Fishing Rods

Howdy, I'm new to the Kistler forum. I am on other fishing forums and if you belong to some of them, then you know me from my screen name. I am upgrading my fishing arsenal for this year, and have done quite alot of upgrades from reels to better rods.

I am looking to getting a made in the U.S.A. fishing rod and I've decided to go wtih Kistler. So here are my questions:

This is the 6'9", MH, 1/4-3/4 oz lure wt.

Looking to buying this rod, I am thinking that this would be a good all purpose rod, what you do you guys think? Is there a technique that this rod would not be good for?

Also, looking at last years model w/ last years Fuji reel seat, I think the ACS??? The 2008 model has the ECS reel seat, is there much difference in the reel seats? I know that there is a $20 price difference, $229 vs $249.

Is Kistler still using the same blank from last year to this years model?

Those of you using the LTA, how is the sensitivity compared to other rods you own?
How would you rate this rod from 1 being poor, to 10 being best?

Thanks for your help!!!

Now, I do have to change up a couple things from my original post. The new 2008 Fuji reel seat is the ACS. The ECS is the older Fuji reel seat.

Also the price for the LTA 6'9" b/c rod is at $229, not $249; that's the price for the LTA spinning rods.

Ghost,
I just purchased this exact rod from Tacklewarehouse (6'9" MH LTA) 2 weeks ago. I got the 2008 model. I got it for an general purpose rod for jigs, t-rigs, pitching, etc. The rod is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I have been fishing my whole life and have had G.Loomis, Daiwa, St. Croix, Shimano, Falcon, etc. All top of the line rods. I am telling you, NONE of them compare to these rods. It took my breathe away the first time I fished with it. I felt like I had been cheated by the other rods I owned. The sensitivity is downright SCARY. It was lighter than any of my other rods. It's balance is superb. I have mine paired with a Shimano Curado 100D. Also, my buddy got the older LTA. The blank seems to be the same but in my opinion the 2008 is much better. It looks better and the cork has the comfort swell grip and the FUJI ACS reel seat is really, really comfortable. If you have the extra loot to spend I reccomend spending it, but the 2007 is still an amazing rod. I liked the LTA rod so much I went and purchased a 7' Magnesium TS Comp/Graphite crankbait rod, and a Helium LTX II 6'9" Medium Spinning rod. Kistler's innovation is second-to-none. I PROMISE you I am in no way affiliated with Kistler. I read the rave reviews on here before I bought a Kistler and was skeptical but I'm so glad I decided to go with Kistler. I am now in the process of 100% replacing ALL of my rods for Kistlers. And I have great rods (Loomis GLX, Powell MAX, Daiwa Cielo, St. Croix Avid) but I am going to sell them because I just feel I fish better with Kistler. I hope this helped, choose Kistler, u definately will NOT be disappointed.

Ghost,

The Helium LTA HE69MHC is an awesome rod. If I was only allowed to own one type of rod, the Helium LTA All Purpose is my rod of choice. I have thrown everything from 1/8 oz crappie jigs to 1 5/8 oz topwater baits. As a worm/jig rod, it is fantastic in all but the heaviest grass. It is also a great spinnerbait rod. On the tournament trail, I have hooked and landed Bull Redfish up to 25 lbs. on this rod.
Of all of the rods in my arsenal, this is definitely my "go to" rod.
The Helium LTA is by far the most sensitive rod that I have ever owned and tips the scales at under 5 oz.

I give it a perfect 10!

I would love to see pictures of some of those redfish you caught on that rod.

Ghost
i have 2 6' 9' mh LTA and2 7'mh LTA they all work very well
for what ever you wont to use them for this past week end i used
them for flukes c-rig crank baits the LTA you are looking at are super sensitive and very strong i landed a 6 lb er for good kicker
fish you WONT FIND a rod better than a KISTLER ALL MAKES AND MODELS