Kistler Helium 2 LTX Rod vs. St. Croix Legend Elite

June 13, 2006

I was thinking bout picking one up today and was wondering how nice the rod is? Anyone in here use or have used one? Just wanted to ask a few questions before I pop $340.00 on one is all.

Or, should I go with the St. Croix Legend Elite 7' MF rod?

They're about the same price.

Right now, I'm using 2 St. Croix Premier 6'6" MF spinning and baitcasting rods..

OR should I just invest in two good reels? One Spinning and one bait casting and keep the two St. Croix Premier rods?

turn_in_poachers · June 13, 2006

Dude, personally I dont think the Kistler LTX rods are worth it. You can get the same performance from their LTA rods for $100 less. But if youre a big fan of the split grip, no foregrip.....look at the Powell Max Series rods. The Shimano Crucial's are nice rods. And cant go wrong with G. Loomis rods. How was camping up north?

June 13, 2006

Quote:

Dude, personally I dont think the Kistler LTX rods are worth it. You can get the same performance from their LTA rods for $100 less. But if youre a big fan of the split grip, no foregrip.....look at the Powell Max Series rods. The Shimano Crucial's are nice rods. And cant go wrong with G. Loomis rods. How was camping up north?

Camping up north was fun... I went to Shakopee Lake but Kathio.. Man, the BASS were hugh

jdoyle5599 · June 13, 2006

I agree not enough difference - stick with the LTA series -They are great rods.

turn_in_poachers · June 13, 2006

Well lets see the pictures! Are you free Friday? I got friday off. You can doodle around with my LTA and my Powell spinning rod. see if you like them. Give me a call.

June 13, 2006

Quote:

Well lets see the pictures! Are you free Friday? I got friday off. You can doodle around with my LTA and my Powell spinning rod. see if you like them. Give me a call.

Friday night?? I am free after 4:00pm because I work 7-4.. hehe. we can hit up a lake or something

thewalleyeguy · June 13, 2006

Im a big supporter of St.Croix and I believe you can't go wrong with them.

turn_in_poachers · June 13, 2006

Lets go friday if youre free. I got a job interview, but its done at 11am. We can hit somewhere close. Give me a call.

river rat316 · June 14, 2006

Check out Setyr, a lot less money and a better rod to boot!!

June 14, 2006

Well, I did it!! I went to return my broken Fenwick rod yesterday at Joes Sporting Goods and notice a sign "Buy 1st rod at full price and get second rod for 1/2 off" so I asked about it.. It applies to the higher end rods so I ended up picking up a 7' MF St. Croix Legend Tournament baitcaster and a 7' MHM spinning rod for about 320.00 which is the same price as the St. Croix Legend Elites... Man, I'm so excited.. Now, I just need a GOOD reel.

crabapplecrappie · June 14, 2006

Kistlers are over rated, they use inferior blanks and aren't worth the money.

June 14, 2006

Quote:

Kistlers are over rated, they use inferior blanks and aren't worth the money.

its a good thing I didn't buy it.. the LTA series felt big so that was why I didn't purchase it

bronzeback01 · June 18, 2006

Ok, I have my fair share of input on this subject.

I fish Kistler rods exclusively. Having originally fished St. Croix and then switching to Fenwick, I finally settled with Kistler. Not that any of the other mentioned rods aren't good rods, but they do not compare to Kistler when compared in price. The LTX series is Kistlers new high end rod line, the rods are incredibly light, weighing on average 3.5 oz. If you are willing to pay the $350 price tag then these are the rods for you.I personally prefer the LTA and new Magnesium rods. The LTA's are Light and sensitive weighing about .5 oz more than the LTX rods. The Magnesium rods are almost identical in weight and perfofmance as the LTA's, but the mags have a different finish and also come with a split grip. The LTA's start at about $219 and the Magnesiuns start at around $170. These rods are very much worth the money and I would recomend them to any one.

I noticed a few statements were made that I do not at all agree with. Someone said that Kistler uses an inferior blank? Inferior to what? Trey (Trey Kistler) Who I have personally talked to on different ocasions has not ever relessed the name of the company who makes their blanks, so how would you have any idea about the blank quality without cutting one in half?

Also the statement was made that Setyr was a better rod and for less money.Setyr rods run at the higher end about the same price as a Kistler LTA. Seter rods are made by designers of the old Rogue rod company. Setyr completely ripped off kistler rods. Setyr coppied the no foregrip design and even started using Baton components, the same components as Kistler. The difference in blanks is weight and taper. Kistlers are lighter and have a much faster taper. Setyrs are like picking up a IM7 Fenwick blank. I have studdied and reasearched both these rods and Kistler won hands down. So before you make a starement like "Setyr is better for the money" maybe you should do a little research and look at both of the rods first.

Also someone said the rods are big? They look big, this was my first opinion of them as well. However this is because of the fast taper blank which is somewhat large comming out of the reel seat. But make no mistake, these rods are very light.

If anyone has any more questions are statements, please feel free to direct them to me on this post.

ocf · June 18, 2006

Im a cheap guy, 1 rod, 1 reel and my rod is probably worth 25$(i dont really know its price, Its a 6' medium action) my reel is 60$ some ppl call e crazy but it works i do dream about getting a nice 300$ baitcasting combo and a 300$ spinning combo

senkoskipper · June 18, 2006

Quote:

Ok, I have my fair share of input on this subject.

I fish Kistler rods exclusively. Having originally fished St. Croix and then switching to Fenwick, I finally settled with Kistler. Not that any of the other mentioned rods aren't good rods, but they do not compare to Kistler when compared in price. The LTX series is Kistlers new high end rod line, the rods are incredibly light, weighing on average 3.5 oz. If you are willing to pay the $350 price tag then these are the rods for you.I personally prefer the LTA and new Magnesium rods. The LTA's are Light and sensitive weighing about .5 oz more than the LTX rods. The Magnesium rods are almost identical in weight and perfofmance as the LTA's, but the mags have a different finish and also come with a split grip. The LTA's start at about $219 and the Magnesiuns start at around $170. These rods are very much worth the money and I would recomend them to any one.

I noticed a few statements were made that I do not at all agree with. Someone said that Kistler uses an inferior blank? Inferior to what? Trey (Trey Kistler) Who I have personally talked to on different ocasions has not ever relessed the name of the company who makes their blanks, so how would you have any idea about the blank quality without cutting one in half?

Also the statement was made that Setyr was a better rod and for less money.Setyr rods run at the higher end about the same price as a Kistler LTA. Seter rods are made by designers of the old Rogue rod company. Setyr completely ripped off kistler rods. Setyr coppied the no foregrip design and even started using Baton components, the same components as Kistler. The difference in blanks is weight and taper. Kistlers are lighter and have a much faster taper. Setyrs are like picking up a IM7 Fenwick blank. I have studdied and reasearched both these rods and Kistler won hands down. So before you make a starement like "Setyr is better for the money" maybe you should do a little research and look at both of the rods first.

Also someone said the rods are big? They look big, this was my first opinion of them as well. However this is because of the fast taper blank which is somewhat large comming out of the reel seat. But make no mistake, these rods are very light.

If anyone has any more questions are statements, please feel free to direct them to me on this post.

Hey bronzeback, im no expert on rods and you seem to know a lot about these kisler rods. But just because trey kisler hasnt released the name of the company who makes their blanks doesnt mean its a big secret. There are no more secrets so comparing his blanks to other blanks wouldnt be very difficult. Its kinda like people arguing about which company makes the best TV's...it really doesnt matter because there are only 3 companies in the world that makes tv screens and all the manufacurers buy from them. I would assume fishing blanks are the same, buy the blank and slap your company name on it and there you go man...a rod so deadly that its banned in all sactioned fishing tournaments!!!

bronzeback01 · June 18, 2006

Ocf, Nothing wrong with a cheaper rod/reel set up. If I wasn't tournament fishing every weekend I wouldn't think of buying a $400-$500 set up. But bass fishing is my thing and and that is what I spend my money on. In tournament fishing confidence is everything, and I put most of my confidence in my equipment and tackle. And buy knowing I am fishing the best I can place all errors and mistakes on myself and not the idea that maybe I didnt feel the bite right away or something like that.

Senkoskipper, If it's no big secret, then who makes them?

I also build custom rods and that is why I tried to get the manufacturers name. Yes, there are only a limited number of companys who manufacture rod blanks, but the number is signifagantly greater than "3". The kistler rod blanks from what I have been able to gather are also an exclusive blank that is manufactured only for Kistler rods. This being the reason that you will see actions and tapers that you wont see on any other rods. The specs on the blanks, components, and manufacturing of Kistler rods is greater than you will see on most production rods.

As for the pure quality of the blanks, yes you can see quality difference buy just looking at a blank, but you'd better know what you're looking for.

With all the new rod lines and manufacturers popping up recently, one can get confused with price and quality. But seriously, do a little research, play with a bunch of different rods at sports shows of tackle shops to see what you like best. Don't buy something just because it's expensive or someone told you it's good. Buy it because it fits your needs and because it's what you want.I have found that Kistlers fit me the best and that is what I will continue to use.

The original post was between St. Croix legend elite and Kistler LTA's. Like I said before, I used to use St.Croix rods. I used Avid series because in my opinion you get more for your money with the Avids than you do with the Legends. Once again, my opinion. If you are a walleye fisherman, use St.Croix. The actions have a slower taper and are suited more for jigging and fishing lighter baits.

I however, am a bass fisherman. I like a fast taper in a rod which gives me a ton of backbone for horsing those pigs out of cover, but still gives me a softer more sensitive tip so I can pitch those baits farther with more accuracy.

Like I said before, if anyone has any questions or a ligitimate arguement, feel free to continue this post.

P.S. If you really want to debate which rod is better. G. Loomis and kistler are about dead even as far as weight and quality are concerned. G.Loomis is an industry standard for which all rods are compared, even Kistlers.

river rat316 · June 18, 2006

Quote:

Ok, I have my fair share of input on this subject.

I fish Kistler rods exclusively. Having originally fished St. Croix and then switching to Fenwick, I finally settled with Kistler. Not that any of the other mentioned rods aren't good rods, but they do not compare to Kistler when compared in price. The LTX series is Kistlers new high end rod line, the rods are incredibly light, weighing on average 3.5 oz. If you are willing to pay the $350 price tag then these are the rods for you.I personally prefer the LTA and new Magnesium rods. The LTA's are Light and sensitive weighing about .5 oz more than the LTX rods. The Magnesium rods are almost identical in weight and perfofmance as the LTA's, but the mags have a different finish and also come with a split grip. The LTA's start at about $219 and the Magnesiuns start at around $170. These rods are very much worth the money and I would recomend them to any one.

I noticed a few statements were made that I do not at all agree with. Someone said that Kistler uses an inferior blank? Inferior to what? Trey (Trey Kistler) Who I have personally talked to on different ocasions has not ever relessed the name of the company who makes their blanks, so how would you have any idea about the blank quality without cutting one in half?

Also the statement was made that Setyr was a better rod and for less money.Setyr rods run at the higher end about the same price as a Kistler LTA. Seter rods are made by designers of the old Rogue rod company. Setyr completely ripped off kistler rods. Setyr coppied the no foregrip design and even started using Baton components, the same components as Kistler. The difference in blanks is weight and taper. Kistlers are lighter and have a much faster taper. Setyrs are like picking up a IM7 Fenwick blank. I have studdied and reasearched both these rods and Kistler won hands down. So before you make a starement like "Setyr is better for the money" maybe you should do a little research and look at both of the rods first.

Also someone said the rods are big? They look big, this was my first opinion of them as well. However this is because of the fast taper blank which is somewhat large comming out of the reel seat. But make no mistake, these rods are very light.

If anyone has any more questions are statements, please feel free to direct them to me on this post.

Your statement about Setyr ripping off Kistler with the no foregrip is about as silly as Ive seen on here! The split grip with no foregrip has been around for along time, who did Kistler rip it off from? Also I do firmly believe that Setyr's are better than Kistler for the money, just my opinion dont get your panties in a bunch cause people dont like the same rods you do.

bronzeback01 · June 18, 2006

The no foregrip and split grip have been around for years but kistler was the first major manufacturer to market the no foregrip idea. As for the rip off part, when you make a rod that looks identical to someone you are trying to compete with and even go as far as using identical components, then yes, I would say they are ripping them off.

But I guess the Setyr web site does say they use "Forecast" components and doesn't mention Batson. Oh wait, Batson's high end components are called "Forecast".

I have had this arguement before and it's an easy one to prove. Just put Identical rods side by side, The comparison is obvious. Take for example the Setyr Tactical series 7' Heavy power carolina rig rod (lists for $189) And compare to a Kistler Magnesium 7' Heavy power Magnum carolina rig rod (lists for $179). I use the Magnesium and Tactical series rods because they are the most similar as far as action components and price are concerned. Put the two side beside, look very similar as far as looks are concerned, actions, much the same, now pick them up. Wow, the kistler weighs about a third as much as the Setyr. Now tap the floor or some other hard object with the tips, the sensitivity is much better in the Kistler. This is from experiance, not just because I don't like to loose an arguement.

Now look at sales, How many people have actually heard of Setyr??? Not many. Is this just because they're new? Not really, Setyr has been around for years. They have always made Salmon/Steelhead rods. Not until recently have they started making bass rods. They have been doing it about as long as Kistler has.

As for Kistler, the company started in 99'. Trey left All Star rods to go on his own. They have had a slower start, but now that people are using their rods with success, the company is growing with leaps and bounds. The company reported a 50% increase in sales from last year. Just because of the name and high price tag? I don't think so.

And as far as service goes goes. I spent nearly ten minutes in the Setyr booth at the Sports Show this winter and not a single rep offered me any assistance or asked if I had any questions. And it wasn't because they were busy, two of the four reps were sitting there talking to each other.

As for my Kistler experiance, Trey Kistler has personally called me to help assist me with making exactly the right rod purchase. And Clifford (second in command) has called me at least twice to make sure a transaction we had was going as scheduled and to make sure I had no additional questions or issues. Now thats customer service!!!

I am not trying to bash Setyr or any other rod manufacturer here. They make good rods I'm not denying that. But to say Setyr is a better rod than Kistler, c'mon.

I understand that you prefer them and that's cool, to each his own. But preferance and actual seperiority are two different things.

As for the "don't get your pantys in a bunch" slam. C'mon man, is an attempten insult the best you can do? Just because you cant make a solid educated arguement?

ocf · June 19, 2006

LoL i lost my top rod eye awhile ago and it was thrown away so i dug through the trash and found it, i made myself a promise to buy myself a nice rod reel next year probably 200$ cant wait, some gloomis i know but not sure the reel( it will be the spinning

senkoskipper · June 19, 2006

ofc - I'd opt for st croix avid series rods instead of the gloomis. Since you say your a cheap person i'd think you'll be happy to hear that st croix only charges 20.00 to replace rod under warranty if it breaks, where gloomis is 50.00.

bronze - can you email me [email protected] - I would like to pick your brain a little about rod info if you do nt mind. thanks.

bronzeback01 · June 19, 2006

I use Daiwa Sol 2000 reels on all my spinning rigs. I use this reel not because of price (list for about $200) but because they incorporate a 100% sealed bearing system. This insures no water or dibris gets inside your bearing system. This may not seem like a big deal, but last winter I droped a rod in the water, it was a Abu Garcia Cardinal, buy the end of the day the bearings were shot. Sounds unlikely, but that cold water did something to them and it has never worked the same again, even after I completely dis assembled it and re lubed the whole reel, as well as removed and cleaned the bearings. After that I went out and bought 2 Sol's, and I am so glad I did.

However, if I was to buy a new reel at a lower price, Abu Garcia is the way to go. The new Cardinal 500 series reels are great (only about $60)I was just about to order 2 of them when I tried the sol's and made the switch.

So if your are more careful, or just less clumsy than I am, Go with the Cardinals.

June 19, 2006

thanks for all that replied..

I ended up picking up the St. Croix Legend Tournament 7' MF "teaser" rod. I coupled it with a Team Daiwa-Z103H rod. OMG this reel is only 6.2oz!!!

I also picked up a St. Croix Legend Tournament 7' MHM spinning rod coupled with a Daiwa Certate 2000 reel. I haven't had a chance to play with them yet so I can't write a review yet.. It did set me back about 1200.00 though Here are some pictures

For those who want BIG pictures, click the link below.

http://www.metro-comp.com/net/rod_01_big.JPG

http://www.metro-comp.com/net/rod_02_big.JPG

bronzeback01 · June 19, 2006

No expense spared!!!

Let me know how the 103 and the Certete work out for you. I had been looking at both of those reels. I ended up with a couple Fuego's and a pair of Sol spinning reels insted just because of the smaller size matched my rods better. But I am still interested in knowing how you like the two you bought. Both looked and felt great in the show room.

You can never go wrong with Daiwa!!!

HawgTide · June 19, 2006