Summerland Outdoors

I definitely agree that there is a lot of variance in the build quality, which is not a good thing in terms of QC. I have 4 of them. I have only been impressed with the 7'3" Heavy. The other rods don't impress me at all. I think they make good blanks, but need to work on QC. It's too competitive of a price range to make mistakes.

The Helium 3 has a true X fast action. Definitely give the Kistler rods a shot. How do you like the ALX? I have heard mixed things, but mostly good.

At your price point the Hammer and the Kistler KLX are my favorite. Both are fabulous rods, but I tend to prefer the cork on the KLX over the Winn grips on the Hammer. Just personal preference. Let me know if you decide on the Kistler KLX. I have an extra. Thanks! Tight lines!

I have heard good things about ALX rods, but have not had the chance to fishing one. The Kistler KLX is built on a North Fork Composite Blanks IM blanks. The KLX is among the finest, most sensitive rod around the $200 price point. I believe the KLX to be the better rod over the comparable St Croix and G Loomis offerings (E6X and the Avid X). Let me know if you are in the market for a Kistler KLX. I have an extra. Tight lines!