Kistler vs. Powell rods?

[Shadcranker]

I own a Powell Bass Max rod and personally love it (683C Baitcater). Just curious if someone owns one of each (Powell and Kistler), and which they feel is better. Price b/w the Powells and the Kistler Magnesium TS is almost identical. Design, weight, features appear nearly identical as well.

I do not want to step up to the Kistler Helium series due to price, and that's not a fair comparison vs. the Powell.

Interetsed to see if anyone had compared the two.

My sense is you can't go wrong with either, but I'm looking to buy several rods to replace older ones, and I want to be sure before I load up on one brand.

Thanks

[senile1]

I have the same Powell rod as you, but I haven't compared it to the Kistler rods.  However, Tackletour.com makes some comparisons in one of their archived tests on the Powell 683c.  They gave it their Editor's choice award.  Here's the link.

http://tackletour.com/reviewpowell683cxfast.html

[Lightninrod]

Here is TT's review of the Kistler Magnesium rod.

Conclusion: So what does the result of our new lab tests combined with on the water, real world tests mean? Well, according to our tests for RoD and Action, our MgAPSMH66 has a slightly stiffer blank than that of our MBR783C GLX. This is backed up by the fact the MgAPSMH66 had less deflection under the same load conditions as the GLX despite having a slight longer tip. With the no foregrip and split rear grip design, our MgAPSMH66 is certainly lighter though not better balanced than our factory MBR783C GLX and while this article is not an official shootout, you can see the MgAPSMH66 seems to compare quite favorably against our baseline rod at a cost savings of well over a one hundred dollars. Data points, lab tests, detailed analysis aside, I can say I was actually a little skeptical of this rod when I first held it in my hands. I was concerned with Kistler's departure from their "Made in the USA" practice and also with the fewer than standard specified guides. Were it not for this new methodology of measuring and comparing our test subjects, I would not have discovered the MgAPSMH66 actually out performed the GLX in certain respects. The MgAPSMH66 is correctly spined, the rod's guide placement prolongs the effect of line slap even with one fewer guide, and the benefit of no foregrip and the split rear grip results in a rod that is much lighter and more lively feeling than many rods I have fished. During our field tests, each editor picked up this test combo, held it in their hands, waved it around, and immediately wanted to start fishing it. What better testament to a rod can we have than that? It looks like Kistler has delivered another winner with their Magnesium TS line of rods. Now it will be interesting to see how well the new Helium 2 LTX rods stack up.

Here is a post about the Mag's new handle/grip.

I've never used a Powell or a Kistler Mag. but I do know about the Kistler company and its commitment to excellence.

Dan

[Hawgin]

Those almost look a combo split grip/powerhump handle.   Interesting.

[nightbasser]

I have only compared the Powells to Heliums.  Heliums are lighter, and more sensative.  Powells have a more moderate action, and seem better for all purpose use. Both are good rods, it depends on what you are going for.

[Gatorbassman]

I have used both and talked to a few guys that have either Kistler or Powell. Tritom Mike used to be sponsored by Powell but he still fishes with them. The guy who designed the Max is a great guy but is no longer with Powell.

I have seen Kistler Rods loose their finish when they were only a few days old. Kistlers are more massproduced than a Powell. Powell is still a fairly small company.