Fishing Rods

I am in the market for a nice rod to pair with my revo premier. I want something i can use for a variety of applications. But i also want something that i wont want to upgrade in a few years. How do the 2 Zbone blanks stack up with your normal lineup of rods as far as quality, etc. Zbone ST versus a MG or Helium for example. or a Zbone LE versus the Helium 2 or even top of the line rods from other rod makers (st. croix legend elite or extreme, G Loomis GLX, etc.).

Thank you in advance for your advice.

I'll try to take a shot at answering your questions, but perhaps from a somewhat different prespective. I don't compare the differences in "quality" of the different Kistler models, but I do evaluate them on "sensitivity." My overall favorites have been the LTA's simply because they have always offered me a combination of durability, a high degree of sensitivity, and a great selection of rod lengths and actions (plus I prefer the full cork handles on the older LTA models for most of my fishing applications...).

My experience with the LTX's (Helium II) is basically limited to flipping jigs with my He2HC76T, and throwing balsa crankbaits on a He2MC70. When I got into drop shotting heavily, I decided to take my most sensitive rod (the He2MC70) and convert it to my drop shot rod simply because I felt I needed the "most" sensitivity for this application. That rod served me extremely well for drop shotting, but it simply doesn't compare with the overall sensitivity (and "feel") of my new ZLE70MHC! I am planning to order a ZLE70MC for my normal drop shotting soon.

I've been fishing in some terrible weather conditions this month (I fished yesterday in 31 degree weather (47 degree water temp) here in East Texas with ICE on my Micro quides...!) and have been "feeling" (and catching) fish which I doubt I would have felt on any other rod. I've been been bass fishing exclusively for well over 35 years, and have tested and used just about every major rod brand (including the GLX's - which use to be my favorite rods prior to Kistler coming along...); without a doubt, this new Z-Bone rod is by far the best, most sensitive rod I have ever used!

(Speaking of GLoomis, not sure if you are aware that Gary Loomis doesn't actually make the GLoomis rods anymore; from what I understand, he sold his "name" to another company. Gary Loomis, and his new company, North Fork Composites, are supplying the blanks for Kistler's new Z-Bone rods. That should tell you quite a bit about the quality and sensitivity of the Z-Bones.)

Just to let you know, I tend to be "hard-headed" about "changes" and rarely impressed with "fads," but have to admit that I have become much more comfortable with the "Split Grip" concept; especially for drop shotting and flipping. I say that in an attempt to let you know that I don't chase every new fad that comes along in the fishing industry. But, as far as my experience goes so far, this new Z-Bone is the real deal as far as extreme sensitivity is concedrned!

I have only used the ZLE70MHC thusfar, so I really can't tell you anything about the ST's, or any other action on the LE's. I have been using this MH action for throwing 4" senko's right now, but plan to make this rod my new rod for a little heavier drop shot applications as the water warms up....

My advice would be to give a Z-Bone a try; especially for your favorite type of fishing! The "action" you choose will obviously depend on what you plan to do with it.

Hope this helps some,

Scott Burns

Thanks for your input. I think my main concern, which i didnt really convey in the first post, is that becauase there are setups in the normal rod lines (magnesium and helium) that suit my needs, i didnt want to spend the extra cash on a custom zbone for the customization alone. But if the rod itself was better (more sensitive, lighter, etc) i would have no issues spending more.

I am with Burns on the Z-Bone rods. I recently had a chance to stop by Kistler's office in Magnolia, Texas and check out a couple Z-Bone rods first hand. Let me tell you that they are unbelievable, take it I did not get to fish with one yet but the quality and the way the rod felt when holding it is amazing. I can't wait to get ahold of a couple of them for myself. I guaranty if you get one you wont be sorry.

matschwab,

I understand your thinking here about whether the "customized" Z-Bone is worth the extra $$$ over the other model lines. What I would say is, forget the customization aspects right now, and trust that the sensitivity alone is worth the upgrade to a Z-Bone. The Micro guides are efficient, and I like having the choice of which handle to put on it now, but I just can't say enough to really explain the significant difference there is using this rod over all the others I have ever tried....

That's why I recommended figuring what's your favorite style of fishing and getting one of these Z's to match up with your Revo Premier (or preferably an Ardent XS1000!). It's just simply fun to fish with this rod, and almost seems like an "unfair" advantage against the fish! You are going to be amazed how "Light bites" are telegraphed so well through these rods (even with cold, numb hands during the winter)!!!

Again, hope this helps,

Scott Burns

Thanks Scott. I'm pretty much sold on the Zbone as a great way to spend my tax return. Now i just have to decide how i want it. I mainly use spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, shallow to medium cranks, and the occasional jerkbaits, topwaters, jigs (both football and swimming) and spoons. I fish only in freshwater for all species of bass and also pike and trout occasionally. I was thinking of something like a MHF 6'9"-7'. I already have a 7' medium fast spinning rod that i use for smaller finesse baits. Id like this Zbone to do as close to all of the above techniques as possible. Buying multiple rods isnt really an option. I realize that no one rod can do everything, but id like to come as close to that as possible.

Matschwab,

I assumed you were looking for a casting rod; hope that is correct. Based on most of the techmiques you mentioned, I would recommend the ZLE70MHC. Personally, I like the longest rod possible for making longer casts (especially important when fishing clear water). This MH action and the 7' length should do well with your spinnerbaits, spoons, jigs (both football and swimming), medium crankbaits, and many different topwater baits; it is perfect for senko type baits. You may find the action is a bit heavy for small crankbaits, and you'll have to experiment with your buzzbaits to see if it works for you, but overall I would say this rod should do most of the things you mentioned exceptionally well.

Also, I imagine this rod will do well with Texas rigged baits, and if you feel comfortable with it, try a drop shot rig. Let me know what you think after you get a chance to use it on some of these techniques...!

God bless,

Scott Burns

rsburns wrote:Matschwab,

I assumed you were looking for a casting rod; hope that is correct. Based on most of the techmiques you mentioned, I would recommend the ZLE70MHC. Personally, I like the longest rod possible for making longer casts (especially important when fishing clear water). This MH action and the 7' length should do well with your spinnerbaits, spoons, jigs (both football and swimming), medium crankbaits, and many different topwater baits; it is perfect for senko type baits. You may find the action is a bit heavy for small crankbaits, and you'll have to experiment with your buzzbaits to see if it works for you, but overall I would say this rod should do most of the things you mentioned exceptionally well.

Also, I imagine this rod will do well with Texas rigged baits, and if you feel comfortable with it, try a drop shot rig. Let me know what you think after you get a chance to use it on some of these techniques...!

God bless,

Scott Burns

kb here i a'm looking for about the same kind of rod with one exception i will be useing it for all the above lures but mainley for small cranks i consider small as cotton cordell bigo's and bandit 100 series that size cranks that dive about 5'-10' would mh be to heavy in the z bone rod thanks

KB,

I don't know the specific answer to this question about throwing small crankbaits on a MH Z-Bone right now, but planning to fish in the morning and will try (I'll try to remember!) to "test" it out.

Good Lord willing, I'll let you know what I think about this tomorrow evening....

Scott Burns

I'll try to help:

Z bone LE 3MH 6'9" - 7' would be even better and would compare with nothing else on the market today. Lighter than any Helium, GLX or NRX ever made, stronger than ever imagined and the most sensitive blank I have ever tested. Period.

Thanks Trey and Scott, Now Im just waiting on the government to pay me my tax return and i will be ordering.

Trey, Would it be possible to get a bigger picture of the zbone components that is currently on the website? I cant read the words.

KB,

I got around to throwing a small crankbait on the ZLE70MHC; pleased to report this rod handled this small crankbait exceptionally well! To be honest, I expected the MH would be a bit too "stiff" to make long, smooth casts with these light crankbaits, but I have no complaints with the results.

I threw a Diawa Peanut II; it weighs 5/16th oz. (this is 1/16th oz heavier than 1/4 oz. Bandit 100 Series); it dives about 3' deep.

So to answer your question, as far as I am concerned the ZLE70MHC gets "two thumbs up" and will handle all of the baits you mentioned exceptionally well! This rod is much more versatile than I even expected; I highly recommend you order one for yourself...!

Scott Burns