Powell vs. Kistler Magnesium

[Deputy Dave]

A few years ago when I got turned on to Kistler Rods I started out buying primarily the Magnesium models. I've been extremely happy with all the Magnesium rods that I've bought since and can't think of a negative thing to really say about any of them. I had the opinion then, and still do, that it's the most rod for the money out there. Since then I've upgraded to several Helium's and even a recently purchased Z-Bone but still do have several Magnesium's. I find myself now using the Mags. less and less all the time. I think this is a combination of both having several more higher end rods now and simply that the new has worn off them.

I catch myself on the Powell and Dobyns websites a couple times a month just looking around. I've wanted to try especially a Powell rod for a long time. I've never even held a rod from either of these companies so my question is this. Have any of you owned/used a Kistler Magnesium and a Powell? Talk to me about how you would compare these two rods. Obviously if there's little or no difference in these rods it wouldn't be worth the financial loss I would take in selling my used Mags. to buy some Powells. I would just love to try out 2 or 3 of the Powell rods to see for myself if I'm missing out on something really great. I know they receive rave reviews constantly on this forum.

I work someplace that has right around 2000 employees most of which are men. Alot of those guys fish/hunt so finding someone looking for a good deal on some used Magnesium rods hasn't been at all a problem in the past. Like I said, I've sold a few in order to upgrade to new rods that have come out that I just couldn't live without! I have 5 or 6 Magnesium's left now and am very willing to part with them if in fact the Powell rod is an upgrade.

I mentioned Dobyns earlier which is another company that intrigues me. However, based on their price points I assume that they would be more in line with the Kistler Heliums in quality and sensitivity. Unfortunately I've never seen a Powell or Dobyns rod in a store (or anywhere else) that I could handle and develop any type of opinion for myself.

Surely I'm not the only guy on here that finds one of the fun parts of fishing is the constant quest for new equipment. I've made some really good decisions over the years but I've made some poor one's as well! So, any of you that have an opinion on whether or not it's even worth me taking a more serious look at the Powell line and replacing some Kistler Magnesiums with them let me hear what you think.

Thanks,

Dave

[Hornytoad 10]

POWELL!!!!!!!!

[DINK WHISPERER]

Kistler Mags don't even come close to a Powell! I owned many Mags before switching to Powell. Powell's are more sensitive, much stronger and felt "crisper" in my hands. The customer service is the best too.

[RichF]

I would definitely give powells a shot. I just got my first one a couple weeks ago and I'm in love with it. It's the 702 glass crank rod and it's unbelievably light for glass. Great price, quality components, and outstanding customer service.

[Deputy Dave]

Thanks guys!

Dink whisperer , that is exactly they type of response I was hoping to get. Some people that have used both!

[Deputy Dave]

I'm thinking very seriously about ordering the 704 CB and the 703 CEF....That will give me a couple rods from 2 different technique categories and hopefully give me a pretty good evaluation of the Powell line up,

Keep your opinions coming!

Are Dobyns rods in a complete different class? The price is $100-$150 more than Powell and the Kistler Magnesium.

[Dan:]

In order to be sure, I need to fish a Powell more than I have, but from my experience I don't believe the difference is that great if it even exists.

[5bass]

Kistler > Powell

[brushhoggin]

Kistler > Powell

x2

[Deputy Dave]

Kistler > Powell

five.bass.limit

Your post are always very informative and I really enjoy reading them. If you have an extra minute could I get you to elaborate on this opinion?

brushhoggin , feel free to jump in here as well...

Thanks in advance!

Dave

[BassThumb]

I can't comment of Powell and I've only tossed a dozen casts with a Kistler Magnesium, but as far as Dobyns goes, I'd say they're worth a look.  I picked up a used Gen 2 Champion Series 766 flipping stick this winter that I haven't fished with yet, but I was immediately very impressed by the weight and balance of it.  It doesn't feel the least bit tip heavy.  We'll see how it handles on the water, but so far it's a big thumbs up.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

In order to be sure, I need to fish a Powell more than I have, but from my experience I don't believe the difference is that great if it even exists.

I feel the same way...I have fished 7'H in both series of rods and they feel pretty close.  There's something noticeably different, not bad either way but just different.  Both are great rods, however, due to price I'd say Powell but I've heard their warranty price has increased.

[5bass]

Kistler > Powell

five.bass.limit

Your post are always very informative and I really enjoy reading them. If you have an extra minute could I get you to elaborate on this opinion?

I'm just speaking of Kistler in general, not just the Magnesiums. I've used Kistler's for 10+ years now and I feel they make an awesome product. They had a spell for a bit where they had some issues but at some point, all rod makers have had or will have some issues. Look at Dobyns, their 1st Generation rods were breaking like twigs. But they turned it around and are now making really good rods. Same thing with Kistler. They had some problems briefly a year or two ago, pinpointed the cause and got the train back on the track. All the while, taking care of the customers that had the issues and making things right with them.

I've not dealt with Powell directly (like a warranty claim) but have fished some of their rods. I think they make a good rod but I wouldn't give up my Kistler's for them. Having fished both brands, I just feel like Kistler makes a better product overall.

Plus, they're dealing with North Fork Composites now and even though they make a top shelf rod already, I expect an even better product in the near future.   

[RoLo]

Of all the blank comparisons I've seen on the boards, this is definitely one of the tightest shootouts.

As Five-Bass pointed out, nearly every blank manufacturer deals with growing pains

somewhere along the line. It really boils down to the specific model and when it was purchased.

Though my exposure to Powell rods is very limited, I've experienced first-hand the way Kistler

has overcome design flaws, one-by-one. Kistler definitely gets it, and ever since their spell

of poor favor, they now bend over backwards to satisfy their customers.

Powell is a highly reputable rod and rubs elbows with the best blanks in the field.

In my opinion, the only meaningful comparison between Kistler and Powell

would have to a specific Kistler model versus a specific Powell model,

and would then be decided by personal preference.

Roger

[Deputy Dave]

Thank you gentlemen! I will probably just continue to enjoy the Kistler rods that I already have. I too have had to deal with Kistlers customer service and was treated like a king.

Like I said in my original post, I can't think of a negative thing to say about any of my Kistlers. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing out on another great rod. I don't really have the room or the need to just buy more rods (Powell) right now. (the rod locker is pretty full) I was going to sell a few Magnesium's if I added any of the Powell's to my arsenal. Of the 19 Kistlers I currently have the Mag's. are the one's I use the least.

Thanks again for sharing your very valuable opinions!

Dave 

[5bass]

Thanks for chiming in RoLo.

[LAO162]

As a new Kistler owner (2 Argons & 1 LTX) after the Baitmonkey found the internet, your post help support my purchases.   BTW, I'm very impressed so far

[David P]

Dave,

Dobyns just came out with one hell of a rod for the $150 price tag. It's called the Savvy Series, they were just released a month or so back. They are incredible to say the least. They balance far better then any other rods in that price range (Balance is key, it makes the rod feel even lighter then it is, and enables you to fish all day with no fatigue).

  I just got one of mine a little while back and was absolutely amazed at the quality. For $150 it's a steal IMO.

[Deputy Dave]

David P

Thanks for your input. I've read some articles about Dobyns new series of rods. Sounds like they did in fact come out with another winner.

Unfortunately, I run into the same problem there that I have with Powell. I can't find a place to put my hands on one. I really like to handle a rod before investing hard earned money. The only rod that I've ever purchased without fondling it first was actually just a few weeks ago when I ordered a Kistler Z-Bone. I've been fishing Kistler rods for a long time and already have close to two dozen so I felt pretty secure with that investment.

I would love to be able to take a close look at the entire Dobyns line-up!

By the way, did I see a couple Dobyns rods laying on Dave Wolaks deck on an episode of Classic Patterns this last week?

Thanks again for your suggestions!

Dave

[David P]

Dave send me a PM where you're located, I'll talk to a few staffers and see if anyone is maybe in your area to let you handle a few of the rods.