LAO, I too am a huge Kistler fan. I currently have 18 of them. However, I understand your point and you articulated it very well. As a fan and owner/user of their products and someone that has had to use their customer service/warranty (I broke a rod) I too have wondered about the seemingly constant changes.

I think I'm still hung up on the loose reel seat myths and mystery blank discussions (fact or fiction???) of a few years ago

Because I do like the features of Kistler rods, I do look out for "opportunities," but because of MY uncertainty, there needs to be a much bigger risk premium (discount). I actually made an offer on one yesterday, but it was declined

In MY mind, I would be comfortable paying close to retail to get a Cumara for its split grip & handle styling. To buy a Kistler, I would be looking for a discount in the 50% range... However, If I had good experiences with Kistler, the discount for the 2nd rod may not need to be as great. I'm cheap, so there always needs to be a discount

Personally, I'd like to see all manufacturers offer more information about their rods. I think it is especially important to provide information when a national presence has not been established or a product does not have a long enough track record. I think companies like Acadia Sports and B&R Outlaw do a great job at spinning their products towards budget consumers who don't have a lot of experience. They may? be a great value at their price points... However, neither offers enough information and facts to convince avid fishermen to abandon their established brands. Sometimes, I think the Kistler message is also like this informercial format.

Although I can be impulsive at times, most of the time I have to weight the pros & cons. The process would be easier if more info was available.  Maybe I need to go be spontaneous... ;D

LAO162,

I have an idea, and I'm not kidding......

You tell me what your favorite technique is. I will try to match ONE OF MY PERSONAL RODS for that technique.

I will send you ONE OF MY PERSONAL RODS for you to use for a period of time, call it a loaner so you can feel a Kistler first hand without the monetary committment. Course, we would have to iron out a few more minor details.....

I'm serious 8-), so, it's up to you at this point.

Wow, Bassnleo that is a very generous offer

We still have so much ice that it is too early for me to even consider your offer at this point.  I might be tempted in a month or two since I need to purchase casting reels before more rods...  I will say that your offer has shown the passion that Kistler fans have in the products and that is giving me more comfort.   How about this, I'll spend some time going through the Kistler forums before hijacking another Kistler thread  ;D  Maybe this spring you'll get a  PM or two from me  ;D  Thanks

Leon

I own two Kistler spinning rods and am very happy with the performance. That being said, I am not as satisfied with the warranty service. I purchased one of my rods from a friend still in plastic wrap and tags attached. The rod tip broke on a hookset. I called Kistler and explained my delima, not the original purchasre but in fact the actual "original owner" having purchsed the rod as it came from kistler in it's factory packaging. I was told in no uncertain terms to bugger off!!  I can understand the position they took but they were very unyeilding  on their stance. It's very hard to believe that my word counted for absolutly nothing!!  I guess I shouldhave just lied and told them "yea, I purchased the rod from you, it broke, send me my new rod". I this case honesty was not the best policy. I will continue to purchase Kistler products if it suites my needs, but I will fill out my warranty info and be relentless in my pursuit of it's fullfilment if I need to make a claim. So dot your I's and cross your T's when it comes to warranty's!!

Wow, Bassnleo that is a very generous offer

We still have so much ice that it is too early for me to even consider your offer at this point. I might be tempted in a month or two since I need to purchase casting reels before more rods... I will say that your offer has shown the passion that Kistler fans have in the products and that is giving me more comfort. How about this, I'll spend some time going through the Kistler forums before hijacking another Kistler thread ;D Maybe this spring you'll get a PM or two from me ;D Thanks

Leon

Contact me whenever