I’m a long time St. Croix user and have been pretty happy overall. Used Kistler products when they first hit the market so nothing late model. I’m looking at lessening my inventory or rods and reels further. I’m always looking for that perfect jig rod though. ?. Thinking of trying something different.

 

For those that know, how would the ALX zolo compare to the Kistler Helium? ☕️

Zolos are very nice, but I think a fairer comparison would be the ALX Enox and Helium.  Closer to the same price.  Wish I could be of help, but was only out once with my 7' M Helium 3 this year, once with my Toadface last year and twice with the Deputy last year.  Don't remember specifics.  I do remember I couldn't feel any feedback from the 3/8 oz. underspin swimjig (total...had a 4" finesse worm trailer) I was using in open water.  But that was also the first time I used an underspin swimjig so maybe that is typical.  I tried keeping a finger on the rod and also tried keeping a finger on the line (20# braid).  Never felt the blade spinning.

I have a H3 7’3 heavy and the ALX Toadface. Both are decent and if I had to choose I’d probably go with the H3. Build quality and performance are really close between the two. The H3 has a little faster tip.  But I think they’re better rods out there for the $$$. The Falcon and Shimano rods I own in relatively the same length and power are better sticks in my opinion.  And maybe even cheaper

1 hour ago, GReb said:

I have a H3 7’3 heavy and the ALX Toadface. Both are decent and if I had to choose I’d probably go with the H3. Build quality and performance are really close between the two. The H3 has a little faster tip.  But I think they’re better rods out there for the $$$. The Falcon and Shimano rods I own in relatively the same length and power are better sticks in my opinion.  And maybe even cheaper

Good to know! 
 

Which falcon and shimano? Expert and Expride?

i have 3 ALX and 2 H3 like GReb said build quality is about the same they both use micros but the guides on the ALX seem more durable. i have had to replace a guide on the H3.

 

If it where me I would jump the the Expride it beat them both across all categories, build sensitivity etc

5 hours ago, Rich in Co said:

i have 3 ALX and 2 H3 like GReb said build quality is about the same they both use micros but the guides on the ALX seem more durable. i have had to replace a guide on the H3.

 

If it where me I would jump the the Expride it beat them both across all categories, build sensitivity etc

ALX use mid micro guides.  So it’s bigger than standard micro guides.  Leader knots are not a problem.

 

I have multiple rods in both the Zolos and Ikos series and love them.  
 

Alex the owner has answered my questions multiple times and seems always happy to help.

 

I wouldn’t mind trying an Expride though like others have suggested.  Heard nothing but good things.

Kistler is having a 35% off sale.  I think it ends tonight.  This might help your decision???

 

i have a few kistlers.   I like them a lot.   Very light and the tips are a little stiffer than the rating but the helium’s are very sensitive.  I don’t have any axl. 

31 minutes ago, Deeare said:

Kistler is having a 35% off sale.  I think it ends tonight.  This might help your decision???

 

i have a few kistlers.   I like them a lot.   Very light and the tips are a little stiffer than the rating but the helium’s are very sensitive.  I don’t have any axl. 

Yeah, I seen that! Lol  ? 

Can’t speak on Kistlers, but I own several ALX zolo and enox. The zolos are great workhorse sticks day in and day out. Sensitivity is good and probably slightly better than most at the $200 price tag. Build quality is phenomenal, customer service is great. They do have more of that “mag bass” feel to them, which I personally prefer over extra fast rods and this makes them pretty versatile. The new enox models are nice too if you want to spend a bit more. 

Ive never fished an Expride, but the reviews seem to be extremely positive. They are definitely on my bucket list to try.