Totally confused

[Whacka 1]

I saw the 2009 LTA's in the cabela's catolog and thought they were beautiful w/the Burl cork. I have never seen a kistler rod up close (120 mile round trip to B'ham), an Simmons has a limited supply. I went on line to TT rod forum an they don't appear to like Kistler. I found this forum and I am very confused. The LTX's are better than the LTA's which r better than the Mg's then there's the new Argon. It takes me 8 to 12 months to save up for the Hi $ rods an I don't want to make a mistake. I am looking for a pitching rod for 1/4oz jigs an tx rigs to lite cover, docks, laydns, shore line grass. I have 340.00 do i hold out for the LTX II and keep saving. I believe it's better to have a few great rods as opposed to a bunch of good rods. Also, in 40 Years of bass fishing I have never broken a rod on a hook set so i am not worried about breakage to much. Thanks all advise and recommendations will be appreciated.

[NoCompetition]

Hello and welcome to the Kistler Forum. I want to give you a little clarity on the Kistler Line up for 2009. First off they are all great rods, and are all the Most Sensitive, Lightest, and Best Feeling Rods on the market today Bar None.

As far which line of rods are better. Here is the way they line up. He2 LTX are the top of the line, these are the most sensitive, lightest rods on the market as well as being made in America. I use these for my soft plastic applications mainly, and jigs.

The next on the line up are the Helium LTA's great rods, super light, super sensitive and also made in America. These too I use for a lot of soft plastic applications, jigs. These are just a hair heavier, and a hair less sensitive, but beautiful rods. I have been using these for more than 5 years now.

Argon series are New for 2009 and these look awsome. I hope to be getting some of these very soon. But these are the bridge between the LTA's and the Mg series. They also use the Intel-a- Matrix carbon fibers, which make these rods a whole lot stronger than any other rod on the market. Also these rods come in a assortment of legnths and actions for those technical applications.

The Magnesium TS series of rods are just plain Awsome. I have been using them since they first were released, and they are simply great rods, with an unbelievable price point. The newly released Alton Jones series are just adding to an already great line up. You couldn't go wrong with any one of these.

What I think you would be very happy with would be the Helium LTA He69MHC, this rod is a do it all, super sensitive rod. This rod would work perfect for the applications you are talking about. The He2's would just add a little more sensitivity, and be lighter in weight. I think the LTA's would be a fine choice, and the money you save could be used for that next New Kistler Rod. Thanks for giving Kistler Rods an opportunity to be in your boat, you won't be dissapointed. God Bless

Rob Bogin

[kistlero]

I second everything he said. Ditto. Thanks for giving us a try.

[RBelott]

Welcome to the Kistler Rod family. I think the LTA's would work perfect, and allow you to save money that could be used to add another New Kistler rod to your arsenal. You won't be dissapointed. God Bless and tight lines

[Blister72]

Not to steer anyone away from Kistler, as I own a few...If you only have $340 in your budget for 1 rod, I would shop around.

The 1st pricey rod and reel combo I bought, to get back into baitcasters and fishing tournaments and shores was the Daiwa Viento reel and Tought & Light TL-661-5RB...and you can seriously feel "nibbles" over 50-100' out on a Texas rigged Zoom Trick Worm, with a 3/16ths weight, on 12lb line.

The open reel seat is just freaking AMAZING, and you'll have $211 left to spend on a reel, some line, and lures.

I'm sure Kistler will banish me for saying this, but I think we can all share the love and the money.

[Blister72]

As much as I love Kistler, getting into $250+ for a rod is a LOT of cash for most Americans to spend on something made in China, while the US economy, housing, and job market is tanking...

I saw Trey's house on the ZX225 boat ad, and mine could fit in just his garage...

I think people are waking up and wising up to where their money goes...good luck in '09!


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[rsburns]

Whacka 1,

Thanks for taking a serious look at Kistler rods! I agree with your comment, "I believe it's better to have a few great rods as opposed to a bunch of good rods." I fish Kistler rods exclusively because I'm convinced they are the absolute best rods available (and yes, I've used practically every major brand including GLoomis, and even some custom built rods in my nearly 30 years of guiding and bass tournament fishing.) Rob Bogin (NoCompetition) gave you an excellent overview of Kistler Rods, and I would agree with his advice on an LTA He69MHC for what you'll be wanting to use it for. This is a superb spinnerbait rod as well.

I wanted to take a stab at addressing your comment about being "totally confused" after reading the Tackle Tour forum. I spent some time last night looking through the various comments and, with the exception of about 3 of the TT forum members, most of the comments about Kistler rods were very positive. As far as I could determine, the two main objections on the Tackle Tour forum was that Kistler rod blanks were made in China, and several completely unnecessary personal digs at Trey Kistler for the way he chooses to run his company and market his products.

Perhaps some of your confusion is a result of several personal comments made by a few guys on that forum that appear to have, for whatever reason, some type of personal agenda against Kistler.

Personally, I think it is somewhat naive to formulate an opinion about anything based soley on what some "salesman" tells you, which is apparently what "BassFever" did when he posted this comment on the Tackle Tour forum, "...All that I know is there are many people who swear by the Kistler line of rods.... But when im steered away from them by a "salesman", I will stay away. Their warranty is not very good from what i have been told..."

The other issue happens to be the most difficult to address since I took particular exception to the following comments: The first was made by "Bass Pro," "They are built in some magical far off holy-land where Trey Kistler (the holy crusader) deems it necessary. Amen!" Then, dragon1 followed with this comment, "...Also, I don't appreciate the advertising tactics used by the company, the secretive way Kistler always keeps their rod supplier info silent (although they have claimed they make their own), and some other religious ties with their products that, IMO, are used to sell the rods as well. dragon1 also made this comment, "...and that Trey uses his born again credentials to sell his company and product is more than widely known by many in the fishing community."

As I said, it appears that a few on that forum hold some type of personal agenda against Kistler because Trey has made a bold personal decision to operate his company in a manner that brings glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I'm certain that Trey realized his stance would be offensive to a certain group of fishermen whom are not willing to allow God to have priority in their lives, but Trey is willing to share his personal testimony with the hopes that even more in the "fishing community" will find their eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

I wanted to add a very positive post by TJ1004 from the Tackle Tour forum, which perhaps gives a little more insight as to how many on that forum actually view Kistler rods:

"dragon,

Oh cool, a toolbag response from one of the most annoying members on here. I feel special now. I have no reason to be on a soapbox, nor do I care about opinions from you or "MANY OTHERS", I've learned to sort thru the trashy opinions and there are only a few people on here who I truly listen to, and you are not one of them. I bought my first LTAs due to the great reviews they received here on TT...."

And finally, another positive post from "Seymour," "...I've used their rods, Mg, Argon, and LTA and I have been pleased with them. As far as the religion stuff goes... I tend to think that he is not using religion to sell his rods, but his rods to sell his religion... and I have no problem with that. He is simply telling the world what he believes. Obviously there are people out there who love the rods, because he can't keep many of them in stock."

I hope this has helped to aleviate some of the confusion you have encountered in trying to learn more about Kistler rods, and certainly hope you will give them an honest try. I'm confident you will be extremely pleased with Kistler rods. I find myself using the LTA's more than 80 percent of time, but expect that may change some as warmer weather approaches and I have reason to throw deep diving crankbaits on my new Argon 7'9" "Longcaster"!

God bless,

Scott Burns
Kistler ProStaff

[Ray Long]

Whacka 1,
I can promise you that no matter which Kistler rod you get, you will be very well pleased. Rob nailed it when he said that these were the most sensitive and lightest rods on the market today. As for the confusion - every body has an opinion but I can tell you from about 8 years of fishing with Kistler rods, I have never once had a problem with my rods and if you did happen to have a problem with a Kistler rod, all you would have to do is call the customer service there at Kistler and they will get you back on track (best customer service out there). I will agree with Scott and Rob on the He69MHC if you want a great rod that will do it all. I have a couple of these rods that I mostly use for spinner baits but I have also used these rods for other applications and they work great. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong on getting a Kistler rod. God Bless and good fishing.
Ray Long

[aperezarteaga]

I have to say that is just ridiculous. We are in the 21st century and we have to respect all faiths and be tolerant to all beliefs. I particularly think that Trey Kistler's way of blending his particular beliefs with his company is not only refreshing but an example in an ever more commercialized, faithless world. Regardless of the faith anyone has, we must be tolerant of each other especially in this matter. I myself am a person of faith but not a very religious one and certainly not following the same school of faith as Trey. However, I appreciate the way Kistler products are marketed and the way Trey endorses his works with a solid belief. Ultimately, Kistler products are the very best and you won't make a wrong choice regardless of what you buy. I prefer to take with me several specialized rods than all-purpose, and I definitely think the LTA is the best option. Just my opinion, regards