I have narrowed it down to the Kistler KLX line.  However, it appears they have two variations of the rod I landed on. Both 7’6” XH, only one says moderate and one says moderate Fast.  The lure ratings are both identical (1-4 oz) but the general applications, although similar, have some minor differences.  Both include swimbaits in these lists.
 

This seems to be the perfect rod, however I know action varies greatly between brands.  Can anyone who has used Kistler speak to their particular rating system and tell me which of these two would be ideal for my uses, throwing 1-3 oz hard swimbaits?  Thanks and sorry so many posts I’m like a kid in a Candy store.

I would call or Email Trey and explain what your looking for. Hes one of the genuine nice guys in the business.

May as well get your info from the guy who would know best.

1 hour ago, rangerjockey said:

I would call or Email Trey and explain what your looking for. Hes one of the genuine nice guys in the business.

May as well get your info from the guy who would know best.

Yeah I tried calling yesterday and couldn’t get through and would like to get my order  in so it ships out first thing Monday.

Difference from reading specs is a bass rod vs multi species rod. The multi species will have a larger diameter blank and may weight more, no weights given?

Measuring from back of reel seat reducing handle length measurement vs measuring like TW is from the front of the rod handle, a difference of 4” to 6” depending on handle design with or without fore grip.

Good luck!

Tom

17 minutes ago, WRB said:

Difference from reading specs is a bass rod vs multi species rod. The multi species will have a larger diameter blank and may weight more, no weights given?

Measuring from back of reel seat reducing handle length measurement vs measuring like TW is from the front of the rod handle, a difference of 4” to 6” depending on handle design with or without fore grip.

Good luck!

Tom

Why do you suppose the moderate action is the multi species rod, and what will the differences be for my personal application?

43 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Why do you suppose the moderate action is the multi species rod, and what will the differences be for my personal application?

Bottom line; Species recommended.

Moderate fast is common action rating for Swimbait rods.

Call the rod maker as suggested.

Tom

 

1 hour ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Why do you suppose the moderate action is the multi species rod, and what will the differences be for my personal application?

Because if you use a typical bass rod with high modulus and fast action for something like a large bluefish, redfish or cobia, you now have 2 jerks who can break the rod...

On 1/28/2023 at 7:28 PM, WRB said:

Bottom line; Species recommended.

Moderate fast is common action rating for Swimbait rods.

Call the rod maker as suggested.

Tom

 

Just spoke with Trey Kistler, he strongly recommended I knock it down to a Heavy from an Extra Heavy power. I expressed my concern that the lure rating on the extra heavy (3/8-4 oz) appeared to be a better fit for the 2-2.5 oz swimbaits I would be throwing, but he insisted the heavy (3/8-2 oz) would be more than adequate and that the extra heavy was way too stiff, that I’d get much more parabolic bend in the heavy to help with casting and keeping fish pinned.

5 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Just spoke with Trey Kistler, he strongly recommended I knock it down to a Heavy from an Extra Heavy power. I expressed my concern that the lure rating on the extra heavy (3/8-4 oz) appeared to be a better fit for the 2-2.5 oz swimbaits I would be throwing, but he insisted the heavy (3/8-2 oz) would be more than adequate and that the extra heavy was way too stiff and that I’d get much more bend in the heavy to help with casting and keeping fish pinned.

Always listen to the rod builder, good advice.

Tom

3 minutes ago, WRB said:

Always listen to the rod builder, good advice.

Tom

Thanks, I thought that seemed to be the wise move too.

5 minutes ago, WRB said:

Always listen to the rod builder

Yeah except most rod builders think they are renaissance masters when they are in reality house painters. "I know you said you wanted this, but try this instead because it..." That's when 3 of my buddies hold me down...

I have several (10-12) Kistler rods. Nothing quite that heavy though. I have three KLX feel & reel (fiberglass tip) two are heavy and are rated up to 2 oz. one is a MH. I have a couple of Helium 3's, Argon's and Graphite's. 

If Trey say's that's the rod then that is the rod you should have. His customer service is excellent and you'll have something that is made in Texas and the knowledge that they will back up the product.

Fishingmickey

13 minutes ago, Fishingmickey said:

I have several (10-12) Kistler rods. Nothing quite that heavy though. I have three KLX feel & reel (fiberglass tip) two are heavy and are rated up to 2 oz. one is a MH. I have a couple of Helium 3's, Argon's and Graphite's. 

If Trey say's that's the rod then that is the rod you should have. His customer service is excellent and you'll have something that is made in Texas and the knowledge that they will back up the product.

Fishingmickey

For sure. How would you compare the power rating or heaviness of the KLX to the St Croix Mojo bass?

34 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

For sure. How would you compare the power rating or heaviness of the KLX to the St Croix Mojo bass?

They are both fine rods, The Kistler KLX Feel and Reel Heavy is definitely a heavy power rod. I haven't tried a Heavy Mojo bass yet. I do have the 7' MH/fast Mojo bass and it is a fine rod too. St. Croix makes some excellent rods. You might also look at the Dobyn's Sierra  or Kaden series.

 

    

FM

Wow. I’ve heard of Kistler, but that’s about it. Never fished with one. Never seen one. Just happened to look in this thread and saw they are in Texas. I’ve been looking at upgrading my Texas rig rod and was looking at Falcon Caras, but to get my hands on one before purchasing is nigh on impossible. So I Googled Kistler. Texas is big, so they could have been hundreds of miles away. They’re 18 miles from my house! I’m going to be stopping by soon! 

2 hours ago, Deleted account said:

Yeah except most rod builders think they are renaissance masters when they are in reality house painters. "I know you said you wanted this, but try this instead because it..." That's when 3 of my buddies hold me down...

The Hunter comes along.

Most anglers Gary Loomis a master rod designer and builder, Kistler rods were designed by Gary.

Alex at ALX is also a excellent rod designer and builder, plus USA mfr.

I don’t know the site sponsor DVL but believe he uses off the shelf rod blanks, not a designer or blank builder, to make custom rods.

when I say listen to the rod builder it’s directed to the experts like Loomis , Alex and highly regarded rod. Companies like Trey at Kistler or St Croix for that matter.

Tom

 

Wanna make the thread fun!

 

Helium's are on sale for $247

4 hours ago, Catt said:

Wanna make the thread fun!

 

Helium's are on sale for $247

Lol you work for Kistler?

8 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Lol you work for Kistler?

 

Of all the Kistler line up I prefer the Helium & Argon.

19 hours ago, Deleted account said:

Yeah except most rod builders think they are renaissance masters when they are in reality house painters. "I know you said you wanted this, but try this instead because it..." That's when 3 of my buddies hold me down...

^^ Ain't that the truth.

45 minutes ago, Chris Catignani said:

^^ Ain't that the truth.

LOL. Don't get me wrong, getting a smooth 2 coat job and cutting in the wall at the ceiling and door jams freehand with a 1 1/2" angled brush takes skill, I just don't want them picking the color and texture...  

This thread was great for three things. 
 

1- I learned that Kistler is 18 miles from my house

2- I e-mailed Trey about what type fishing I’m looking for a new rod for and he recommended the model I was interested in- a Helium HE-TCJ-70MH for Texas rigs

3- I just bought a $400.00 rod for $238.42 with 10% veteran’s discount!