First the TLDR for the lazies.  This rod is EVERY BIT AS GOOD if not SLIGHTLY BETTER than my Dobyns DX744.

 

Ordered a 7'3" KLX a few weeks a go and finally got some time on the water with it the past couple days.  FIgured I'd give some impressions.

 

Aesthetically this rod is very pleasy.  I'm not a fan of blingy or flashy rods (then why do I own two DX dobyns? lol) and really like the clean understated look.  The KLX fits this perfectly.  All guides were aligned perfectly and no excess epoxy was used.  There were no physical imperfections when I received the rod either.

 

The split handle was easy to fish and provided good grip.  It also paired well with the reel I used and it balanced very well.

 

The sensitivity of this rod is AMAZING.  You will feel everything trust me.  Every branch, rock, stump, etc is clearly communicated.  I could even tell when I was in the weeds which I usually struggle with and get a lot of false hook sets.

 

The real test of this rod came on two fish... An 8.9lb flathead and a 20-30lb flathead.  Both fish were caught on jigs while searching for bass.  Never once did this rod feel outmatched and it truly shined in all scenarios.

 

I think a lot of rod makers should take a hard look at this.  I can honestly say you're getting the performance of a 300+ dollar rod for less than 200.

 

Just got a couple of ALX rods in as well.  Waiting to pair them with either a tatula or the new Ci4s but they seem to  be the same trend as the klx IE high dollar performance with the high dollar price tag.

 

 

Cant figure out where my phone saved the pic of the big cat to I'll try and find it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bigger cat.

Though I haven't had a chance to fish mine yet (6'6" ML spinning rod), I agree with your comments on the clean, simple, no frills appearance. Almost seems like a custom build in that regard

I've also yet to see a negative review on a rod in the KLX line yet - and to me, that says something given Kistler's polarizing past.

What I respect about Kistler is the article on the website where they go through their entire ordeal about breaking rods.  I'm glad that they are up front about the issues they had.  Also, it's great to see a company make a comeback by working through a tough times by creating an excellent product and standing by it.  Kinda the opposite of Carrot Stix lol

I've been interested in these rods for a while now. I too haven't heard many negative things about them. The only drawback to the rod is the one year warranty that steers me away.

Where is the picture of the 20-30 lb flathead?

Where is the picture of the 20-30 lb flathead?

Its the second one.  I know it doesnt look like it.  First one looks bigger.  Matter of perspective I guess. it was BIG.

 

  This rod is EVERY BIT AS GOOD if not SLIGHTLY BETTER than my Dobyns DX744.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cant figure out where my phone saved the pic of the big cat to I'll try and find it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

don't tell me this.......now I have to buy one!

Kistler knows how to build a rod, the big problem they had was once they got a taste of success they tried to go for big money and make a $300+ rod with a $30 dollar rod blank and it not only didn't make them money but the company is still feeling the affects of that decision 10 years later. The KLX should sell for a lot more, I don't own any Kistler rods but I'm friends with a few guys that have them and I have had a KLX in my hands, very nice rod indeed but the 1 year warranty isn't as scary to me as those that had warranty claims and the nightmare they had resolving them. I think the KLX would be priced at around $225 -$240 if Kistler was still a trusted brand but they had to keep the price low to get a lot of these rods out in peoples hands to spread the word about the great build and the excellent blank. The only problem I fear is Kistler will once again try to use cheap blanks, the original Helium LTA rods that were built on Batson blanks were awesome rods, went they went to the cheap blanks they began having tons of warranty claims as rods were breaking left and right and to slow the bleeding they kind of quit honoring the claims, they did it be not answering emails, and phone calls and when they did they dismissed a lot of claims that were legit just to keep from paying out and it cost them a ton of customers, my friend and fishing partner went through this to the point of even threatening legal action but it wasn't worth the cost but there is a customer who will never buy a Kistler again and he spends at least a thousand dollars a year on rods alone. I hope the KLX is what Kistler is about now, great blanks, great product, and great price along with great service and if that stays in place they will make new customers to replace all those they lost.

Kistler knows how to build a rod, the big problem they had was once they got a taste of success they tried to go for big money and make a $300+ rod with a $30 dollar rod blank and it not only didn't make them money but the company is still feeling the affects of that decision 10 years later. The KLX should sell for a lot more, I don't own any Kistler rods but I'm friends with a few guys that have them and I have had a KLX in my hands, very nice rod indeed but the 1 year warranty isn't as scary to me as those that had warranty claims and the nightmare they had resolving them. I think the KLX would be priced at around $225 -$240 if Kistler was still a trusted brand but they had to keep the price low to get a lot of these rods out in peoples hands to spread the word about the great build and the excellent blank. The only problem I fear is Kistler will once again try to use cheap blanks, the original Helium LTA rods that were built on Batson blanks were awesome rods, went they went to the cheap blanks they began having tons of warranty claims as rods were breaking left and right and to slow the bleeding they kind of quit honoring the claims, they did it be not answering emails, and phone calls and when they did they dismissed a lot of claims that were legit just to keep from paying out and it cost them a ton of customers, my friend and fishing partner went through this to the point of even threatening legal action but it wasn't worth the cost but there is a customer who will never buy a Kistler again and he spends at least a thousand dollars a year on rods alone. I hope the KLX is what Kistler is about now, great blanks, great product, and great price along with great service and if that stays in place they will make new customers to replace all those they lost.

 

I didn't know the story behind the scenes, but I was aware of the huge customer discontent.  All I read about the KLX makes me want one.  Unlike many, I don't worry about only one year warranties.  I figure if it breaks after a few outings it will probably be because of something stupid I did, not because of a manufacturing defect.

Excellent post smalljaw! I would 100% agree with the above.

I didn't know the story behind the scenes, but I was aware of the huge customer discontent.  All I read about the KLX makes me want one.  Unlike many, I don't worry about only one year warranties.  I figure if it breaks after a few outings it will probably be because of something stupid I did, not because of a manufacturing defect.

I agree and wonder how many rods actually break because of a manufacturing defect.   I know of all the rods i have broken, and there have been quite a few, only 3 were legitimate manufacturing problems in my opinion.  Two abu garcia rods broke on a hookset between the top two guides in identical spots pretty much and the third is my most recent break.  My Sage Bass II rod broke in the middle of a snake guide right at the end of one of the guide wraps and it happened while casting.  

 

I have a Kistler Helium crankbait rod and i love that thing......

I can't believe roadwarrior deleted his comment in this post. I hope more people than me saw it. It was hilarious.

I had an issue with my initial order.  They sent me the wrong rod.  Trey Kistler himself called me and made it right.

 

I wasnt in to bass fishing when all the problems happened but I have read about them.  So far my experience has been nothing but positive and I will continue to use their products as long as the customer service and quality stand up to the test of time.

 

If anyone is interested in a similar rod I would highly recommend ALX rods.  Another ridiculous value.

I can't believe roadwarrior deleted his comment in this post. I hope more people than me saw it. It was hilarious.

What was RW negative comment is time