Fishing Rods

I hate to be critical, as I have been using Kislter rods (LTA & Graphite Plus) for over 5 years now. I absolutly LOVE those rods, especially the LTA's.
The change in the LTA's reel seat in '08 left me a bit disapointed, I prefer the pre-2008 seat as my large hands are just a bit unconfortable on the new two-finger reel seat. It isn't a major issue and isn't so bad that I'd give up the rods.
Now for '09 - I like a full cork handle on my rods. It looks like all the rods, with the exception of the Carbon Steel will have a split grip. I won't buy a rod with a split grip, again with my large hands they do not fit me. It's the reason I do not own any LTA II or Magnesium rods.
Personally, I would have liked that at least one line of Kistler PREMIUM rods (yes, the Helium LTA) would have retained the full handle. Kistler is a leader in innovation, I understand and respect that, but I'm old school and believe if it "ain't broke, don't fix it" and the Helium LTA certainly wasn't in need of any "improvement" in my mind.
Hopefully my rods will give me several more years of usefull service, because I will have to make a special "custom" order to have full handles on any replacement rods - and I'm sure that will cost me extra.
So I'm keeping a firm grip on my pre-2009 Kistler LTA's, they will be even more special to me now that they are undergoing a change.

I have bought the 2008 LTX & LTA bait casting models a while ago and I am disappointed to see the split grap of 09 LTA models. I love the 2008 2 finger reel seat and full cork handle. I also totally agree with you "bassgoogieman", about your last comment "....I would have liked that at least one line of Kistler PREMIUM rods (yes, the Helium LTA) would have retained the full handle."

I am not going to buy any 09 LTA model until I found out how much it will cost me to make a special "custom" order to have full handles on any replacement rods.

Rods Collector
from Toronto

When it comes to handles on fishing rods, everyone has their own opinion. However, the current trend with rod companies is the less cork the better. I too have large hands but, personally I agree with that and I love split grip handles. The less cork you have on a rod, the more sensative it will be. All cork does is dampen the vibrations through the handle (I think everyone already knows this now.) Eliminating the fore grip and adding a split rear grip dramatically increase the sensativity of the rod by allowing the blank to do it's job. I do however, prefer a longer back end of the split grip handle to get leverage on long casts. I also prefer the pre-2008 reel seat and i am happy to see the new heliums without the two finger design.
Ben

I would like to respond to everyone reading this thread. Kistler Rods has lead the ENTIRE rod industry in removing cork from the fore grip and handle section BECAUSE the customers demanded it and it REALLY helped them catch more fish. We must stay innovative with our rod designs or our competition will try and pass us up with their own creations, therefore, this is why we have made the changes to many of our rod lines.
If anyone would like for us to put a full cork handle on one of our stock rods, we will be happy to do it for you for just $25 extra to cover our cost. As far as the reel seat, we have listened to our customers and started using the original Fuji exposed reel seat with the single groove on all casting LTA models but many anglers love the new double groove seat so we have placed on the LTX models. I hope you all give the new 09 rods a try because I couldn't be more proud of what we have put together this time.
Thank you,