Concerning rods in general: Is it true that almost every rod is now made in China? I've heard this from more than one source, but have seen rods that advertise "made in USA."
Who makes the blanks? Who assembles the rods? Some years back I went on a rod and reel factory tour in Inchon, S. Korea. I'd rather patronize USA folks if at all possible.

here is one- http://www.falconrods.com/index.php

Kistler Helium and Graphite series are made in Texas. All Star rods are also made in Texas, only the Classic Series is made in China. St Croix is another quality rod made in the USA.

Are you sure about that? If a blank was rolled overseas, the reel seat and guides were imported and the final rod components were assembled in Texas, would you consider the rod "made in Texas"?

If you're talking about where the blanks are rolled, I'm pretty sure of St. Croix and GLoomis. Of course many components (reel seats and guides) are likely imported.

I'm sure, the only Kistler rod made overseas is the Magnesium. All other rods are made in Texas, incliding the blanks.

You have seen rod blanks being rolled in Magnolia? I ask because Trey refused to answer that direct question in a thread on another forum. Also, the official Kistler claim is that they are "Handcrafted in America"...which does not actually say the blanks are made here. If you have actually witnessed the blanks being rolled in the Kistler plant, then please let me know as it would clear up a rather heated thread where most have concluded you are wrong.

Here's the URL for the Kistler Thread. ..It's long and locked (like I said; heated) and Trey's post is several pages in.

I may be, and probably am wrong mhood. I was told by a couple of people that they were completely made in Tx, you know what second hand info is worth though.

" CROSSTIMBERS CUSTOM RODS" Weatherford, Texas by Mary Lou VandeRiet. Rod Blanks are BenchMark Graphite made in USA!email address is www.crossttimberscustomrods.com

I'm sure not trying to pick on you Randy...I just would love to clear this up once and for all. Has anyone got first hand knowledge that Kistler blanks are made in the USA? (Having read the hype on their Website doesn't count) Anyone, please let me know if you have witnessed Kistler blanks being rolled in Texas (or in the USA).

Don't sweat it man, I didn't take it that way at all. I will say that I don't care if they are 100% US made though, they are the best rods I've ever owned(IMO).

Thanks...I'm really not anti-Kistler at all. I do wish Trey had cleared this up in that thread I referred to though. I will add that most all of the Kistler owners agree with you...they love their Heliums no matter where the blanks are rolled.

If there is controversey over Kistler, where are G Loomis blanks made??

Take a look here:

www.texassidewinder.com

They claim their rods are USA made.

Bbrown, yes they are USA made. Every component is made in the USA except for the cork. I don't know of anywhere in the USA that cork is grown. If a customer orders a rod with fuji guides or other special parts, then no it is not entirely American made, but that is the customers choice. But for any other order, they are getting an American Made rod.