We’ve been looking to add some new rods to our personal arsenal around here and just when we had narrowed down our choices, we get wind of a new offering from the folks at Kistler. They are introducing a new series that is very affordably priced between $149 – $179.
Before we get into the details of these new sticks, most of you will know the name Kistler from their now infamous Z-Bone series of custom built rods. Yes, these are a custom-built rod that carries with it a custom price.
While this may be out of the reach of a lot of folks, for those who are fortunate enough to own one of more of these sticks, they will tell you how much they enjoy fishing them, that the build quality is unsurpassed, and perhaps most importantly, the customer service is truly outstanding.
KLX-Loomis And Kistler Colaborate
With this kind of background, these new KLX’s (meaning the “Kistler-Loomis Xperience”) are more than a little intriguing. No doubt you recognize “Loomis” in this acronym. That is because these rods are a collaborative effort with North Fork Composites LLC and its master rod blank designer legend, Gary Loomis.
The blank that anchors the new KLX’s is called the T800 Hybrid High-Modulus blank. Kistler then adds top shelf components to the blank. Guides are Fuji’s K-Style Tangle Free Micro Guides that are designed to withstand the rigors of fishing with braids and superlines. The guide frames are 304 stain-less with proven Alconite inserts.
According to Kistler, “Our Fuji guide train provides perfect flexure along the entire blank culminating with out rugged tip. This means the blank works as designed, not just at the tip, mid-section or the butt section.”
Kistler employs a modified Fuji ECSM 16 blank-exposed reel seat. An EVA foam screw down hood covers the forward reel seat threads rendering it seamless and comfortable. The handle is a split-grip design that makes use of Portugese Grade-A natural cork which transmits vibration from the blank to the user with amazing efficiency.
The handle is ergonomically shaped to provide the angler all day comfort and an EVA butt cap adorns the rear of the rod, great for those who like to anchor the butt somewhere in the torso when fighting fish.
When Cheap Doesn’t Mean Cheap
These rods are the epitome of form following function. Understated elegance, simple yet classic. They don’t need a lot of bling to impress and the reality is that if Kistler had chosen to add a lot of bling, they most likely would not have been able to hold the price so low on the KLX.
There is an amazing selection of technique specific rods to choose from that will meet all your angling needs. Add to that the fact that these sticks are all hand built here in the U.S.A. Between the price and Kistler’s well-deserved reputation for rod-building, if your budget is somewhere in the $150 range, you really owe it to yourself to take a serious look at these rods.
According to Trey Kistler, “The KLX isn’t an over-priced, mass produced, cookie-cutter rod kludged together is some crowded overseas factory by just anyone off the streets. Our KLX’s are hand-built; each with old world craftsmanship by rod smiths with toms of experience fashioning the best rods in the world.”
As of this writing, the KLX’s are a factory-to-customer direct only line. In other words, if you want one of these sticks, ya gotta order it direct from the factory. You can reach Kistler through the internet at www.kistlerrods.com or give ‘em a call at 281-259-8033.
We’re puttin’ in our order and will bring you a full on the water review when we have had the opportunity to fish these sticks for a while. Hopefully, you’ll be looking forward to it as much as we are!
See ya’ on the water …