I really like mine.

I'd love to make a trip to the shop, about an 1hr 15ish from me. It's just hard to get up there on time during the week after work from Pearland/Friendswood. I've heard of the Kistler name for several years now, just didn't know until recently that they made high-end bass rods. I always thought they were more of a saltwater rod because the only ones I've seen are for inshore saltwater

I have several of every brand you asked about and like them all. Kistlers I have are the KLX and the Helium, Falcon, low rider and the Cara, Dobyns from the Fury to the Xtacy and all inbetween. Loomis IMX and NRX. NRX is super sensitive.
I also like my Shimano Curado, Zodias, Expride and totally like the Shimano Poison Adrena.

FXtreme rods are my favorites for moving baits, cranking and swim baits.

First let me start by saying I’ve been a Kistler guy for about 15 years. The old stuff is virtually indestructible. The X-Ray blanks are probably more sensitive, but they aren’t as durable as the old ones. $300 replacement for my broken Z-Bone.

I would use a MH for that. I love the LMH for 1/4 oz finessse jig, small swimbaits, finesse worms and weightless Senko.

Kistler is hands down better then all. I have had a lot of different rods and the sensitivity and weight of these rods is insane not to mention the hookset strength. I am starting to sell my Dobyns rods to buy more kistlers - (helium series and above)

I have them all and would say the Kistler is above the Falcons even though the Falcons are probably the best bang for your Buck. I would give them a slight edge over the Dobyns. Dobyns customer service was second to none when Gary still owned them but things might of changed. G. Loomis in my opinion still makes the best rods, their customer service is not what it used to be. Kistler is definitely a top shelf rod.

You can't go wrong with Kistler. I got one at the Skeeter Owners Tournament about 15 years ago and to this day it's probably my favorite every day use rod. I've tried just about every model of the Dobyns Champion series and there are only two I liked (in comparison to my Falcons and ALX) but they are far and away the best rods (even over Kistler) for the specific application I got them for...squarebill and chatterbait. For bottom moving/sensitivity baits my ALX and Falcons are preferred over Dobyns. I am afraid if I tried the newer Kistler Heliums, I would fall in love with them.

I got an email today. Z Bones for $212.49, Helium's $195.49, KLX's $169.99 & Argon's for $101.99 with coupon code

How big of a difference is the Zbone from the Helium? For bottom contact… Lighter Texas rigs, up to a 3/8oz weight tops with a zoom plastic (6” lizard, trick worm, baby brush hog, etc…) 7’3 MH in either line?

I made a post awhile back looking for a Falcon to do the same thing but I had some other financial obligations to take care of soon after. Kinda glad, because I’m convinced on these Kistlers now.

Same blank, Z Bone has higher end lighter guides

If he still has his deal going on the price difference is so small may as well go zbone.

I bought a Kistler around 2008 for the first time. Since then, I've replaced all of my rods with Kistler rods.

What I do with rods I'm using for my favorite techniques is buy 3 or 4 matching rods. For example, if I'm pitching, I'll have four 7'6" Zbones on deck with 4 different baits/color combinations ready to go. Maybe one half-ounce, one three-quarter ounce, one three-eighth ounce, etc. and different colors.

It's taken since 2008, but, I have accumulated almost 100 Kistlers.

Another Kistler fan.

Wanted to mention fast shipping as a bonus to their great rods.

I'm getting rid of rods I no longer use and replacing with Kistler Rods.