Custom touched Heliums

[chavez]

I really enjoy the Kistler rods and in particular the Heliums. Do you ever get actual "custom" orders to add a Speckled Trout, Redfish or Largemouth to the area at the base of the blank that is laquered? Stuff like that? I'm thinking that it might be a nice touch if they don't affect weight.

Also, I noticed a slight difference in the 2004 line with blue threads by each guide. I kind of liked the single blue thread by the base. Are there any of the older models still left somewhere that can be purchased and possibly at a older model discount?

[TTCal]

I don't know about the pictures of fish like you mentioned, but there is a note in the FAQ's about how, for an extra $10 or so, they will engrave your name on your rods if you like... I thought that was a pretty sweet offer.

[Lightninrod]

Here are the [-- login to view link --] FAQs and not only can you get your name(wished I noticed 'that' before I got my 4 Heliums ) but a "Custom" rod too. Scroll down to the bottom of the link.

Dan

[TTCal]

Dan, why the sad face? It just gives you another reason to buy MORE rods!!! Think about it, you can sell off your old ones and re-stock with brand new sticks all personally engraved!!! Starting with the one you won this month! you lucky dog.. congrats!

[kistlero]

Hey guys, we can certainly place a lifelike, holographic sticker of any fish on your rod as well as a solid gold redfish or white gold spec. trout. The finished product is very nice. Give us a call if you want it done.

Trey

[Lightninrod]

"Starting with the one you won this month! you lucky dog.. congrats! "

Dammitboy, you were correct ! I just finished ordering your favorite LTA too, the HE76HC...with my name on it! What a great deal. I am overwhelmed with JOY!

Thank you Trey and Clifford for the wonderful 'tools' y'all have made possible for us fishermen.

Dan

[TTCal]

very cool... congrats again Dan. Now you need to get the He69APC lol!!

[Lightninrod]

OK, I couldn't put just any reel on my new Helium--right? So, I just ordered one of [-- login to view link --] these. I already have one so I'm familiar with them and IMO, they are one of if not the best baitcaster available. I wish it were as light in weight as my Daiwa TDZ(on a 7. MC LTA--rig with a TDZ weighs about 11 ozs. ) but I 'trust' the Antares AR more, especially when it comes to their drag systems. I will spool it with 20# test Seaguar Carbon Pro flurocarbon line as I will pitch a jig, C-rig, and/or cast a swimbait with the rig.

I am a blessed man .

Dan

[TTCal]

You know, I've heard others say the same thing when comparing the Antares AR vs the TD-Z reels. I wonder if it has, in part, to do with the weight and materials of construction. Those TD-Z's are so light, but the magnesium feels so much like plastic. In the meantime, the Antares looks like it's made of the same material as the Calais (which I have) and though they are heavy - they feel so reassuringly solid!

I'm still waiting for the Antares AR to be available in a lefty. In the meantime, I have a Scorpion MG 1001 on the way to fill the gap.

[Lightninrod]

Dennis: The Antares is a 'down-scaled' Calais. The Calais is a '200' size while the Antares is a '100' size.

The TDZ is over 2 ozs lighter but it leaves something to be desired(to me) in the drag department compared to the Antares. It's the 'Lexus' of reels .

And you are familiar with [-- login to view link --] I hope?

Dan

[TTCal]

Hey Dan... yup, I'm aware of specialty tackle, thanks.

I know about the Antares AR being a downsized version of the Calais - that's why I want one. I like the Calais, but it's a little large. The 100 size would be perfect - I think.

And I love the TD-Z's. I have an Ito and a Type R and I have a Custom and Type R + on order - remember, tackle junkie. I also have a yellow Pixy and a bunch of the TD-S's that are all over eBay right now.

Of my shimano collection, I have the Scorpion 1001, 1001 MG, Chronarch SF, Calcutta 201 TE DC, Conquest 51, Conquest 101, Calcutta 51XT, Calais 201-5L ... I mean, I have a lot of gear!!

I'll stop there

[Lightninrod]

Dennis: I've got an ITO but not a Type R. How do you compare the 'R' to the TDZ and the Calais? Did you get your Type R from japantackle or Ebay?

Dan

[TTCal]

Hey Dan,

I don't have a "regular" TDZ with which to compare but I did make this post a while back:

[-- login to view link --]

I too, think the Calais just feels more solid. I got my Type R off of eBay from Jun of Japantackle. It's now for sale because I just have too many friggin' reels!!!!

[Lightninrod]

It's 'funny' that when I first started fishing with the ITO and I hooked one, sometimes there would be a gear-clash noise and the spool would be semi-free-spooling . I thought at first there was something wrong with the reel but I soon convivced myself that somehow I was thumbing the bar part of the way down while fighting the Bass . ( - - blocked - - ), after that, I made sure my thumb stayed out of the way and all is 'good' since then. What led me to discover my mistake was the fact the same thing had happened with my other TDZs too. What a dummy I 'are' sometimes.

Btw, that has never happened with my Calais or my Antares so maybe it wasn't entirely my fault ?

Dan

[TTCal]

could be Dan, that the thumb bar on the Daiwa TD-Z series reels just require less pressure to get them moving... glad you were able to figure it out before losing a hawg during a battle though!