just yesterday i had my first rod ever break on me(st. croix premiere). needless to say i wasnt very happy about , now i have narrowed my choices for my next rod down to 2 choices which are the Kistler Manesium TS or the St. croix avid.  which do you think is the better rod? any bit of input would be appreciated.  8-)

That has got to be even.

Either way you go, you are going to be in good territory.

You will have more rod options with the st croix. The kistler magnesiums dont come in many choices.

I don't think that you can go wrong with either. Depending of what you want it for, one may have a little advantage over the other. I love the handle and the lightness of the Kistler.

When my Premier broke last year I sent it back to St. Croix and withing 4 days someone called me from St. Croix saying that for about $50 I could upgrade to the Avid and that's what I did. Try that and save some serious $, those Avids are sweeeeeeet.

i really wanted a kistler but after reading about how you have to tape your handel to get the reel to sit properly ,,, i said forget that .... the avid is a killer rod and my favorite ....

St. Croix all the way.....the only rod i fish with....i have a bunch...... and all of them are my favorite!!!!!

St Croix hands down. Kistler doesn't even use Fuji components, instead they use lower quality Batson components. The Avid has a Fuji reel seat and Alconite guides. Avid is a great rod for the money.  

After buying my first Kistler rod, a 7' MH Graphite Special, back in September I will never buy another brand. It is so sensitive and light it's almost unbelievable, I strongly reccommend the Kistler.

And I have never had or heard of anyone having problems with their reels not sitting right on a Kistler rod :-?

I have several Avids and like them alot.  I bought my first Kistler last year and have since bought four more.  I have been extremely satisified with my Kistlers and will probably never buy another St. Croix again.

I own numerous Kistlers, you won't be disappointed.

I also have never heard of having to tape the reel seat like mentioned above.

I refer you back to your "breaking' the rod.

If you buy an avid or higher St. Croix and break it for any reason they will replace it for $20 bucks plus shipping.

If you break your kistler.  You buy another one.

For some guys this is not an issue.  for me, well let's just say it is.

(That's how come I know their policy so well)  :-/

i thought kistler had a "no hassle limited lifetime warranty"????

they do, but I have never had to deal with the warranty because my Kistler is still goin strong.

even your Kistler will break in a car door or under a guy's foot - I believe that's where Avid was going.

"no hassle limited lifetime warranty"????

I believe that means limited to what THEY determine to be a defect... which is rarely what breaks a rod!

from Kistler:

This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the rod only and does not cover consequential or incidental damages, which Kistler Custom Fishing Rods shall not be held liable for. This warranty is not intended to cover accidental breakage by abuse or neglect.

(note that even a true defect will cost you $50 plus outbound shipping to get replaced) Full policy:

Warranty

World Class "No Hassle" Warranty

Kistler Rods guarantees that you will be completely satisfied with your purchase. When your order arrives, inspect it carefully. If you are not completely satisfied, return any unused item within 10 days for exchange or refund. Please include a copy of sales receipt for proper credit. Shipping charges incurred due to the return of merchandise are the responsibility of the customer in most cases.

Kistler rods are individually inspected to insure that the highest quality of standards is exceeded. Should a problem occur with your rod during the first 90 days of fishing due to defects in materials or workmanship, the rod will be repaired or replaced Hassle Free at no charge. (FREE)

Most warranty failures occur during the first few uses as a result of defective materials or workmanship. If you have a problem after the 90 days yet less than one year of fishing, Kistler Rods will offer you a No Hassle replacement for a $35.00 deductible plus the $15 to cover return postage.

Blank failure after extensive use is usually caused by outside influences such as damaging bumps and nicks as well as over compounding the natural bend of the rod blank. All of the rods carry a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty applies to the original full price purchaser only. Rods that are repairable will be done so at a no charge except the return postage.

This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the rod only and does not cover consequential or incidental damages, which Kistler Custom Fishing Rods shall not be held liable for. This warranty is not intended to cover accidental breakage by abuse or neglect.

To process a warranty effectively, please send the rod to our warranty department. Include your full name, full shipping and mailing address and a daytime phone number. Also, include a check or money order for $15.00 to cover return postage and the $35.00 to cover your deductible if applicable in your situation. These items will help to expedite your warranty claim with a one week turnaround (with in-stock items) once we receive your rod.

Send to: Kistler Rods Warranty Department

20555 FM 1488 #2

Magnolia, TX 77355

I have a Kistler Helium LTA and love it.  A guide insert popped out last year--Kistler promply addressed the problem--no hassle.  I have never had a problem with the reel seet.  I also have legend elite and premier rods.  Love these as well.  Can't go worng either way IMO.  Comes down to preference

I have two Avids and two Legends from St Croix. After using the Legend, I am a little spoiled and consider the Avid less desirable. The Legend does not have the "hump" and after using the Avid, I am not sure I like that detail.