I recently started to bass fish a lot more now that I am self-employed and found myself getting bit by the tackle bug. I previously was using the All Star Classic and Team rods from Academy but recently purchased a 783 GLX. I love this rod and won't even touch my All Stars any longer. I want to trade out my other four All Stars for new rods and was wanting some input on the Heliums or Legends. They average $100.00 less than the GLX and I've read the Heliums are actually lighter. I am looking at 6'8" to 7' rods in medium to medium heavy action, any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Both are great rods. I get them at 1/2 off & still can't afford them. I've used a med 6'6" Helium and it was great (although a little light). I like the heliums better, especially since they are made locally. But it's a tough choice.

I have three of the Helium's; 7' MH and H action as well as the 6' 9" MH. They are super light and well balanced w/curados. I espcially like not having the cork in front of the reel seat which in my opinion increases your sensitivity.
My personal opinion is that they are a better product than a G.L. for alot less money.
Good Luck!

Buy your rods off of ebay. Loomis rods go for an average of $100 less than retail. These are new rods with warranty. I've got glx's and legend elites and they are both great rods. You can get some 04'legend elites form pogo's place for a hefty dicount (link in sig). Loomis' warranty is peace of mind. I shut my flippin' stick in my truck door ealier this month, and if it was a Croix' or Kistler; I would have been out $250.

I do not have a StCroix Legend so I do not know about them. I have a GLX and several IMX rods and I like them.

I do like the Kistler Heliums better.

airfob I think you would be pleaded with any of the rods that you mentioned.

After having several of the IMX rods and one GLX rod I would not spend the extra $100 on the GLX, but that is just me. I like the 7ft M/H IMX and the 7ft M/H Kistler Helium.

The Kistler 69APC is also a very well balanced rod.

Take a look at all of them and see which you like the best.

As stated above, you can't go wrong with any of those top of the line rods. With that said, all I can say is everyone that has picked up my Helium and fished with it has ended up buying one. These same people fish with Gloomis GLX and St Croix Legends. I believe the Helium is lighter and more sensitive and in my experience they have been less brittle too. I have had one problem with my first Helium and they replaced it no questions asked. I did have to pay for the shipping, though. Which was more than fair. After I had received the replacement rod, Clifford from Kistler called me on my cell phone to make sure that I was happy with the replacement. Now I call that customer service. Like I said before, all these rods mentioned are great rods. I would suggest that you try all of them and decide. I am sure with all the good people on the TFF you will have no problem at all fishing with all your choices before you are ready to buy. Let me know if you want to hook up to try the Heliums for a day.

One more thing. Head out to Cabelas and check them all out. They have a great selection of all the rods you mentioned. This way you can get a feel for all of them. I would still suggest that you try to fish with them, too before you buy.

Well,

I got my 3 Kistlers in yesterday (7' mh, 7' med and 6'9" mh) and took the 7' medium out to my pond for some casting. I am in love with this rod and it matches up perfectly with my 200DC; feel like I can toss them 4" Senkos down a football field. I would say best rod for the money that I have fished so far...now all I need is a spinning rod for my Stella

Oh yeah, 2 dinks that got in the way of my casting session.

Good to see you got Kistlers. They are great rods. Although I did buy a Falcon Expert yesterday...6' MH for $32. Could not pass it up.

Kistler LTA all the way!

When I picked up a Kistler rod at Cabela's, my initial reaction was that they weren't very balanced (too front heavy).

I guess I need try again with a reel installed next time....

KB