Value of Kistler Rods with Black Friday Sale

[Bassin_Harrison]

So Kistler just announced its Black Friday sale and I'm wondering what people think the rods are worth on sale. I know that some people swear by them, I have a Magnesium that I love (from before they were $250), but I haven't been able to venture to their more expensive rods. 
 

The KLX is available for $210 and the Helium is $245. The question I'm trying to get to is are either of these worth these prices or are there other rods that retail for less and will be cheaper during black friday/cyber monday that would be better for the money? 

 

I should mention I'm looking for a MH or maybe a little underpowered H rod for bottom contact (jigs, t rigs) in the 7'1-7'5 range. Since I'm looking for really good sensitivity I am open to spending a little more than usual. 

 

Thanks

Harrison

[r83srock]

19 minutes ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

So Kistler just announced its Black Friday sale and I'm wondering what people think the rods are worth on sale. I know that some people swear by them, I have a Magnesium that I love (from before they were $250), but I haven't been able to venture to their more expensive rods. 
 

The KLX is available for $210 and the Helium is $245. The question I'm trying to get to is are either of these worth these prices or are there other rods that retail for less and will be cheaper during black friday/cyber monday that would be better for the money? 

 

I should mention I'm looking for a MH or maybe a little underpowered H rod for bottom contact (jigs, t rigs) in the 7'1-7'5 range. Since I'm looking for really good sensitivity I am open to spending a little more than usual. 

 

Thanks

Harrison

I’m in this same dilemma. I’m just looking to up my jig game, it’s my favorite way to fish, and I want something light, like featherly light. Sensitive is subjective and I’ve been happy with 100-200 dollar rods regarding sensitivity. I really want to try a helium, have wanted to for 15 years. 
 

I’m no help, but I am following.

[Basseditor]

LMH (3 power for lighter baits and weightless Senkos). I got two Heliums on the last sale and I had forgotten how nice they are. I usually use Zbones. I like the action of the Zbone because I don't use fast action much. The two Heliums I bought are 6'9" MH/Fast. That rounds out my collection nicely.

 

It's a big nut to crack when you try to get to the deepest 50% discount, so I save up and buy once a year or so when they have the really big discounts.

 

I like the KLX for some moving baits but for hard core chatter baits, medium crankbaits, I go with the Feel-N-Reel. I'm surprised how much vibration I can feel through that tip.

[waymont]

I had three Kistler Helium rods, all sold. I bought them for around $225 ea on sale before the prices skyrocketed. I wouldn't pay more than that if I were you.

[Bassin_Harrison]

1 hour ago, r83srock said:

I’m in this same dilemma. I’m just looking to up my jig game, it’s my favorite way to fish, and I want something light, like featherly light. Sensitive is subjective and I’ve been happy with 100-200 dollar rods regarding sensitivity. I really want to try a helium, have wanted to for 15 years. 
 

I’m no help, but I am following.

I wanted to get a helium a couple years ago I just don't have the money to drop $300+ on a rod, usually stay at a max of 200. Using jigs is not my favorite technique, but I need to get into it more because I know how good of a bait it can be and I feel like a better rod for the job would be beneficial. I use my frog rod currently, which while it does catch em, I lose a lot of fish/bites for sure. Too much of a meat stick I think. 

 

34 minutes ago, waymont said:

I had three Kistler Helium rods, all sold. I bought them for around $225 ea on sale before the prices skyrocketed. I wouldn't pay more than that if I were you.

Can I ask why you sold them? I haven't seen a lot of people say they aren't a fan. 

 

 

49 minutes ago, basseditor said:

LMH (3 power for lighter baits and weightless Senkos). I got two Heliums on the last sale and I had forgotten how nice they are. I usually use Zbones. I like the action of the Zbone because I don't use fast action much. The two Heliums I bought are 6'9" MH/Fast. That rounds out my collection nicely.

 

It's a big nut to crack when you try to get to the deepest 50% discount, so I save up and buy once a year or so when they have the really big discounts.

 

I like the KLX for some moving baits but for hard core chatter baits, medium crankbaits, I go with the Feel-N-Reel. I'm surprised how much vibration I can feel through that tip.

I don't think I will ever hit that 50% discount, but it's nice to dream about lol

[NorthernBasser]

I have a Helium, a KLX and 2 Feel N Reels. I love all of them, especially the Helium and FNR. The Helium (7'1" med/heavy I use for soft plastics) is very sensitive.

 

I bought them all last year. This year they bumped them all up by $50, which kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. That's one heck of a hike. 

[waymont]

7 hours ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

Can I ask why you sold them? I haven't seen a lot of people say they aren't a fan. 

I bought them all together during a sale. The blanks are really nice, but none of the rest of them were for me. I really don't like the foam fore grip, or semi-micro guides. I also don't like the way the company is run. Just my opinion. The LMH had a weird taper too.

[rangerjockey]

At $199 the KLX was the best deal going ,now at $300 I'd have to think about it.  

It's still easily worth that sale price. The H3 fishes about like a GLX and it's a great rod.

  also.

 Kistler is a small business but Trey has always been great to talk to and helpful. 

[GReb]

The KLX graphite crank rod is still the best squarebill rod I’ve ever used. However the H3 73H I own is not my personal favorite and I’ll probably sell it this winter. It’s a sensitive rod and overall performs well but others fit in my hand better. It’s all personal preference

[Westcoast]

I have a two klx, two reelnfeel , one helium and one zbone. I do like them and still feel at these sale prices are worth it. The helium 3 I have is very sensitive and is always used for bottom contact. The klx and fnr make great moving bait rods. The x Ray is very light and with its modified fast action makes it a very versatile rod. 

[Bassin_Harrison]

11 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

I have a Helium, a KLX and 2 Feel N Reels. I love all of them, especially the Helium and FNR. The Helium (7'1" med/heavy I use for soft plastics) is very sensitive.

 

I bought them all last year. This year they bumped them all up by $50, which kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. That's one heck of a hike. 

I am a big fan of my Magnesium, but I do not think it is worth the new $250 price tag. I don't have really any experience with $200+ rods, but just based off of what I read it doesn't seem worth that. I don't think the components were upgraded or anything so  I can't understand the price jump. 

 

11 hours ago, waymont said:

I bought them all together during a sale. The blanks are really nice, but none of the rest of them were for me. I really don't like the foam fore grip, or semi-micro guides. I also don't like the way the company is run. Just my opinion. The LMH had a weird taper too.

Thanks for the input, appreciate it. 

 

7 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

At $199 the KLX was the best deal going ,now at $300 I'd have to think about it.  

It's still easily worth that sale price. The H3 fishes about like a GLX and it's a great rod.

  also.

 Kistler is a small business but Trey has always been great to talk to and helpful. 

Yeah Trey definitely seems like a good guy,  I talked to him when I was buying my magnesium. (I got a full cork handle on mine for like $20). That's one reason why I'd like to buy another rod from him. Just don't know if I can justify spending the money. 

 

4 minutes ago, Westcoast said:

I have a two klx, two reelnfeel , one helium and one zbone. I do like them and still feel at these sale prices are worth it. The helium 3 I have is very sensitive and is always used for bottom contact. The klx and fnr make great moving bait rods. The x Ray is very light and with its modified fast action makes it a very versatile rod. 

People definitely seem to praise the H3 for it's sensitivity, if I was going to buy one of their rods on this sale it would probably be that.

 

Anybody know how to not have all your responses merged together? Or is that just how it is now?

[RichF]

Trey makes great rods but the price hike was a bit much for my liking.  I own several and never paid full price for any of them.  If you can swing the 40% or 50% off deal, they're a steal.  Full price...I'd look elsewhere. 

 

 

[Bassin_Harrison]

3 minutes ago, RichF said:

Trey makes great rods but the price hike was a bit much for my liking.  I own several and never paid full price for any of them.  If you can swing the 40% or 50% off deal, they're a steal.  Full price...I'd look elsewhere. 

 

 

Definitely will not be paying full price, maybe the KLX at $210. Thanks for your thoughts

[RichF]

1 minute ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

Definitely will not be paying full price, maybe the KLX at $210. Thanks for your thoughts

Try and swing that 40%.  Throw a KLX and an Argon in the cart for $300.

[Fastbee]

I got a KLX for a huge discount last year (7'6 H) that I really wanted to like...I just couldn't find a place for it after I had it. I sold it not too long ago. Same deal with my Argon (7'1 MH) but I still have it. They are great rods at the sale prices but not worth full retail in my opinion. I bought them to replace some aging OG Daiwa Tatulas but ended up liking the Tats better. I'll probably hang on to the Argon because it is very versatile. 

[TimTheGearNerd]

I got my KLX micro 8 years ago, it’s a 6’9 mh. Back then I paid 139 and many Dobyns, falons, and megabass rods later the KLX is still one of my favorites for senkos. Not sure if I like it because I’ve caught a bunch of fish on it or because I like how muted the entire thing looks but I enjoy using it every time. 
 

I can’t compare sensitivity because I don’t have another rod like it. I can say I always land the fish when they bite my senko. 
 

I have looked at Kistler many times since then. I haven’t purchase another Kistler because it’s so much more expensive and I abuse my gear so I need a warranty to help me sleep at night. I’ve purchased more Dobyns over the years. 

GL. If you’re curious I say pick up the Kistler rod, the aftermarket is always there if you decide it’s not for you. 

[Paul Roberts]

There are so many good rods out there. It comes down to splitting hairs to me. Heck, they're all good. Tough thing is that there are so many choices now.

 

I bought my first Helium quite a while back now (10yrs?), a 7ft M spin for Med soft plastics and drop-shot. It's "old" but I can't imagine gaining a heck of a lot by "upgrading" it. It weighs 3.4oz and is very sensitive, partly due to (old?) materials, partly to design. 

 

This summer I picked up two Berkley Series One rods for less than $100 ea. Can't come up with a single complaint. The 7ft H weighs 4.5oz. OK, one complaint: the ML spin is a bit soft in the tip. Nice rigid graphite, but a bit too thin out there. Not a deal breaker, but not... perfect! See what I mean?

 

I think the issue will not be finding a rod that fits the bill, for a reasonable price, but... which one to choose?! And not suffer from the rod monkey. Guess that's why you are asking. I still remember when it was Conolon vs Siliflex! Nowadays rod shopping is like a paradise. But maybe too much of a good thing. Eeeny meeny?

[Boomstick]

On 11/20/2020 at 4:46 PM, r83srock said:

I’m in this same dilemma. I’m just looking to up my jig game, it’s my favorite way to fish, and I want something light, like featherly light. Sensitive is subjective and I’ve been happy with 100-200 dollar rods regarding sensitivity. I really want to try a helium, have wanted to for 15 years. 
 

I’m no help, but I am following.

 

I was in the same boat, but went with the Daiwa Steez Bottom Contact rod for an all-around jig rod, haven't got it yet but I gather it's not the lightest option but balances well with a light reel so it works out at the end of the day.

 

Never tried a Kistler rod before, but the only bad thing I've really heard is their price skyrocketed along with the demand for them.

 

The first step to finding the perfect jig rod is figuring out the perfect power and action.

 

 

[dave]

I have three He3s and love them. 

[NALIP0351]

On 11/20/2020 at 3:16 PM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I wanted to get a helium a couple years ago I just don't have the money to drop $300+ on a rod, usually stay at a max of 200. Using jigs is not my favorite technique, but I need to get into it more because I know how good of a bait it can be and I feel like a better rod for the job would be beneficial. I use my frog rod currently, which while it does catch em, I lose a lot of fish/bites for sure. Too much of a meat stick I think. 

 

Can I ask why you sold them? I haven't seen a lot of people say they aren't a fan. 

 

 

I don't think I will ever hit that 50% discount, but it's nice to dream about lol

Just hit 45%

[rangerjockey]

I picked up another Helium during the sale. Since they are no longer going to use the NFC blanks there's no telling what the 2021 models will be like.

 The 2020 KLX and helium share the same blank, the difference is Kigan guides vs Fuji and handle shape. 

[optimator]

I also picked up one of the clearance 2020 NFC blank Heliums. I haven't fished it yet but it feels pretty incredible. For the $219 I paid for it I don't think there could have been a better deal anywhere else. 

[Bassin_Harrison]

On 2/13/2021 at 6:19 AM, rangerjockey said:

I picked up another Helium during the sale. Since they are no longer going to use the NFC blanks there's no telling what the 2021 models will be like.

 The 2020 KLX and helium share the same blank, the difference is Kigan guides vs Fuji and handle shape. 

I don't understand why they'd switch off of what a lot of people consider the best blanks available, but the new ones better be d**n good for the new price of $400. 

 

I would think they're going to continue to lose customers if they keep bumping every price by $50 every year. 

[rangerjockey]

The 2021 Helium and Zbone will share the same blank I would assume the Zbone will get Torzites.

 NFC has never been known for customer service so who knows what led Trey to make the decision to move away from them.  

 I have one of 2021 Graphite series in the LMH that is not built on a NFC and its a great moving bait rod , at the regular price of $ 150 it's as good as any other rod in that price range I've ever fished and at $99 on sale it was a steal.