Kistler Helium LTA

[GAMEOVER]

Does anyone actually own one of these? They seem to be around 20-30 dollars cheaper then the IMX series from GLoomis. Some also claim their more sensitive, maybe even too sensitive. Anyway.. without any rod flame wars starting and without trying to make this another "hows it compare to Loomis thread" how do any of you who have used and/or own this product think about it. I personally am intrigued by their innovative, willing to take risks, rod building style. Like I said I really hate to turn this into yet another Loomis comparison thread but I only own a couple IMX rods and am stuck between buying another IMX or getting this Helium. The Helium im wanting is the Kistler Med/Heavy 7' LTA. So do you owners and/or users of this rod think I will be disappointed with it since im use to the IMX feel? I will be using my Shimano Chronarch B on it from time to time if I do get it. Two hundred dollars is a lot to me.. no matter how many lures or pricey rods I have im a penny pincher and will always be, to an extent.. basically I want what I pay for.

And ofcourse here's the review I read.. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewkistlerlta.html

It wouldnt be that same model as the one id get is 7' but whatever. I pm'd Dan because I know he owns quite a few rods and I coulda swore I saw a Helium in his arsenal before.

[Raul]

Don 't own any but have fished with them long enough to give me a general idea, they are not cheaper than IMXs, they cost the same an IMX cost but with almost GLX quality, weight and feel.

Between an IMX and a Heluim LTA my choice in lightness and sensitivity goes for the Helium, I cant say about balance, it feels tip heavy, the fulcrum even with the reel on it is ahead of the reel seat; but that 's based on the fact that I fish mostly with 6 ' rods while the Heliums I 've fished with were 6 '6".

Excellent rods, and yes, Dan does own at least 2 LTAs ( if I remember well the number is 4 ).

[5bass]

I own 2 Helium casting rods and 2 spinning.They are seriously light and very sensitive.They have good power and I really like the no foregrip design.Only knock I have is that what they rate as HEAVY has just a little too much tip for my liking.I had to go XTRA HEAVY to get an actual HEAVY (in my book). Other than that,I'm looking to get a few more......something to put my new Revo's on.

[Lightninrod]

;D  I've got 7 LTAs.  Go ahead and get that He70MHC Eric and cast and catch all day and you won't get tired or sore!

Dan

[GAMEOVER]

I cant take it, im ordering it tonight or tomorrow.. BTW look what I found while just browsing their site, its Dan.

[The_Natural]

they cost the same an IMX cost but with almost GLX quality, weight and feel.

I'm going to have to disagree (X gets a square  ;D).  I own IMX's and GLX's, and I don't see any quality differences in any of the Loomis line, only different materials.  The IMX is significantly cheaper (from fat fish), at $160-$180 depending on model, with the Helium running about $220.  Nobody will argue against the fact Heliums are light and sensitive, but Batson components (reel seat/guides) are not on par with Fuji.  The reel seat problems that have plagued the Kistlers are due to the Batson seats.  All the top custom rod builders use Fuji seats and either Fuji titanium framed SIC's or the new REC's...they are more expensive, but better.  I'd take the IMX even without considering the warranty, but considering the warranty it's a slam dunk for Loomis.  See...I tried to make my point tastfully  .

[Fishing Doug]

I have a feeling that my next spinning rod is going to be a Kistler. the only reason I have not bought one yet is the fact that no shops around my area handle them.  However, the Cabela's will be open in the spring and I assume they will stock them since they are on their website. My question is this: has anyone had experience with their warranty service? If it can match, or at least come close to St. Croix or Loomis, I am likely to own one....

any experiences?

FD

[The_Natural]

If it can match, or at least come close to St. Croix or Loomis, I am likely to own one....

any experiences?

FD

You will have to visit Kistler's website for the Warranty description, but I think it is a year or two.  Croix has a lifetime warranty on rods that are damaged due to a manufacturers defect, i.e. the rod breaks on a hookset, a guide falls off, or the reel seat comes loose.  Loomis has the unconditional lifetime warranty, which means they will replace the rod if you shut it in the car door, step on it, or if it happens to break while you are intoxicated and try to joust your roommate (true story...and the Loomis customer service lady got a good laugh!).  Loomis and Shimano both have the unconditional lifetime, so unless you just want another rod, you shouldn't ever have to replace the ones you own.  The Loomis rep at the OKC tackle show said that if your rods are getting worn out; just break them over your leg and send them $50 for each brand new one.  How can you beat that?!

[jagdbdg]

Gloomis warranty-

CUSTOMER SERVICE : WARRANTY INFO  

 

G.Loomis Limited Warranty

G.Loomis rods, custom rod blanks and Syncrotech fly reels are covered by a limited warranty against defects in workmanship and materials for the lifetime of the original owner. GL pushpoles, Venture (Adventure) fly reels, Premier Rods (PMR) and GL fly rod outfits are covered against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Sales receipt or proof of purchase required.

Ship the damaged rod or reel in a disposable container, prepaid and insured, along with a check or money-order for $20 to cover return shipping and handling for each claim in the U.S. Send directly to:

G.Loomis, Inc.

Warranty Service

1359 Down River Drive

Woodland, WA 98674

Should damage occur due to defect, G.Loomis will, at the company's discretion, either repair or replace the product at no charge. Damages occurring due to neglect, accident or normal wear and tear will, at the company's discretion, be repaired or replaced for a specific fee. A full estimate will be provided for your approval before any repair work is initiated.

Should we decide to replace the damaged product, but no longer offer that model, we will replace it with what we determine to be the closest comparable model from our current product line.

In no event shall G.Loomis, Inc. be held liable for incidental or consequential damages due to breach of this warranty or other warranties implied by law.

Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts nor do they allow for exclusion of incidental or consequential damages; therefore , the above stipulated limitation and/or exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

This warranty doesnt sound unconditional to me, reads the same as St. Croix

[roadwarrior]

The $20 G. Loomis warranty is NOT unconditional, but since you have to pay shipping one way, it may have little value anyhow when compared to the Xpeditor UNCONDITIONAL warranty program. For $50, you receive a new rod and mail your broken rod back in a PERPAID shipping tube- NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

Kistler may have a fine rod, but they claimed to have a fine rod years ago and the originals had quality issues. There still seems to be a problem with seating certain brands of reels. According to one of our members when this isuue was brought to Kistler, Kistler Customer Service instructed said member to "use a little duct tape" and it will be fine.

[Raul]

RW is right on the money, GLoomis warranty covers even owner stupidity..... like slamming the door on your rod.

[basspro48]

I just got my first Kistler and I love it. I couldn't afford a Helium or Magnesium so I got a 7' Graphite Plus and man that thing kicks bass. It is extremely strong and sensitive and the quality is unmatched on any other rod I have owned, as for their warranty service I haven't had any problems so I'm not sure what their customer service is like..

[jagdbdg]

Thank you for correcting me i didnt pay any attention to the xpeditor part at the end of the post.  My fault, i still love my St. Croix Legends

[Guest avid]

The "written warranty" and the "actual warranty" are two different things.  the written warranty protects the company.   The actual warranty reflects on the company's culture and values.  For example neither Loomis or St. Croix have a written guarantee that states they will warranty your rod from your own stupidity, but the fact is THEY DO. (trust me on this one)  That is the difference between dealing with older established company with a proven track record and a newer company with cool claims, but no history to back it up.

When I say fishing rod.  I mean GLoomis, Or St. Croix.  It's just that simple.

[earthworm77]

At one time I owned 22 Helium LTA's. I've culled the herd to about 14. Simply put, I won't use any other rod.

I don't understand why anyone has anything negative to say about Kistler. They make a great product. I've never had any issues with the reel seats, Batson products are very good quality. If you want to compare apples to apples, they are on par with Fuji. Kistler was one of the first manufacturers to incorporate many of the more preferred design characterists for custom rods in their off the shelf models. Other companies have followed their lead.

My LTA's are the 2004 models which I prefer. This is due to the fact that they have switched blanks a couple of times. I haven't had any need to get the LTX II's.

I'm not a fan of St. Croix at all. The three that support my summer crop of tomatoes make excellent stakes though. :

[The_Natural]

My LTA's are the 2004 models which I prefer. This is due to the fact that they have switched blanks a couple of times. I haven't had any need to get the LTX II's.

I don't have a problem with Kistler's, and agree that the 04's that were built on the Rogue blanks were better, but Batson wasn't flanging their guides yet, which can lead to an insert popping out. I say fish with what you are confident in, but when people are comparing rods, I just try and give facts versus opinion to aid in a decision. On another site, if you give them the '04 Helium model, they can tell you the corresponding Rogue blank it was built on, and you could build one with fuji REC guides for probably cheaper than Kistler would charge you, and Rogue warranties the blank.

[earthworm77]

The speculation that the early Helium's were built on Rogue blanks is merely just that....speculation. I can't confirm or deny it although many people make that claim. Until Trey or Cliff tells me that, it will remain unconfirmed. Correct about the early guides but I'm not so sure that Batson was in the picture then. I think they were original AMTak tips. If you have the ability to put your own guides on these rods, there are other higher priced guides that would make the rods even lighter. Is it necessary for better performance? No, but you could do that on any rod if you needed to.

[lubina]

I just got my first Kistler, LTA ML 6.6. My first impression is of a very well finished rod, ultra light,  a very comfortable handle and no foregrip. I give my first try tomorrow match with a Alpha and a couple of Griffons.

[Lightninrod]

I just got my first Kistler, LTA ML 6.6. My first impression is of a very well finished rod, ultra light, a very comfortable handle and no foregrip. I give my first try tomorrow match with a Alpha and a couple of Griffons.

Good luck Lobina!  I prefer the Medium Helium over the ML though.

Dan

[Bassinfreak2]

I agree with Avid. Many older and established companies with a good reputation get that reputation for a reason. St Croix is one that I have delt with before and yes they have gone above and beyond with me. I have also heard many good things about Kistler but have not owned one of their rods. They are a new company relatively speaking, so you may be sticking your neck out a bit.

[earthworm77]

I'm not sure if sticking your neck out is a good term here. The Kistlers Founded All Star Rods, and Castaway rods both very respected in the industry in fact All Star rods was one of the most popular rod companies for a while when they were running it. I believe Kistler rod company has been around for about 5 yrs. A little voice in my head is telling me 7 but I can't verify that. They are not a company that simply just popped up out of nowhere.