Kistler helium 3, ALX ZOLO , Shimano Zodias ??

[Ksam1234]

So I’m ready to pull the trigger on a rod today, either the kistler helium 3, ALX ZOLO or Shimano Zodias.  I have gone back and forth between many companies (sorry I dragged you all threw it haha) but I’m going to get one of these today. Not sure which and still having troubles. I can get the kistler helium 3 for 213$ with the sale going on. I will be getting a MH fast or Xfast for jigs and Trigs. Spinnerbait or chatterbiats. I like a thinner handle so I can palm easily.  Not that it has to be super thin but I once had a rod with such a fat grip it was uncomfortable. Anyway which one of these would be best for sensitivity , lightweight and all around best if you had to choose one 

[The Maestro]

I haven't used any of these rods so I can't really say one way or the other. I would just caution against getting one with an extra fast action if you plan on using it for making long casts and fishing moving baits like you mentioned.

[Ksam1234]

5 minutes ago, The Maestro said:

I haven't used any of these rods so I can't really say one way or the other. I would just caution against getting one with an extra fast action if you plan on using it for making long casts and fishing moving baits like you mentioned.

The helium 3 only comes in extra fast sadly  for the MH version 

[ItsHardwick]

I have 2 zodias currently, and I have 2 more being delivered tomorrow. I really like them. Plus, the handle is probably the thinnest out of my 15 casting rods I own making palming the reel a dream. 

 

I don’t have any experience with the other two so I can’t speak to them but I think you’d be pleased with the zodias. Only thing not to like is there’s no bait keeper. 

 

I have new megabass levantes, st. croix legend tournaments, shimano curados and zodias, and some loomis e6xs. And when I wanted two new sticks with different actions I went back to the zodias. 

[Ksam1234]

3 minutes ago, ItsHardwick said:

I have 2 zodias currently, and I have 2 more being delivered tomorrow. I really like them. Plus, the handle is probably the thinnest out of my 15 casting rods making palming the reel a dream. 

 

I don’t have any experience with the other two so I can’t speak to them but I think you’d be pleased with the zodias. Only thing not to like is there’s no bait keeper. 

 

I have new megabass levantes, st. croix legend tournaments, shimano curators and zodias, and some loomis e6xs. And when I wanted two new sticks with different actions I went back to the zodias. 

Do you feel the Mh fast Zodias is good for jigs and Trigs from 1/4-3/4 oz ? I usually never go lower or higher than that. Mainly stay between 3/8 and 1/2 oz 75% of the time. Then obviously spinnerbaits would be the same 

[ItsHardwick]

26 minutes ago, Ksam1234 said:

Do you feel the Mh fast Zodias is good for jigs and Trigs from 1/4-3/4 oz ? I usually never go lower or higher than that. Mainly stay between 3/8 and 1/2 oz 75% of the time. Then obviously spinnerbaits would be the same 

I think that’s about the perfect range. If anything they run a little heavy as far as the ratings go. I don’t personally have a medium heavy fast but my medium fast is perfect for like 1/8 up to 1/2 so I’d imagine the mh would be what you’re looking for.

 

Shimanos rods seem like they fish well above the price points. I haven’t fished an ALX or Kistler which some swear by but for $200 I think the Zodias rods are a great value. 

[5by3]

I recently made the switch from mid-range Loomis rods (Mossyback, imx, and two glx) to the ALX Zolo and haven’t looked back. The best way to describe it is you’re getting a custom feel at a production line cost. 

 

I’d rate the sensitivity as somewhere between the Imx and GLX. The balance is excellent - comparable to Loomis, but not quite as good as a dobyns. The rods are hand-built in South Carolina and the owner is easily accessible and will go out of his way to answer your questions and give suggestions about rod selection. I’m very particular when I buy a rod and inspect every component for flaws. I have found a total of zero so far on the 4 I own.

 

cant speak on the zodias or kistler, but I’ve heard they’re pretty good sticks too.

 

 

[Ksam1234]

33 minutes ago, 5by3 said:

I recently made the switch from mid-range Loomis rods (Mossyback, imx, and two glx) to the ALX Zolo and haven’t looked back. The best way to describe it is you’re getting a custom feel at a production line cost. 

 

I’d rate the sensitivity as somewhere between the Imx and GLX. The balance is excellent - comparable to Loomis, but not quite as good as a dobyns. The rods are hand-built in South Carolina and the owner is easily accessible and will go out of his way to answer your questions and give suggestions about rod selection. I’m very particular when I buy a rod and inspect every component for flaws. I have found a total of zero so far on the 4 I own.

 

cant speak on the zodias or kistler, but I’ve heard they’re pretty good sticks too.

 

 

How is the handle ? Do you find you can palm easily ? 

[RichF]

I own rods in the helium 3 and zodias lines. Both are great but the edge goes to the helium. I use my 7' heavy xf for 1/2-3/4oz jigs. It's a beast. Light and super sensitive.

[newyorktoiowa57]

5 hours ago, ItsHardwick said:

I have 2 zodias currently, and I have 2 more being delivered tomorrow. I really like them. Plus, the handle is probably the thinnest out of my 15 casting rods making palming the reel a dream. 

 

I don’t have any experience with the other two so I can’t speak to them but I think you’d be pleased with the zodias. Only thing not to like is there’s no bait keeper. 

 

I have new megabass levantes, st. croix legend tournaments, shimano curators and zodias, and some loomis e6xs. And when I wanted two new sticks with different actions I went back to the zodias. 

How do you like the new levantes?

 

[DogBone_384]

I have three Magnesium 2's, two Helium 3's, and a Magnesium TS.  They're by far my favorite rods in my arsenal for three reasons:

1. They're made here in USA.
2. They're light as a feather.
3. They just have a nice 'feel' to them.

My Helium 3's are 7' M/XF and a 7' ML/XF.  I use them for Senkos and Ned/drop-shot, respectively.

 

Best of luck picking your new rod.

[5by3]

50 minutes ago, Ksam1234 said:

How is the handle ? Do you find you can palm easily ? 

Very comfortable to fish for me, but I also have sasquatch hands. I wouldn’t say they’re any different from most options on the market.

[WRB]

Very few rod companies make their handles they purchase them.

You can call each company and inquire what handle the use, more then likely Fuji.

I am the 1st BR member to mention ALX rods on this site. My prior rods were custom made Lamiglas and they referred me to ALX when Lamiglas stopped making custom bass rods about 8 years ago now.

I called Alex and he made up 3 custom rods to me specs. I wanted a blank equal to NRX at that time and he came though with lighter weight and extremely well made rods that perform and met my expectations. 

If you have any questions regarding ALX rods call Alex.

Tom 

[kschultz76]

I’d go with the Helium 3, if you want to go up to 3/4 oz definitely the heavy xfast. I have no experience with Zodias or ALX Zolo Rods. But my H3s hold their own compared to my Orochi XX, GLX, and Legend Xtreme Rods. I really appreciate the light weight and balance of the H3s. I love the aesthetic of my MB rods, but the simplicity of the H3 builds has a beauty of its own. 

[LonnieP]

Another vote for the Helium 3. I don’t like fat grips either and the H3 has a very comfortable grip and is super light and sensitive. 

[GReb]

Instead of the Helium why not look at the KLX. Same great rod but more versatile. It was made for people like you looking for multiple applications. Kistler also just brought back the Argon but I can’t speak for it. Trey puts out YouTube videos on his rods pretty regularly. Maybe check a few out

[LegendaryBassin]

4 hours ago, WRB said:

 

I am the 1st BR member to mention ALX rods on this site. 

Why is this of any relevance....

 

4 hours ago, WRB said:

I wanted a blank equal to NRX at that time and he came though with lighter weight and extremely well made rods that perform and met my expectations. 

If you have any questions regarding ALX rods call Alex.

Tom 

ALX doesn't have a rod to rival the performance or sensitivity. 

 

Regarding the post, I would go with the Zodias. It would be my first choice by far. Extremely sensitive and impressive build quality. Kistler would be my second pick with ALX being my last. Just from my experience with the rods the Zodias and Helium are better performers. 

[WRB]

I offered background on ALX to point out they got thier start as a custom rod builder that makes high quality rods, excellent personal customer service and warranty, not as well known as Shimano or Kistler.

Sensitivity is a subjective measure of performance depending on skill level. I said that my ALX rods are equal to NRX because I have fished with both many times and so have my partners who own NRX rods.

My suggestion was to call the owner Alex and talk to him to answer any question the OP may have.

Who is POC at Shimano? Kistler may be a small enough company to contact.

Tom

 

 

[LegendaryBassin]

57 minutes ago, WRB said:

I offered background on ALX to point out they got thier start as a custom rod builder that makes high quality rods, excellent personal customer service and warranty, not as well known as Shimano or Kistler.

Sensitivity is a subjective measure of performance depending on skill level. I said that my ALX rods are equal to NRX because I have fished with both many times and so have my partners who own NRX rods.

My suggestion was to call the owner Alex and talk to him to answer any question the OP may have.

Who is POC at Shimano? Kistler may be a small enough company to contact.

Tom

 

 

Equal in your opinion. Not in mine or many others. 

[5by3]

NRX is the market standard for sensitivity that all other rods try to be...  and the gap is still large imo.

 

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is how the rod feels in YOUR HANDS, not how it feels in other people‘s minds.

[LegendaryBassin]

1 hour ago, 5by3 said:

NRX is the market standard for sensitivity that all other rods try to be...  and the gap is still large imo.

 

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is how the rod feels in YOUR HANDS, not how it feels in other people‘s minds.

I agree exactly. The NRX can only be rivaled in sensitivity by a handful of rods and the ALXs aren't close. 

[WRB]

What matters at the end of the day is your ability to detect strikes and put bass in the boat. Sensitivity is between your ears the rod is only a tool.

Peace, I no longer have the time to debate this or any other topic.

Tom

[ItsHardwick]

20 hours ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

How do you like the new levantes?

 

I haven’t been able to get out with them enough to give a definitive opinion. I have the perfect pitch and the diablo spec-r. So far I really like the perfect pitch, has enough tip which I like in heavier rods but still has a lot of backbone. The Diablo I haven’t fished much yet honestly. I will say the build quality and detailing is definitely what you’d expect from megabass. They’re beautiful rods.