Kistler rods is doing 50% off sales, but charges $30 shipping for <$200 orders. Very intriguing, but should I spend $150 + 30 for the Helium, or just spend $200 to get the z bone and free shipping? They seem to share the same blanks, other components are similar as well. What justify the over $100 MSRP differences?

I picked up a KLX and a helium myself this morning.

My understanding is they now use the same blank for the helium as the Z bone the only difference being the guide train.

I haven’t fished a Kistler  with the new Texas composites made blanks but $250 for a KLX and a helium and free shipping is a no-brainer.

1 hour ago, newapti5 said:

They seem to share the same blanks,

 

They have different handles and guides.  I use Helium & KLX almost exclusively.

 

Drop Kistler an email and ask yourself.  They're good about replying back.

I would definitely upgrade to the Zbone for $20. 

Can’t comment on the difference between helium and z bone, but I got a zbone spinning rod a couple years ago and was very impressed. Ordered the 7’0” MH casting rod for Black Friday. Replacing a legend elite that I didn’t get along with. Handle was too big for my dainty hands. 

Sale has passed, but here's 2c anyway: 

 

For $20 yeah always get the z-bone. 

 

For me, I can't tell the difference between a helium and a z-bone in the same config. Both are great, and I care zero about high grade cork in the z-bone. I grab them interchangeably. 

 

It's really hard to buy a bottom contact rod from anyone else... the way the rod loads is great, customer service is great, owner is great, sensitivity is a++.

 

I wish they did more mod-fast rods with high end blanks/guide trains. The two Nitraniums I have are amazing, but that line needs some big rods too, for deep cranks or 6" soft swimbaits. I was skeptical of the recoil guides, now I love them. 

 

 

The difference between the Helium and Z bone was actually $ 50. 

Why did missed this sale!!!! 

1 hour ago, Gera said:

Why did missed this sale!!!! 

 

Subscribe to Kistler's emails.  He has sales throughout the year.

$200 flat for a z-bone shipped. Good deal!