Kistler and Falcon....what to expect

[MidwestBassAttack]

Hey gang - been a long time Dobyns user (Fury, Sierra, Champ XP, Champ Extreme) with models ranging from 703, 705cb, 734, 744, and 735.

 

I started to explore other rods and have a Kistler Helium 3 direct from Kistler on the way along with the 2021 Falcon Cara from TW.  Both are 7’3” and the Kistler is a 4 power and the Falcon is a heavy (I believe the Amistad). I plan on using the Kistler as my Texas rig setup and the Falcon as my jig rod.

 

What might I expect from a sensitivity standpoint when compared to Dobyns? The Kistler is an NFC blank by the way.

 

[GReb]

If the new Cara is $50 better than the Expert it’s going to be a great stick. I have the old Cara, Expert, Helium 3, and Champion XP. I would say the XP is the least sensitive but the Helium is my least favorite. The XP fishes great. The Falcons are my favorites though.
 

In my opinion the Amistad fishes lighter than its rated. I believe the stated range is 1/2 - 1 1/2 but it performs best on the lower end of that range. I’m going to be ordering a new Cara soon as well

[DitchPanda]

I don't have experience with the Caras but I have some of the old Bucoo micro guide rods and they are fantastic. Light and sensitive. I will agree tho they tend to fish a power light so a heavy is more medium heavy. Dobyns kinda feel that way too so you should be used to that.

[TimTheGearNerd]

Another bucoo & lowrider owner here. The Falcon rod run a power lighter.  I have used their replacement program. I think I paid 85 bucks for a replacement lowrider and they were helpful, let me choose any model in the series. 

[WRB]

Dobyns isn’t the lightest o/a weight rod but tops in balance because Gary believes that is more important.

Feedback is between your ears and only you can decide that.

Tom

[NorthernBasser]

I bought a Kistler Helium 3 a few years back. 7'1" med-heavy. I use it exclusively for Texas rigs. To me it feels as, if not more, sensitive than my Expride and Orochi. 

[Choporoz]

I have a DX 744C and an H3 7'4 MHXF.  I haven't weighed them, but the H3 feels much lighter.  I'd say that sensitivity is comparable, but the Kistler just feels better.

[Spankey]

I have one Falcon Rod and love it. I agree on how it fishes. It’s a medium but fishes like a med. lite. I’m good with that. 
 

I just don’t have good access to Falcon Rods. I can’t see or touch anything. Tough for me to buy a rod untouched or seen. 
 

I like that American Flag ?? on the handle blank. Don’t see much of that anymore. 

[Mjmj]

I think you may be a little disappointed in a 4 power for t-rig unless your using 3/8 oz plus . I have 4 helium rods.   I first purchased the 4 power for t rigs, but found it way better for 1/2 oz jigs. The 3 power is perfect for 3/16 and 1/4 oz

[FryDog62]

9 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

I bought a Kistler Helium 3 a few years back. 7'1" med-heavy. I use it exclusively for Texas rigs. To me it feels as, if not more, sensitive than my Expride and Orochi. 

I agree, the Kistler 7-1 MHXF is very sensitive although with an extra fast tip... I found it at times too powerful when T-rigging with braid, I had to use fluorocarbon or occasionally lost fish.  I also have a 734c and use that if I need braid to get through heavier weeds/cover. 
 

For me... in terms of T-rigging:   Edge to Helium for sensitivity, edge to Dobyns for action.  Have to decide how you fish mostly or consider two rods. 

Both great sticks...  

[GReb]

5 hours ago, Mjmj said:

I think you may be a little disappointed in a 4 power for t-rig unless your using 3/8 oz plus . I have 4 helium rods.   I first purchased the 4 power for t rigs, but found it way better for 1/2 oz jigs. The 3 power is perfect for 3/16 and 1/4 oz

Yea I think switching it around and throwing Texas rig on Cara and jigs on H3 will be the solution 

[MidwestBassAttack]

Thanks all for the input! Sounds like both companies are held in high regard! On baitcasting gear I usually go no less than 3/8oz weights (bullet and jigs).

 

Anything lighter I throw on a Dobyns 703 spinning outfit.

 

 

[CountryboyinDC]

9 hours ago, Spankey said:

I like that American Flag ?? on the handle blank. Don’t see much of that anymore. 

You won't see that flag on Falcons anymore,  unfortunately.  

 

OP, I have the Amistad taper on a Lowrider 20 (last of the US-made Lowrider rods), and I like it for frogs, but will use it for jigs or even a Carolina rig if it's what I have.  I would also say power-wise, it would be very close to a St. Croix Avid MH/F I have, but I don't know about Dobyns lineups.  FWIW, I like the taper of that rod, especially for frogging.

[TimTheGearNerd]

I missed like half the question the first time I responded ?

 

I own a few Dobyns dx702sf, dc703cb, dc734c, xp 736c, hp Dx745c, 

 

I also have a KLX 6’10 MH fast, 

I think it’s a 4 power the blank is the same as the helium so I assume the feel is similar. This is one of my favorite for senko and bottom contact. I think it’s similar to the 734 but the KLX may be less powerful. Definitely one of my favorites. @MidwestBassAttack let us know how you end us using the new gear. 

 

I once through about trying a cara. I wonder if it’s got better feel vs the helium. 
 

 

[Bluebasser86]

I've been dabbling in the Falcon lineup the last couple years and have really enjoyed the rods I've picked up. I've been a St. Croix user for over a decade but they've about priced me out of their higher end rods and I'm not a fan of the Avid but the Falcon's have been great.

[Spankey]

13 hours ago, CountryboyinDC said:

You won't see that flag on Falcons anymore,  unfortunately.  

 

OP, I have the Amistad taper on a Lowrider 20 (last of the US-made Lowrider rods), and I like it for frogs, but will use it for jigs or even a Carolina rig if it's what I have.  I would also say power-wise, it would be very close to a St. Croix Avid MH/F I have, but I don't know about Dobyns lineups.  FWIW, I like the taper of that rod, especially for frogging.

I take it overseas or out of the country now? It’s the odd ball of my rods. Only have the one. Decent rod an I got it new on clearance back a few years ago. Should have bought two of them. 

[craww]

I love my caras, bucoos, and originals. Everyone fishes comfortably, is sensitive, and some of the power/tapers fill some unique niches that others often dont offer... 

 

However- Just wish falcon offered an XF rod or two. While I do like the more moderate tapered approach they utilize overall.... I like a Heavish X-fast for casting jigs, T rigs, and bigger fluke style baits long distance and what falcon calls "fast" is a bit too soft for my preferences on a long cast. I fish this style of application a lot and havent found a rod in the lines that checks this box.

[CountryboyinDC]

6 hours ago, Spankey said:

I take it overseas or out of the country now? It’s the odd ball of my rods. Only have the one. Decent rod an I got it new on clearance back a few years ago. Should have bought two of them. 

I think it was a little over a year ago that they stopped making rods in the US.  That's not to say they rods are better or worse, but I haven't bought any.

[tander]

I have been fishing Falcon rods since the 90's, still using 3 of the orginal Lowriders. I have some Buccos and hate they are no longer made in US but I think they are the best bang for the buck.

 

[WRB]

If I was to purchase over the counter jig rod today Kistler Helium looks good to me because it has a foreground type reel locking ring design that I prefer. I really likes the Dobyns Swimbait rods but prefer my custom ALX jig rods that have a similar Kistler locking ring design. We all have our idiosyncrasies.

Tom

 

[MidwestBassAttack]

Thanks again for the great feedback. I had some questions on both rods and reached out to Kistler and Falcon.

 

I will say, I received a response back from Trey Kistler himself not more than 10 minutes after I emailed. Had a great dialogue.