I wrote to Kistler to ask if they have deleted some Helium 3 rods, and here is the response from Trey Kistler:

 

yes because we are sold out and will not be restocking any 2019 models. On January 8th, 2020, we will announce the new rods on our brand new web site. It will be well worth the wait. Holler if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Trey Kistler

Oh no. My wallet can't take anymore. Please, no........

 

If they release a ML bait finesse casting rod between 6' and 6'8", I am a goner. Would've bought such a rod in the Zbone lineup during this sale if they actually had one. Or, an ultra stout frogging/punching rod... yes, I do fear for my wallet.

Thanks for the news ... my wallet, however, doesn’t thank you.

 

I’ll quietly chant “I have enough Kistlers, I have enough Kistlers...” and keep the monkey at bay.

Trey has designed his own blank for his 2020 lineup. There was an issue with him and NFC when it came to the new ZBone blanks so Trey decided to develop his own blank.

59 minutes ago, waymont said:

I wrote to Kistler to ask if they have deleted some Helium 3 rods, and here is the response from Trey Kistler:

 

yes because we are sold out and will not be restocking any 2019 models. On January 8th, 2020, we will announce the new rods on our brand new web site. It will be well worth the wait. Holler if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Trey Kistler

I asked about their shorter Helium rods. And I got this.

 

Quote

Frank, yes sir, January 8th, the 2020 models will be available on the 2020 Kistlerrods.com website. It will be worth the wait.

Thank you,

Trey Kistler

 

7 hours ago, Chance_Taker4 said:

Trey has designed his own blank for his 2020 lineup. There was an issue with him and NFC when it came to the new ZBone blanks so Trey decided to develop his own blank.

Remember why Kistler went to NFC for blanks because the blanks Kistler used before broke left and right and then Kistler refused to warranty the rods.

 

Personally, I wont be buy there product

As a huge Kistler fan, this has me interested, but worried. Those NFC blanks are no joke. Gonna be hard to match them and keep the rods at the same price point. 

1 minute ago, NorthernBasser said:

As a huge Kistler fan, this has me interested, but worried. Those NFC blanks are no joke. Gonna be hard to match them and keep the rods at the same price point. 

I agree; I don't know if I want to be an early adopter, but maybe if Trey offers an initial batch at a discount, to get the word out, I think it could be very good for them. That is, of course, assuming the blanks are actually good.

Very worried. I wouldn't buy them personally. Scary that he is now trying to build his own blanks.... Last time he didn't use NFC, his rods all broke.

I never used the old style blank. I got my first Kistler 2 years ago, and I love the current blank. So there was an issue with the original blanks breaking huh?

31 minutes ago, waymont said:

I never used the old style blank. I got my first Kistler 2 years ago, and I love the current blank. So there was an issue with the original blanks breaking huh?

Super bad about 10 years ago. They lost a ton of dealers and left customers in a bad spot after the incident. Ultimate bass has a thread explaining there breaking issue they went through and the bad reputation they received. NFC helped them overcome the stigma of bad quality as NFC makes quality blanks. Afraid Kistler will go overseas and produce a subpar rod.. Hope the best for them though

I gave em one chance but the product they sent me was subpar. Crooked guides poor fit/finish blank defect. Not again. Maybe mine was bottom of the barrel trying to get rid of the inventory.

16 minutes ago, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

I gave em one chance but the product they sent me was subpar. Crooked guides poor fit/finish blank defect. Not again. Maybe mine was bottom of the barrel trying to get rid of the inventory.

Before I knew of the bad reputation they built, I bought 2 Z Bones (last generation) both were good but not blow away. Sold and went to Megabass, St Croix, and G Loomis and been happier. Both had good QC but stories of not standing behind there product scared me, so i sold them. Happier now! Not here to convince anyone but just sharing my experience. Try and find for yourself. Find what works for you.

If anyone is Facebook Friends with Trey he has been posting on there since mid 2018 about testing and developing his own blank. I have original Argons and Carbon Steels plus the newer generation Argon, Helium and KLX. I haven't had an issue with any of the rods and have been very happy with them.

Not going down that road again with Kistler.  

This seems to be one of the new blanks Kistler is using. The site states it's a new blank designed and made by Kistler.

 

https://www.kistlerrods.com/store/helium-3-all-purpose-special-medium-heavy-7-0.html

Well, I've got a few NFC Kistlers across his rod families and enjoy them all. My father-in-law has a few pre-NFC Kistlers and they're fine as well. Okay, maybe the Magnesium is a little tip heavy but the LTA is still outstanding. Interested to see what Trey has up his proverbial sleeve.

 

I sure do enjoy those X-ray blanks though.

I really liked the NFC blanks. Hopefully Trey has learned from past failures and will not cut any corners. I’m not going to completely write him off but I won’t be a $200 guinea pig either. As with anything, time will tell. 

I have been a Kistler fan & owner for about five years. I have bought 3 z bones, 5 heliums & 1 klx. All my purchases were based on NFC blanks & only one rod was purchased from a vendor, all others were direct purchases from Kistler. Kistler's incentive program & frequent sales make for strong customer alliance. I see no reason not to continue my support based on my past experience. 

18 hours ago, waymont said:

This seems to be one of the new blanks Kistler is using. The site states it's a new blank designed and made by Kistler.

 

https://www.kistlerrods.com/store/helium-3-all-purpose-special-medium-heavy-7-0.html

Only if the images are wrong, clearly shows NFC's logo in this one:

https://www.kistlerrods.com/store/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/2785ef4cf69538cabd193a5e626a7a21/2/_/2_helium_3_reel_seat_cast_2017_web3.jpg

 

3 hours ago, OilfieldCowboy said:

Only if the images are wrong, clearly shows NFC's logo in this one:

https://www.kistlerrods.com/store/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/2785ef4cf69538cabd193a5e626a7a21/2/_/2_helium_3_reel_seat_cast_2017_web3.jpg

 

Good catch. I didn’t notice that

7 hours ago, waymont said:

Good catch. I didn’t notice that

I wouldn't trust that pic as truly representative of the rod in question..  The rod specs in the description are for an MH rod for 1/8 - 1 oz.  The pic you're referring to is for a M rod for 1/8 - 1/2.

How long as Kistler used NFC blanks? If helium changes is it just the blank or the whole look of the rod? Also curious if people have any issues with the eva locking nut.

1 hour ago, thunderblack said:

How long as Kistler used NFC blanks? If helium changes is it just the blank or the whole look of the rod? Also curious if people have any issues with the eva locking nut.

At least 5 years maybe a little longer. I have never had a problem with the eva lock nut. No way to know what the blank or look will be until it is announced. 

     I haven't been using Kistlers as long as some of you guys have (5 years +). I have eight to ten of his rods. Helium3's, Mag2's, KLX, KLX S2's. I have had no issues with any of them with one exception.

      I did break a Helium3 about a third of the way down working a chatter bait, not on a hook set or high sticking. My suspicions are the rod had either gotten hit by a lure on the back cast or damaged by my handling and I didn't noticed that I had done it.

     They warrantied the rod and sent me a new one. I had it in hand in two days. I've got nothing to say but good things about Kistler the quality of the rods and their product support. 

Fishingmickey