Kistler Rod ?'s

[ww2farmer]

Same deal as my thread on Powell rod's. Owners please tell me what models you use, likes/dislikes. Local tackle store just started selling Kistler's. Went in there today and liked what I saw/felt. The had 3 different series. Graphite plus, Magnisum TS, and Heluim LTA. I liked all 3 w/my favorite the Jig-n-Toad Mag. TS. Right now I am gonna have to say Kistler's have the edge over the Powell's just for the fact I can handle them before I buy, might not be important to some but it is to me. Also I see that Kistler uses there own reel seat, and a different brand of guides than the traditional Fuji. Has anyone had issues with these? Are the guide able to stand up to braid use. I would hope/expect, even the lower priced, but still $130, Graphite Plus rods would have guides able to handle braid. what ever brand I choose (Kistler, Powell, etc...) I will go exclusivly with that brand rod (I am funny like that). Both seem to have a complete range of rods to meet my needs, so getting what I want is no problem.  

[lubina]

I have the He66MLC, already for a year or so, the things I like best are, virtually no weight, the ability to cast 1/16 lures, and the handle, no fore grip. I haven't had any issues with the guides and they are pretty. I use to cast mostly small jerks and cranks, down to Baby Griffons.

I snapped the rod in half  3 month ago ( my fault )  this gave the opportunity to test their "No Hassle" warranty, for $ 50.00 I have a new rod at my door steps in 7 days.

I will have more Kistler in the future. Good luck with them

[roadwarrior]

Lot's of guys "have issues" with Kistler rods.

Be sure to take the EXACT reel you plan to match the rod with to see if it fits properly. It seems that everything they offer is a quantum improvement over what they already claimed was "The Best" money could buy. Quality control issues have been addressed.  "Top Secret" blanks, unknown guides and "proprietary" reel seats...WOW!

"Just as good as a Loomis, at a better price".

[5bass]

I use Kistler Heliums. Absolutely love 'em. These are the ones I have.

HE69APC MH 6'9" jigs and worms, pitchin'

HE70MHC MH 7'0" x2 worms and spinnerbaits/1 braid

HE70HC H 7'0" deep jigs, pitchin'

HE76HC H 7'6" carolina rig/braid

HE76TXHC XH 7'6" flippin'/braid

HE66MHS x2 (spinning) anything I need to skip

I have broken a couple and the Customer Service was pretty good actually. They repaired one and sent me a replacement for the other. I'll buy more in the future.....I like being able to feel fish breathing on my bait.

[ww2farmer]

If I may ask.............how/where are these rods breaking? Yes RW I will take my reels in and see how they fit/feel on the rods. As far as these issues with reel seats and guides, when and or what rods had the issues? And what were the issues? I want to make the best decision possable, even though the rods I am looking at are not the most expensive out there, I still think that for $150-$250 I should get a rod with no issues.

[5bass]

Where are they breaking? One I smashed the tip almost flat under my rod box lid, then stepped on it.   They replaced the tip on that one. Other was when I whipped a Ledgebuster spinnerbait that was well over 1 ounce on the 7' MH, at some schooling fish that were just out of range.....snapped about an inch off the tip. They replaced that one, it was a clean break.

[basspro48]

I use a 7' MH Graphite Special and love it as much as my Loomis. I mainly use it for jigs, t-rigs, weightless plastics, and basically anything that requires a lot of sensitivity and a lot of strength cuz this rod has it. There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this rod.

[ww2farmer]

Where are they breaking? One I smashed the tip almost flat under my rod box lid, then stepped on it. They replaced the tip on that one. Other was when I whipped a Ledgebuster spinnerbait that was well over 1 ounce on the 7' MH, at some schooling fish that were just out of range.....snapped about an inch off the tip. They replaced that one, it was a clean break.

Ok lol........not many rods that won't break with that kind of misuse

The rods I am looking at ae the Magnisum TS line, and the Graphite plus line.

In the Mag TS line I like these to start with:

Casting:

7' H/F Jig-n-Toad

7' H/F Mag worm/c-rig

7' MH/F Senko/worm

6'8" MH/F GP rod

Spinning:

6'8" ML/F Drop shot

6'9" MH tube/worm

In the Graphite Plus series these caught my eye;

Casting:

7'6" H/F Flipping special

7' M composite cranking rod

Spinning:

6'3" MH/F dock skipping special

I am OHH SO CLOSE to pulling the trigger on one of these soon.  And adding the rest over the winter.  As for reels, I can't think of any thing better than the Pflueger Supreme spinning reels to go with these light rods, and for casting reels, if they fit fine, my Abu Revo's, and Quantum Accurist's will do just fine.

[5bass]

I use Revo's and Supreme spinning reels too. And I must say, the Supreme attached to a Helium is one awesome set-up.

I didnt like the Mag TS rods I bought. One was the all day flippin stick....just had too much tip for my liking. I tried one other casting Mag TS and wasnt impressed with that one either, again, too much tip. Might have been the 69APC...cant remember exactly.

[ww2farmer]

Thanks for the heads up on the MG TS, the shop had few Heliums in stock, one 6'6" MH/F spinning rod, and one 7'6" Flipping rod. Those rods might be just a "touch" out of my price range. By "too much tip" do you mean the tip was too soft or too stiff for you.

[5bass]

Too much means too soft to me. But understand that I used All Stars for years and am used to fishing with 'pool sticks'. I would take a reel with you and maybe a jig, tie it on and try it out in the store.....too much tip for me may be just right for you. I'm just giving you my opinion based on the rods I had.

[ww2farmer]

Gotcha.............thats exactly the opposite of what I thought you were saying. My preferance is the other way around, so maybe they will be right for me, but yes I will test them first. Any issues with the Supreme's or Revo's not fitting the reel seats tight? I have found Abu's and Quantum's to have the "thickest" reel foots out there, they fit tight on a few of my Fenwicks, where Daiwa's are loose.

[5bass]

I have one Revo that doesnt fit exactly right on one of the 7' MH Heliums I have which I bought when the Kistlers first came out but the slip is very very minimal.....just barely enough to feel it move. All my others, which are newer models are okay.

[Jimzee]

All of the Kistler's I have purchased recently have Fuji reel seats. The loose fitting reel issue has been resolved. I did have a problem with my 7'8" Mg All Day Flipping Stick fitting a TD-Z at first but it fits fine now. I guess after I tightened it up, it formed to the reel seat. I have had zero issues with the Helium or Helium II rods. I own seven of them. Like FiveBassLimit says, you will feel every tick and bump on these rods. Do yourself a favor and start at least at the Helium line, you will not be disapointed.

[Cory20]

I have the Mag TS 7' frog/jig with a shimano citica and braid.  I think it's a great rod.  No reel problems seat problems here.

[bassnleo]

I have the following Kistlers:

He70MHS

He76HTC

Graphite Drop Shot Special

Graphite MH worm

Graphite MH spinnerbait

Graphite Jig and Pig

I LOVE all my rods and have not yet had one break. I'm really tough on rods may I add.....

I plan on buying more.

[Raul]

I own two Mag TS, All Purpose 6'6" MH and Crankbait 6'6", the reel seat is my main complain, Batson on mine, loose reels on both  >. My second complain would be something that has more to do with my particular size of hands which should not be too much of a trouble if you have bigger hands than mine, the diameter of the cork section of the handle is several milimeters more than the one found with other manufacturers which increases the overall perimeter of the handle, with my small hands this represents a not "fit like a glove" and a strange feel to the rod.

I know that the new Mag TS no longer have that reel seat, but it would be like a lottery, you may get you Mag TS with Batson reel seat ( and get loose reels ) or you may get it with a Fuji reel seat, but that would depend greatly on where you purchase the rod and if where you purchased they still have remaining stock of Mag TS with Batson reel seat, Mag TS ' weren 't recalled to have the Batson reel seat replaced for a Fuji reel seat.  :-X

I like the way the blank in them behaves specially in the Crankbait series, but I 'm not in love with them.

[5bass]

Raul, as stated above, I didnt care for the Mag Series much either. Have you tried the Helium LTA's? For a few more bucks I feel like you get a much better rod.

[roadwarrior]

Raul, as stated above, I didnt care for the Mag Series much either. Have you tried the Helium LTA's? For a few more bucks I feel like you get a much better rod.

So with all the inconsistancy, inferior components, shoddy workmanship and outright falsehoods regarding quality control, if you just give Kistler another shot and buy their next "New Thing" all is good and you'll be a happy camper. That's assinine. I have followed this company and their hype from day one.

That's bull pooh-pooh!

p.s.

Some of my favorite Forum Members and men I consider friends are huge fans, so NOTHIN' PERSONAL guys. I have been interested in these rods since earthworm77 became sponsored. I was offered a pretty sweet deal on a couple of rods and have always been interested in Kistler's progress and growth. The story just hasn't played out as far as I can see.

[5bass]

Raul, as stated above, I didnt care for the Mag Series much either. Have you tried the Helium LTA's? For a few more bucks I feel like you get a much better rod.

So with all the inconsistancy, inferior components, shoddy workmanship and outright falsehoods regarding quality control, if you just give Kistler another shot and buy their next "New Thing" all is good and you'll be a happy camper. That's assinine. I have followed this company and their hype from day one.

That's bull pooh-pooh!

So you are going on what you've heard and read? All I can say to that is 'dont knock it until you try it'. And meaning no disrespect RW, the guy who started this thread was interested in opinions from people who own Kistler Rods and have fished Kistler Rods.....I'm sure he's already read the same stuff you have.

And who said if you buy Kistlers 'next new thing' that you'll be happy? It wasnt me because the LTA's aren't 'new'......not sure where that came from but if you're referring to the difference between the Mag series and the Heliums, ask anybody that has owned or used both.....the Helium is the superior rod and I'd guess thats why they cost a little more. Again, a guy wouldnt know that unless they have used or owned both.

[roadwarrior]

Okay...

I have never owned a Kistler, but have been very interested in the company's equipment. When people like Raul relate their experience with the rods and the company's response, I think those comments have substance. Raul's situation is not an isolated case, but has been reported by other respected members on this and other forums. I don't think this is a case of "beating up" on the company, but factual, personal experiences.

I guess there ain't nothin' cain't be fixed with a 'lil duct tape.

[dodgeguy]

i've run into loose fitting reels on other rod brands with fuji reel seats.fuji reel seats reaaly don't impress me that much.their guides are the best.the only reel seat i like are the ones on bass pro rods.their seats are never loose fitting.i do agree that if a reel seat is loose the rod maker should fix it and give you  a new rod.

[Raul]

Raul, as stated above, I didnt care for the Mag Series much either. Have you tried the Helium LTA's? For a few more bucks I feel like you get a much better rod.

I did try the Helium 5BL, a friend of mine has one and I 've fished with it, nice rod but when I purchased the Mags I didn 't have the extra $100 ( 50 per rod ) required to jump from the Mag TS to the Helium ( BaitMonkey purchased several Megabass lures so he left me short on kash ); by no means I 'm saying they are a bad product, I 'm saying that Kistler 's decision going with that particular reel seat wasn 't the smartest one and also the only flaw in the design of the rod is the handle diameter which is not going to fit right away thousands of customers and potential customers like me with small hands. Haven 't seen in the flesh a Helium II but for the looks of it ....... it has that danged beefy handle too   .

Will I ever purchase a Kistler again ?  sorry but no, I 'll stick to what I know, never had any issues with GLoomis, Shimano or Falcon, with St Croix as long as I saty away from the Avid series with it 's bumpy handle I know I 'll be fine. I 'm not mad at Kistler, I like the blank, I played the dice and lost with the reel seat and the handle diameter.

I 've been suggested to sand away the excess cork but I 'm not that skilled and the only thing I 'm going to do is ruin a perfectly good rod like in new conditon ( not even the cork is dirty ) that I could sell or trade in the future.

[lubina]

If I may ask.............how/where are these rods breaking?

I hit a tree with mine, I have also broken some of my Loomis, Airrus and Okumas.

I have no problems with seating any reel on mine.....Scorpion, Alphas, Pixy and Revo.

[ww2farmer]

Ok thanks for all the imput guys..........now it's time to mull it over.