Kistler helium 3, shimano Expride or megabass orochi xx ?? 2024
Ksam1234 reply :
So I have narrowed it down to either of these two. I’m looking for a good pitching /flipping rod or just an all around good rod for T rigs and jigs. I have heard both of these are decent. I am getting the perfect pitch in the orochi lineup or a 7ft 3 H in the helium 3 lineup , anyone who has used either of these how do they compare ? Sensitivity ? Easy to palm ? Lightweight etc
DogBone_384 reply :
I own Kistler Mg2’s, H2’s and H3’s. They’re great rods, light and a feather and super sensitive. Build quality is top notch.
My favorite is a 6’9” MH/ XF. It’s got a short handle that makes it very comfortable while kayak fishing.
Being US made is a bonus.
Dens228 reply :
I love my St Croix rods, that being said earlier this year I bought a couple of Levante 19's and absolutely love them.
I ruined it by buying an Orochi XX when I needed a rod and Levante had the recall. I bought the Braillist. I have a Braillist in both the Levante 19 and the Orochi XX. The Orochi is far and away my favorite rod.
Fishingmickey reply :
I can only speak for the Kistler Helium3's. Love mine. I suspect the other two rods you named from what I have read on here are no slouches either.
FM
Skunkd reply :
On 8/22/2019 at 7:16 PM, DogBone_384 said:I own Kistler Mg2’s, H2’s and H3’s. They’re great rods, light and a feather and super sensitive. Build quality is top notch.
My favorite is a 6’9” MH/ XF. It’s got a short handle that makes it very comfortable while kayak fishing.
Being US made is a bonus.
2X on the 6'9" MH/XF Helium. Bought mine for the kayak too. Its my go to T-Rig/ Jig rod.
BaitFinesse reply :
Once you go Megabass it is hard to look at other rods. No matter how good the blanks on other rods may be then end up looking like $30 walmart sticks in comparison. That Megabass build quality will get ya.
LegendaryBassin reply :
Expride or Megabass XX would be my choice. Both are fantastic!
KP Duty reply :
The kistler probably has the best blank of the bunch (nfc IM). Blank alone is $200 if you ordered from North Fork directly. I'm not a fan of the 'garage build' look that kistlers have, but that's just my opinion. All the models mentioned should perform well...its a shame you cant handle them to help make a decision.
Ksam1234 reply :
On 8/22/2019 at 11:36 PM, KP Duty said:The kistler probably has the best blank of the bunch (nfc IM). Blank alone is $200 if you ordered from North Fork directly. I'm not a fan of the 'garage build' look that kistlers have, but that's just my opinion. All the models mentioned should perform well...its a shame you cant handle them to help make a decision.
Yeah I know I wish I could , I don’t have any decent tackle stores around that carry those. I talk to Gary from tackle trap and he had high things to say about the orochi xx .. made the decision even harder lol
STBen1215 reply :
On 8/22/2019 at 11:36 PM, KP Duty said:The kistler probably has the best blank of the bunch (nfc IM). Blank alone is $200 if you ordered from North Fork directly. I'm not a fan of the 'garage build' look that kistlers have, but that's just my opinion. All the models mentioned should perform well...its a shame you cant handle them to help make a decision.
I highly disagree. The NFC blank is good but I think the Expride and the MB utilize a better blank. Because NFC attempts to sell a blank at $200 mean nothing.
bwjay reply :
I have 3 Helium3s and I love them (6'8LMHF, 6'9MHXF, 7'HXF). I don't know about "garage build"... the unpainted blank is unassuming and doesn't show smudges or scratches. The cork is quite nice. But what's more important is how they fish, and I've found them to be great rods. You'll find many reviews on the Kistler website of people talking about how great the action is, keeping fish pinned at all times, even doing topwater and treble baits with "XF" tapers. One guy said "when I forget to delay the hookset, this rod does it for me". When they're on sale (like for $250) with the member discount (just make an account on the site and you get a discount) they're a great deal IMO. I loved my 6'8MXF spinning Expride until I cracked it with a 1/6oz Ned rig hitting the blank trying to rip it out of a tree. It was a very light rod and quite sensitive. Plus it was a real looker. I don't think you can go wrong with a Helium3 or an Expride. The American-made lineage of the Helium3 adds a little pride for me, but that's just personal preference.
waymont reply :
Kistler H3 MH is great, they come in 6'8', 7', and 7'3". If you don't throw anything over a 3/8oz jig + trailer Kistler also has a Light Medium Heavy that is a perfect jig/t-rig rod. It has a taper similar to the G Loomis MBR rods, which is a fantastic rod style. They are really well made rods.
They can also do a lot of other stuff beside bottom contact fishing. Sensitivity, balance, and feel are great on them. I prefer the more classic look over the JDM style.
JLewis134 reply :
On 8/23/2019 at 3:50 AM, waymont said:Kistler H3 MH is great, they come in 6'8', 7', and 7'3". If you don't throw anything over a 3/8oz jig + trailer Kistler also has a Light Medium Heavy that is a perfect jig/t-rig rod. It has a taper similar to the G Loomis MBR rods, which is a fantastic rod style. They are really well made rods.
They can also do a lot of other stuff beside bottom contact fishing.
Megabass and Shimano are hard to beat. I'd go with the XX or Expride over the Kistler offering. All my rods are Megabass, St Croix, Shimano, and G Loomis. Wouldn't change them for anything.
Scrapiron reply :
I’ve used Kistler H3 & Zbones; MB Orochi and Destroyer lines.
Build quality and style points to MB for sure. Overall “fish-ability” goes to Kistler. Those rods flat out fish better IMHO.
I’ve kept my Kistlers. And yeah the Zbones are more $ than a US Destroyer, but I’d rate them higher than the MB X7 Destroyer line (at least the ones I’ve fished).
All rods mentioned are solid- you’ll catch fish on all of them and enjoy the rod if you do your part. We’re probably getting down to personal preferences...
JLewis134 reply :
On 8/23/2019 at 3:58 AM, Scrapiron said:I’ve used Kistler H3 & Zbones; MB Orochi and Destroyer lines.
Build quality and style points to MB for sure. Overall “fish-ability” goes to Kistler. Those rods flat out fish better IMHO.
I’ve kept my Kistlers. And yeah the Zbones are more $ than a US Destroyer, but I’d rate them higher than the MB X7 Destroyer line (at least the ones I’ve fished).
All rods mentioned are solid- you’ll catch fish on all of them and enjoy the rod if you do your part. We’re probably getting down to personal preferences...
I'd rate the Destroyers higher than the Z Bones and they are a much better value. Z Bones retail price are $550, the Destroyers are $399 and performance wise I prefer the Megabass. Plus, it's build quality and aesthetics are better.
Best thing is to try both and see what you like. To each its own.
JLewis134 reply :
On 8/23/2019 at 3:58 AM, Scrapiron said:I’ve used Kistler H3 & Zbones; MB Orochi and Destroyer lines.
Build quality and style points to MB for sure. Overall “fish-ability” goes to Kistler. Those rods flat out fish better IMHO.
I’ve kept my Kistlers. And yeah the Zbones are more $ than a US Destroyer, but I’d rate them higher than the MB X7 Destroyer line (at least the ones I’ve fished).
All rods mentioned are solid- you’ll catch fish on all of them and enjoy the rod if you do your part. We’re probably getting down to personal preferences...
Lol. To each its own. Both are great. Good luck fishing. Nobody is wrong just preferences. ????
Ksam1234 reply :
I went with the megabass orochi xx ! The perfect pitch rod, I can’t wsit to get it. It was a super hard decision, once I get it in person and if I decide I don’t like it then I will get the helium 3, it’s hard to choose bc I can’t handle them in person but I’m sure both are about equal and fish amazing. Now to find a decent reel to use haha
Mikeltee reply :
You will be hard pressed to find something better than the Kistler or Shimano. The only thing decent on your list is the megabass.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Kistler is WAY overrated. Wont be buying another even at 50% off. I have 7'3" LMH and no way would I say its super light weight. Balance is not very good on it either. This makes for not that great ergo while holding it. Craftsmanship is subpar for a $300 rod to boot. I would rather have another first gen 7' M/F Quantum Smoke rod mine fishes better than the Kistler. I bought it April my newest rod you would think it would be getting lots of use but havent even used it the past few weeks over 100 hours of fishing time combined. Very much regret buying it and I got it on sale like $213 and thats over priced.
JLewis134 reply :
On 8/23/2019 at 6:40 AM, Ksam1234 said:I went with the megabass orochi xx ! The perfect pitch rod, I can’t wsit to get it. It was a super hard decision, once I get it in person and if I decide I don’t like it then I will get the helium 3, it’s hard to choose bc I can’t handle them in person but I’m sure both are about equal and fish amazing. Now to find a decent reel to use haha
Great choice!
On 8/23/2019 at 8:02 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:Kistler is WAY overrated. Wont be buying another even at 50% off. I have 7'3" LMH and no way would I say its super light weight. Balance is not very good on it either. This makes for not that great ergo while holding it. Craftsmanship is subpar for a $300 rod to boot. I would rather have another first gen 7' M/F Quantum Smoke rod mine fishes better than the Kistler. I bought it April my newest rod you would think it would be getting lots of use but havent even used it the past few weeks over 100 hours of fishing time combined. Very much regret buying it and I got it on sale like $213 and thats over priced.
I tend to agree but they do have a following. Talked to Trey Kistler himself a few times and is a good guy from what I have experienced. But I have Zbones and Helium and not overly impressed. Mine balances good but the performance and sensitivity for the price is good but underwelming IMO considering the price. They are good but never get the boat ride just stay at the house unfortunately. Ultimately, everyone is entitled to there opinion and they will all differ which is why we have so many products on the market. Buy what you like and fish on ????
Mikeltee reply :
On 8/23/2019 at 8:27 AM, JLewis134 said:Great choice!
I tend to agree but they do have a following. Talked to Trey Kistler himself a few times and is a good guy from what I have experienced. But I have Zbones and Helium and not overly impressed. Mine balances good but the performance and sensitivity for the price is good but underwelming IMO considering the price. They are good but never get the boat ride just stay at the house unfortunately. Ultimately, everyone is entitled to there opinion and they will all differ which is why we have so many products on the market. Buy what you like and fish on ????
I'd love to know what rods do make the boat ride with you? I didnt think it could get any better than an X-ray blank. Please enlighten us. If you are rocking all NRXs then yes... no argument there mi amigo.
bwjay reply :
On 8/23/2019 at 8:02 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:Kistler is WAY overrated. Wont be buying another even at 50% off. I have 7'3" LMH and no way would I say its super light weight. Balance is not very good on it either. This makes for not that great ergo while holding it. Craftsmanship is subpar for a $300 rod to boot. I would rather have another first gen 7' M/F Quantum Smoke rod mine fishes better than the Kistler. I bought it April my newest rod you would think it would be getting lots of use but havent even used it the past few weeks over 100 hours of fishing time combined. Very much regret buying it and I got it on sale like $213 and thats over priced.
I will say that all of my Helium3s are tip heavy... I've got 2 Bantams and the only rod that balances close to the EVA reel seat screw (could call it the foregrip I guess) is the 6'8LMHF. The 6'9MHXF and 7'HXF balance a little bit further up the blank. I love my Bantams and don't really mind the extra 1-1.5oz of weight especially if it balances the rod out, but at 3.6oz for the 6'8LMHF (feels pretty light to me eh) it would be cool if you could slap a light reel like a Metanium MGL on it and have it be balanced. But that would result in it being pretty tip heavy. So that is definitely a valid concern. But the rods themselves are pretty light. My 7'HXF weighs 4oz.
As for the sensitivity, I've found them to be pretty good, but I haven't been able to fish much open water with them, being relegated to the bank this year, so most times I'm just dragging stuff through mud and vegetation. I can still tell the difference between different types of vegetation and the difference between a bite and hanging up on grass. I can still feel individual bits of gravel. They feel pretty sensitive to me, but I have never tried an NRX so I don't have "the" baseline to compare them to.
I'd say your statements are definitely exaggerated and reek of bias, but you do have some valid points. Still, I think it's unfair to say that a Helium3 is not even worth $150. The actions are great, the guides are great, the cork is nice, and they're pretty sensitive. And they're made in the USA. For $150, if it came between a St Croix Premier or a Kistler Helium3, I'd take the Helium3 any day of the week. Way lighter, more sensitive, and IMO better action. They're absolutely worth ~$200 IMO. Maybe not $300 (haven't tried a "high value" $300 rod but maybe most are no better) but I think they deliver respectable performance and construction. I don't know if you have a personal beef with Trey Kistler or what but they fish well for me and many others.
waymont reply :
On 8/23/2019 at 8:02 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:Kistler is WAY overrated. Wont be buying another even at 50% off. I have 7'3" LMH and no way would I say its super light weight. Balance is not very good on it either. This makes for not that great ergo while holding it. Craftsmanship is subpar for a $300 rod to boot. I would rather have another first gen 7' M/F Quantum Smoke rod mine fishes better than the Kistler. I bought it April my newest rod you would think it would be getting lots of use but havent even used it the past few weeks over 100 hours of fishing time combined. Very much regret buying it and I got it on sale like $213 and thats over priced.
Man you sound like you have a bone to pick. The two Kistler H3 I have are nothing like you mention. Both are very light, well balanced, super sensitive, fish great, and are perfectly put together. What kind of manufacturing are you looking for? These rods are hand made by a few people and hand tested. All the wraps and guides on the ones I have seen have been perfect. I also got my Kistler rods on sale for around $220 and I am 100% happy with them.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
I have nothing against the company or person Trey first product from them. But this particular product that I paid for in my opinion isnt worth what I paid in comparison to what other products I have purchased at that price or lesser price. I dont have a bias otherwise I wouldnt have made the purchase I would have purchased what I was bias towards. I use a wide range of rod brands Quantum Croix Loomis Okuma Shimano 13Fishing Fenwick Falcon Abu others bias isnt a factor.
I guess Ive been spoiled by 7' rods that weigh less balance better with light reels that have straight guides and better fit between the handle grip and reel seat transition than this H3. This H3 isnt the only product that has disappointed me its added to the list of others Shimano Cumara, Omen Black, Croix LTB, Veritas all duds IMO.
Matt_3479 reply :
I have 1 kistler, 1 expride and a bunch of imx pro’s, glx’s And nrx’s for comparison. I’ve handled the xx but never fished one. I personally think all rods in the list are excellent. The finish on the mb and expride are second to none! The kistler is light but don’t find the balance that great. It’s sensitive and enjoy fishing it but would say the expride is a better rod. There incredibly light, beautifully finished, extremely sensitive and the ci4+ reel seat is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever fished.
Id love to try a mb and will soon, but I defiantly want more exprides!
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
I really like the aesthetics, sensitivity, and handle on my H3 73LMH. The balance is pretty bad though IMO so I use it mostly for keitechs. I feel that at full retail it might be worth the 21% discount price, or maybe a little bit less. It is definitely way nicer than any rod I ave handled in the $150 range though.
On 8/25/2019 at 1:38 AM, Matt_3479 said:I have 1 kistler, 1 expride and a bunch of imx pro’s, glx’s And nrx’s for comparison. I’ve handled the xx but never fished one. I personally think all rods in the list are excellent. The finish on the mb and expride are second to none! The kistler is light but don’t find the balance that great. It’s sensitive and enjoy fishing it but would say the expride is a better rod. There incredibly light, beautifully finished, extremely sensitive and the ci4+ reel seat is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever fished.
Id love to try a mb and will soon, but I defiantly want more exprides!
Which exprides do you have?
NorthernBasser reply :
I have an Expride (7'2" med-heavy) that I use primarily for jigs. And a 7'1" med-heavy Helium 3 that I mainly use for Texas rigs.
To me, the Expride is more comfortable in my hands. And the finish on it is a thing of beauty. With that said, the Helium definitely feels more sensitive to me. That thing is VERY sensitive.
I love them both, but if I had to choose one, I'm going with the Helium.
Matt_3479 reply :
On 8/25/2019 at 11:07 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:I really like the aesthetics, sensitivity, and handle on my H3 73LMH. The balance is pretty bad though IMO so I use it mostly for keitechs. I feel that at full retail it might be worth the 21% discount price, or maybe a little bit less. It is definitely way nicer than any rod I ave handled in the $150 range though.
Which exprides do you have?
I have a 7’ lite plus spinning rod with a fk on it, had a 7’2” heavy which I sold to a buddy. Have fished the 7’2” medium heavy (next purchase) and looking at a 7’6” heavy as well.
Chief250 reply :
I agree with the kistler garage build. I flat out love mine but the hook keeper rusted on mine as well as several of my buddies and the foam cracked and split. Otherwise they are amazing rods. By the way I have the xx and destroyer, people are right when they say the fit and finish just does it.
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