⁹I fish mostly IN, KY, TN. Some in NC, FL inshore, and trout in CO. I have a few Kistlers, several other brands, and one St. Croix. I have never broke a Kistler, but this year is the first year the St. Croix didn't break. I like the St. Croix rod, and still use it a lot, and I love their replacement policy, but my Kistlers are more sensitive, and more comfortable to fish. Kistler has a lot of sales, so I've never paid retail, so I've been happy with the price as well. I also several of the North Fork blanks, and one of the new blanks, and love all of them.