dwong

So my replacement rod was shipped out of Texas today. Here's a quick timeline to help visualize the warranty procedure: November 13th: Rod broken, warranty claim filed, and warranty claim response received November 14th: Shipped out handle of broken rod ($6.65 priority with usps vs ~$20-25 to ship entire rod) November 17th: Kistler received broken rod November 18th: Replacement rod shipped out Overall, I'm impressed and relieved with my first ever experience submitting a warranty claim with any of my rods. Although it's not as convenient as an over the counter replacement, it beats some of the other warranties for my other rods. For example, St Croix would have me pay for shipping both ways (~40 dollars total), and if they deem the breakage to be outside the scope of faulty craftsmanship there is an additional fee to replace or fix the rod. I always feel that when I have already spent a good amount of money on a product, I don't want to pay any more for a replacement for a problem that was beyond my control. I am okay with the amount I had to spend to get a replacement rod with Kistler. I guess the only downside of Kistler's warranty is the short time periods in which they cover, but hopefully any manufacturing defects will show themselves early on. Hopefully my experience might ease some minds of prospective buyers who have read about shaky service from Kistler.

Thanks guys. So far so good. I filled out the warranty form on their website, and got an email from a representative (I think it might have been automated though). I had to cut the handle and label section of the blank and ship that back to them. I'm pretty happy because this only cost me about $7.00, and the email said that the replacement would be at no cost to me. On the other hand, I have a feeling that the claim still has to be approved. The rod broke at the fourth guide from the top right below the epoxy. Not sure what caused it as I was throwing a jig that was well within the lure rating and I have never over loaded the rod. Anyways, desmobob I didn't mean to hijack your thread, but I thought that this was relevant and can be useful for you and others to know.

So my KLX snapped today. On the cast! I guess we'll soon see how their service and warranty holds up. Wish me luck

I recently ordered a spool from them. If I recall correctly, it took under a week.

You're gonna be very happy with the KLX. I have the 7' MHF TCRWJ paired with a tatula and a curado i and it's a blast to fish with. I really like the curado over the tatula, but it's hard to beat the tatula for the prices you can find them for.

Probably a stradic ci4+, some hawgtech handles, and some dress up parts for the tatula

Is the tip replacement using adhesives more of a temporary solution until one can get it professionally done, or would it be able to hold up to standard use? I have a broken insert on one of my rod tips and the company is sending me a replacement tip. Im debating whether I can get away with removing the old tip and gluing on the replacement or if I should get it professionally repaired. I appreciate any input

Hook in the hook keeper then a rubber band or fuji ez keeper for the weight in between the split grips for me.

I've found that when casting with a baitcaster it's much better to cast smoothly rather than powerfully. When I get careless and try to whip it like I do a spinning setup is when I get the nastiest birds nests.

How about skirt material? Silicon vs living rubber? I've tried both and I really do like how the living rubber flairs in the water. Any downsides?

Thanks. It's hard breaking away from the excitement and reaction of swinging randomly when feeling a bite.

A lot of the fish I catch are hooked on the side of the mouth or even the bottom corner. What should I do differently on my hooksets? I understand that ideally you want to hook them in the top of the mouth?

I love using braid with a leader. Gives me a lot of confidence, and I lose a lot less of my main line (or line in general). However the leader knot is a pain with micro guides and the daiwa tws so I've been using straight braid. I've not noticed any decreases in bites.

Is there any head design that is good for rip rap?

I know you're not looking at the KLX from Kistler but I picked one up recently and I'm really impressed with the craftsmanship on it. The blank is straight, guides are wrapped nice and clean, and the finish on the blank is really beautiful. Right now that rod is on sale for 149 or you can use 25VIPCASH for 25 off any other rod. Downside is the warranty is only one year and I've heard mixed things about their customer service. If the model you're looking at is held up to the same standards by Kistler, then I doubt you'll be disappointed. Another popular rod in your price range is the Duckett Micro Magic. Those might be worth checking out as well.

Bummer. I was planning on trading in a premier and an avid. American legacy fishing only wants to give me $50 bucks for the premier and $75 for the avid and I still have to pay for shipping to them. I guess I'll keep them as loaners.

Howdy bass resource. I've been lurking here for a few months just soaking up all the great information you guys post on this forum. I've finally decided to contribute and thought I'd introduce myself. I just started fishing earlier this year and I owe the majority of my success and improvement to you fine folks. I'm having a blast fishing the waters of northern California and I'm excited to be a part of this amazing community. Cheers!