Kistler Helium Factory Second

[Merlin]

Hi everyone,

I have been fishing St. Croix's for many years. I finally made the decision to call Kistler to get a couple of recommendations about the Graphite series. I finally narrowed it down to a 6-6 medium spinning for a number of reasons.

When I talking to the gentle man, he suggested that he look in his close-out barrel. He said that he had the same rod in a Helium series for a couple of bucks more than the graphite.

The caveat is that the rod has a very slight bend (1/16 or so) to the left, from the 2 eyelet to the tip. That's why it was in the close-out barrel.

I bought it, should I have any concerns?

Thank for the help.

[chavez]

Who exactly did you talk to? I've seen factory seconds (sans warranty) sold on e-bay and thought about buying one but the person that sells them is in Texas and would charge me sales tax. At the price they sell for they don't end up as bargains for me but i wouldn't be too concerned with a 1/16" bow. Then again I'ld be interested to hear what Trey or Clifford have to say about the subject.

[TTCal]

I've discussed these rods with Trey and he recommended buying them. He says they "second" a lot of rods because they're very picky at the factory - a good sign for us.

As a result, i've actually built up the majority of my Kistler collection through those seconds sold on eBay. If you don't mind not having a warranty, It's a GREAT way to check out the rods - especially if you're in an area, like me, where it's very difficult to find a store that carries them so you can play with them first.

To add, Glenn Roush, the fella on eBay is a great guy and very easy to do business with.

[Ezcue]

You can buy these right from the factory??

[TTCal]

nope... I tried that too... lol. Trey says they sell ALL their seconds to one distributor and that fella is the one selling on eBay.

[Ezcue]

Well....You cant ( - - blocked - - ) a guy for trying.

[nevadabassr]

I have personally purchased 8 kistler helium rods from Glenn on e-bay and would highly recommend him if you are looking to try a helium rod. If you can tell the difference in a 1/16 bend, you are a much better fisherman than i am. Not to mention i purchase the rods for around a hundred and twenty dollars each. In my opinion, you cant go wrong purchasing a "factory second."

[TTCal]

wow... he gives you a good price Nevada... I can see the bends in the blanks, but they do'nt bother me while fishing... only while looking straight down the rod from the butt end .. besides, helps me cast around those tight corners... LOL

[nevadabassr]

Actually i think i have been pretty lucky to get most of my rods at that price. I have won them all at auction. As a matter of fact the last one i purchased from Glenn i got for $61.00 at no reserve. I was shocked that my bid held up. It was the factory reconditioned He76TXC that retails for $269.99. WHAT A STEAL, AND WHAT A SWEET ROD FOR LARGE BULKY JIGS IN DEEP WATER. Just a sweep of the wrist and that bass at 20 feet deep doesnt know what hit him.

[nevadabassr]

Sorry i misprinted the model number on that rod. It was a He76TXH Xtra heavy 7'6".

[Merlin]

Thanks for the reply,

I talked to Clifford about this. I also bought the factory second HE66MS direct from Kistler.