you.

[Nunz]

18 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

If you ask them they are. They make good blanks no doubt about that but they're not head and shoulders above other top end offerings. The z bone I would expect to be closer to an LTB than the helium. Best to lay your hands on one of each if possible. Dwight has hands on with 2 of the 3 and has a history of offering solid advice I'd say. 

If the LTB is closer to a zbone then a helium then thats my choice! lol

[deep]

I've had a Helium 3 for a long time. It's a very very good rod. Close to NRX level sensitivity (IMO), but not as "crisp". (NRX 893 vs 7'6" LMH/Fast helium 3). A close second would be the ***. Really like the one Envy I have (a 7'6" medium power fast action).

 

No idea about the St. Croix. I don't like their length/ power/ action combinations.

 

For Z-Bone kind of money, I'd get another NRX. In the $150 range, I really like the IROD Genesis2 series. I got 2 of those. Very light, crisp and more sensitive than the price would suggest.

 

 

 

 

[James Pondscum]

 I have a few stcroix rods and the mh heavy are much closer to other brands heavy then med heavy.  Another note if you have large hands the cork grip s are very short .  All my split grips have been changed to full grip.

[kschultz76]

You really can’t go wrong with St Croix LTB or the Helium 3. I prefer the Helium 3 bc of its lighter weight, better balance, and unfinished blank. Every LTB I’ve owned has been tip heavy, and for the time period they had the SK reel seats I wouldn’t consider them. Certainly St Croixs customer service and service plans are of value. 

 

But it really you should buy one of each and decide for yourself!

[Stephen B]

10 minutes ago, kschultz76 said:

You really can’t go wrong with St Croix LTB or the Helium 3. I prefer the Helium 3 bc of its lighter weight, better balance, and unfinished blank. Every LTB I’ve owned has been tip heavy, and for the time period they had the SK reel seats I wouldn’t consider them. Certainly St Croixs customer service and service plans are of value. 

 

But it really you should buy one of each and decide for yourself!

The LTB has been revamped for 2018. The balance has improved.