Got super excited when I found a KLX for around $160.00, so I started researching these rods and found some people saying they use foreign blanks now. Is this true and have they declined in quality in recent years?

 

This would be a spinning setup for finesse and senkos. I would much rather buy something made locally here in Texas, just wanting to make sure it’s still quality.

They are wrapped/assembled in USA, blanks are sourced from overseas now if you call that a decline. I believe this isn't the first time kistler using blanks from overseas.

Saw that exact same rod on TW and I looked into them too for the same application as you. They are made here about an hour from my house. 
 

Let me know if you get one and how you like it. I ordered a Falcon Expert instead, just because I’m more familiar with Falcon 

Kistler used NFC blanks before they made the switch to a off shore source. I've owned Z bones with both the NFC and the new source and I'm hard pressed to tell much difference. But they are still assembled in Texas as far as  I know 

I have 2 Kistlers, bought last spring. Not spinning though. 1 is a Helium weightless worm/senko rod, light MH. Super sensitive and light.

Second one is a KLX ML I use for neds. Again excellent. Yes, blanks are imported, Japan I think, but rods are made in Texas. E mail them with questions, I did and readily got answers. Good company.

I have 28 Kistler rods going back to their original Magnesium TS.  I don't know where they sourced their blanks from, but I know they were all made here in the US.  Kistler's lowest priced rods are now made overseas.

 

Drop Kistler an email with any questions you have.  You will get a reply, probably from Reuben.  Their customer service is exceptional.

The klx series are 100% Japanese toray blanks rolled in Korea. I jumped on the kistler train a few years back (I currently own 4 heliums) and have been impressed at the performance, blank quality, and bang for buck value. The only rods of theirs that is 100% made in the USA is the abrams series at about twice the cost as the klx. Edit: not 100%, blank only guides and seat are fuji.

Ok awesome, I’ll be purchasing if still available. I also called and spoke to Reuben, they sound like good people so I’ll be happy to support them and also get a great rod out of it!

Y'all crack me up. Worrying about if a rod is American made or not but then will drop LOADS of money on anything from the JDM market you can get your hands on.😂 (I'm guilty of it too!) You mention JDM and BFS in the same sentence and my ears perk up like a German shepherd watchin Narcos on netflix.

Kistler rods are excellent. Like Rangerjockey said I have Treys rods built on NFC and the made in S. Korea w Toray carbon. Mine are spinning and his are the only split grip I like. Both are Helium rods and are very good rods. Call them and talk to them, they’re friendly people. 

1 hour ago, IYAOYAS said:

Worrying about if a rod is American made or not but then will drop LOADS of money on anything from the JDM market you can get your hands on.😂

How many choices do we have for American made reels?

 

I know there are still a few hard bait companies manufacturing their stuff here.

2 hours ago, Bass Rutten said:

The only rods of theirs that is 100% made in the USA is the abrams series at about twice the cost as the klx.

Are you saying that the only Kistler rod that’s made in US or that the Abrams is the only one made with 100% American components?

6 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

Are you saying that the only Kistler rod that’s made in US or that the Abrams is the only one made with 100% American components?

A manufacturer of any product cannot legally use "Made in the USA" on their product unless all or virtually all components are made in the US, or the amount of foreign content is negligible. That's why most kistler rods say "Assembled in the USA". The abrams rods blanks are made by composite forge in Texas and have fuji components. Edited for clarity.

My Helium is one of my favorite rods. Their shop is about 30 minutes from my house. When I was trying to decide what rod and power/action to get, I spoke with Trey about what I wanted it for (Texas rigs and jigs, no more than 1/2 oz.) and he recommended the Helium TCJ. It’s been a perfect rod for the applications I fish with it. The shop was spotless as well, which always tells me good things. 

ALX rods are made in the USA, other than the lowest end models, I believe. 
and several reels are made in the USA, although I don’t own any of them. 
I’ve got 7 ALX rods. Very nice in my opinion, and excellent customer service.

Cashion is made in USA. They roll their own blanks

13 hours ago, IYAOYAS said:

Y'all crack me up. Worrying about if a rod is American made or not but then will drop LOADS of money on anything from the JDM market you can get your hands on.😂 (I'm guilty of it too!) You mention JDM and BFS in the same sentence and my ears perk up like a German shepherd watchin Narcos on netflix.

Well there’s a simple explanation… I’ve cracked the system. Japanese reels and American rods. Perfect combo. 
 

I don’t most people’s philosophy, but mine is simply that I prefer my money going to the US, Japan, or South Korea. I like to avoid China WHEN POSSIBLE (obviously can’t be avoided completely, as I type this on a phone made in China) 

2 hours ago, dk2429 said:

Well there’s a simple explanation… I’ve cracked the system. Japanese reels and American rods. Perfect combo. 
 

I don’t most people’s philosophy, but mine is simply that I prefer my money going to the US, Japan, or South Korea. I like to avoid China WHEN POSSIBLE (obviously can’t be avoided completely, as I type this on a phone made in China) 

I'm the same way. 

Trey must have seen this thread because he just posted a video in socials about being made in America 

I did end up speaking with Reuben, who kindly answered all of my questions. After speaking with them, I have no concerns about the quality of their rods and ended up placing an order for a Helium rod in addition to the KLX. I’ll be sure to update after putting them to use!