I have several kistler rods that range from the cheapest ones they sell all the way up to helium ltx 2. I love the rods and have never had any problems with mine but everything I read everyone talks poorly of them or doesnt talk about them at all. I always hear about dobyns or g-loomis or st. croix. I dont understand why this is. Also I was wondering if anyone has the newer rod they came out with called the z-bone and is it worth the money? thanks

Kistler rods are amazing. I own one myself. From what I've gathered they werr frowned upon because of their customer service.

I have a Z bone and a helium and both are great rods for me. Never had an issue and a lot of my friends have been impressed with how light they are

Why Kistler gets knocked regularly:

� Expensive rods built with blanks from China (at least in the past)

� Refuses to do business with smaller local tackle shops.

� Problems with warranty work, and service.

� Poor bang for buck in terms of rod blank quality.



TFP

I've never had a problem with my kistlers. I've heard stories of them breaking on hook sets and swinging fish in the boat. I've never had to deal with their customer service but I'm sure if I had to and had a bad experience with them I wouldn't buy anymore rods from them. The warranty on the new z-bone rods seems a little crazy for such an expensive rod. I was just curious why peoples negatives about kistler rods out weigh the positives from everything I've read.

I had one and the tip broke off but that didn't happen until my partner shut the rod locker on it. I loved that rod.

Ive broke 2 kistlers and One of them was the most sensitive rod ive ever felt.there customer service was awsome.I would like to try the new z bone as well

The older kistlers also used batson guides in which the inserts would break or pop out way to easy.

Just for the record I personally have never had a problem with Kistler rods. Mainly because I gave the only one that I ever own to a youngster who was starting out fishing. I had gotten it at one of the Skeeter tournaments on Fork some years back for a very low price. I was not particularly fond of it so I let it go to someone that would get a whole lot more fun out of it that I would.

The point in my previous post are based on work of mouth that I�ve been privy to both here on the TFF, as well as in the tackle shop where I worked for over three and a half years. Along with conversations, etc. with other anglers here and there.

TFP

All Kistlers are not made in China some are made in the USA and they are looking at making more here. That being said I had a very bad experience with a Kistler about 4 years ago and swore I wouuld never have another one. The rod was immediatly replaced it was the fact I lost a money fish when it broke. I now have all Kistlers and I don't think there is a better rod made than the Z-Bone.

I take back my good comments about Kistler after I had a Magnesium Series snap in 3 places last night.

This might of been damaged in shipping, but how about a picture for reference. Snapped on the hookset.

Thats a nice 3 piece travel rod now.

I'll sell it to you for half price! :P Lol.

I had one a few years ago that snapped on a fish of a lifetime. I'm glad it did, I love my Loomis.