kistler z bone rod 2025

kbkindle reply :

anyone hear when you can order a z bone rod

Dan: reply :

somebody here posted that he already had 2 but I can't remember who it was.

opie reply :

It says on the Z-Bone page of their website that you can call them now and they will walk you through the order on the phone, if you don't want to wait to order through the website.

NorCalFishinguru reply :

Anyone tried them? Are they better than, say, a glx?

Dan: reply :

I'd also like to know about the warranty. From the website it sounds like it might be different than the other Kistler lines.

NorCalFishinguru reply :

The warranty is for 30 days. I know, i know, all that money and it all goes out the window at the first accident but in reality, any problems with the integrity of the rod would present themselves in that period of time, These z bones are also, i believe, Kistlers only rods that are actually crafted here in the US and rigorously inspected and quality checked throughout the whole process and before they are ever shipped.

Dan: reply :

I wouldn't buy a rod for $200 unless it had a lifetime warranty...these cost a whole lot more than that.

NorCalFishinguru reply :

I know what you mean. Ive broken my fair share of high $ rods that cost $20 to replace but they were my own fault. If i got a z bone id treat it like a baby with utmost responsibility. Im much more careful with my rods than most people and the only way i think itd get broken would be transportation. I have a rod tube

Gone_Phishin reply :

Quote
The warranty is for 30 days. I know, i know, all that money and it all goes out the window at the first accident but in reality, any problems with the integrity of the rod would present themselves in that period of time, These z bones are also, i believe, Kistlers only rods that are actually crafted here in the US and rigorously inspected and quality checked throughout the whole process and before they are ever shipped.

Not true. What if I bought the rod next week? I won't see soft water for months.

This happens all the time; rods can be had at deep discounts this time of year. What if I purchase one, and set it safely in a rod wrack for several months until ice-out.

Let's say I go out with the rod for the first time in May, and it snaps in two on a hookset.

Now where is my warranty? I see thirty days as an insult.

WCCT reply :

I have a feeling that Kistler will take care of you on the Z-bones. I wouldn't be suprised if the warranty gets an overhaul because I have seen quite a few posts concerning the price of these rods vs. the 30 day warranty. I personally, would not let the warranty stop me from buying one of these sticks. I know I would put my LTX's up against a GLX any day of the week, and these are supposed to blow them out of the water.

bassnleo reply :

All the Z-Bone rods are built with blanks from Gary Loomis North Fork Composites.

This is directly from Kistler concerning the Z-bone:

After two years of research and development, the brand new Kistler Z bone rods are finally available to the public in a custom rod aspect. Each Z bone will be built and tested from a blank that was specially designed by the legendary Gary Loomis and constructed by his North Fork Composites team in their new state-of-the-art blank factory in Woodland, Washington. Because of the extreme degree of testing by Gary and his team as well as the Kistler standard of testing, you will be able to feel more confident while fishing our great American Z bone blanks.

All Kistler Z bone blanks are finished in a beautiful "Raw Carbon." Our one of a kind "Raw Carbon" finished look is a sanding and polishing process that involves no added color, gloss or matte coating at all, just the pure beauty of graphite. This approach ensures your rod is as light, responsive, and sensitive as possible. While a coating can make for an attractive fishing rod, the weight of any applied finish dampens the blank at its most critical section, the tip.. By leaving our blanks naturally finished, we can deliver to you not just the lightest rod possible, but also one with an incredibly sensitive tip that will also equate to tons of detected bites.

Z bone LE stands for "Limited Edition". Given the exclusive and rare combination of paper carbon scrim and extremely high-modulus 40 ton graphite, these rods will be produced in limited quantities. Have you ever dreamed about that "perfect" blank? Well, wake up because thanks to our partnership with the legendary Gary Loomis, we are now able to deliver that to you. We are leveraging Garys expertise and having his new company build our new Z bone LE blanks to our exact specifications. These awesome blanks are truly Americas lightest, strongest, most sensitive graphite blanks to date.

Z bone ST Introducing our tournament tough, intermediate-modulus graphite blank. Designed for the most demanding and extreme fishing conditions that require featherweight feel to help you enjoy your sport like never before. With our multi-layered, 30 ton graphite, the Z bone ST will perform under the most extreme fishing conditions without any of the unnecessary, added weight common in a lot of todays graphite rods. We are leveraging the legendary Gary Loomis expertise and having his new company build our new Z bone ST blanks to our exact specifications. When one compares apples to apples, these awesome blanks are truly Americas lightest, strongest, most sensitive graphite blanks to date.

QUALITY CERTIFIED FISH READY!

Your Z bone rod will be quality certified by thoroughly testing and hand inspection from my expert team located here in Magnolia, Texas, USA.

Our multiple steps testing certifies that your Kistler Rod is FISH READY before it leaves our facility.

Fishing Never Felt So Good knowing your rod will perform flawlessly from your first Fish On! and many more.

KISTLER FISH READY CHECKLIST

Casting Action / Flex Test

Power, Torque & Backbone Test

Reel Seat Function & Stability Test

Stay-Put Guide & Clear Coat Check

Accu-align Guide & Reel Seat Check

Precision Crafted / Blemish Free Check

Trey Kistlers Fish Ready Seal of Approval

Z bone Limited Warranty

Because of the unmatched quality that goes into each and every custom Z bone rod Kistler builds, you will not need to worry about your warranty what so ever! That is right! Our testing is so thorough and the quality is so amazing, you should never have to bother with warranty issues.

All Z bone rods carry our 90 Day warranty guarantee! After that, if you take care of your rod and don't treat it like a winch, a net or a snagged bait remover...you will experience a lifetime of performance from your custom Z bone rod.

If you have an extrordinary issue, like you purchase the rod and don't use it for more than 3 months, then the first use it breaks, I'm fairly certain Kistler will take care of you.

As I have stated in other threads, I currently own 19 Kistlers and have used them since 2006. I have only had 1 rod break. I called concerning the break and had a new rod in 4 days.

LAO162 reply :

Warranty details from Kistler website

I hope you never have to deal with a damaged rod but we know things happen and that is why, for Carbon Steel, Magnesium and Helium rods, we offer the Kistler "SMART" Warranty Guarantee just in case you ever experience this unfortunate event. The Z bone rods carry a seperate limited warranty.

In an attempt to eliminate the worry of a warranty claim, every Kistler Rod is "Quality Certified" by our process of thoroughly testing and hand inspecting from our expert team in Magnolia, Texas USA.

To process a warranty claim efficiently, just contact our office by phone and speak with a helpful warranty department associate. You will receive the required "return authorization" number before we take further action regarding your "SMART" warranty. With your help, we will have you back on the water in a matter of days! Take advantage of our remarkable "FLASH" shipping service option that will save you both time and money!

I can appreciate good service just like my fellow anglers, therefore; it is my goal to treat you as fair as I would want to be treated. Therefore, registered rods aged less than 12 months from date of purchase will receive the maximum warranty which includes a newly upgraded year model at no charge or at a fraction of the original price, determined on a case by case basis. Other rods not registered and/or aged over 12 months from date of purchase will receive our limited warranty service which includes the pro-rated deductible toward newly upgraded year models at a significantly reduced price, to be determined on a case by case basis.

The Kistler "SMART" Warranty Guarantee on the Carbon Steel, Magnesium and Helium rods, combined with our "FLASH" shipping service option is a WIN-WIN deal! No hassles or delays just good old fashion, quality customer service you would expect from Kistler Rods.

The Z bone rods carry a seperate limited warranty.

There may be more information elsewhere, but in the FAQ I'd actually expect to see the COSTs and other SPECIFICs (like the difference between SMART & Limited Warranties...). As an analyst, I expect to see information presented in a transparent manner. As a consumer, the need to search for information about the warranty, may lead me to search on the websites of other manufacturers (who don't use the infomercial format)...

Cavfirst reply :

I have no experience with the z bones but I do own kistlers and love them by the way and have had experience with their service an it has always been great. I do not buy products based on written warranty I buy them because I like them, and the company they come from. I have had rods with "Lifetime Warranties" that broke the first time out on hook set when I explained the problem I got no service and was stuck with a high priced broke rod. Then I found Kistler broke a rod placing the rod in the rod locker, was not the original owner never filled out anything an they gave me a hardship warranty anyways got a new rod cheap they won me over on the service no waiting on hold no talking to a computer just good ole americans taken care of their customers.

Dan: reply :

Quote
I have no experience with the z bones but I do own kistlers and love them by the way and have had experience with their service an it has always been great. I do not buy products based on written warranty I buy them because I like them, and the company they come from. I have had rods with "Lifetime Warranties" that broke the first time out on hook set when I explained the problem I got no service and was stuck with a high priced broke rod. Then I found Kistler broke a rod placing the rod in the rod locker, was not the original owner never filled out anything an they gave me a hardship warranty anyways got a new rod cheap they won me over on the service no waiting on hold no talking to a computer just good ole americans taken care of their customers.

I've heard stories like yours about their service but it sounds as if they will not offer the same service for the Z-Bone rods.

It seems odd to me to offer LESS of a warranty on the flagship rod than on the lower tier rods.

NorCalFishinguru reply :

Quote

Quote
The warranty is for 30 days. I know, i know, all that money and it all goes out the window at the first accident but in reality, any problems with the integrity of the rod would present themselves in that period of time, These z bones are also, i believe, Kistlers only rods that are actually crafted here in the US and rigorously inspected and quality checked throughout the whole process and before they are ever shipped.

Not true. What if I bought the rod next week? I won't see soft water for months.

This happens all the time; rods can be had at deep discounts this time of year. What if I purchase one, and set it safely in a rod wrack for several months until ice-out.

Let's say I go out with the rod for the first time in May, and it snaps in two on a hookset.

Now where is my warranty? I see thirty days as an insult.

I was thinking of that too. Just wait to buy one in the spring.

Gone_Phishin reply :

Well said LAO162.

Another thing I saw as insulting is the time limit regarding the warranty registration of a rod, any rod.

The consumer is required to fill-out and return the warranty card within 10 days of purchase, or of receiving as a gift. I understand a time limit, but ten days?

LAO162 reply :

Quote
Well said LAO162.
Another thing I saw as insulting is the time limit regarding the warranty registration of a rod, any rod.

The consumer is required to fill-out and return the warranty card within 10 days of purchase, or of receiving as a gift. I understand a time limit, but ten days?

I'm no lawyer (and I don't play one on TV ), but in many states isn't the receipt enough to establish the warranty period?

LAO162 reply :

Wrong thread, but I might as well throw it out here... Kistler has many products that intrigue me. I may own some in the future. However, I have to question the intergity of a product and manufacturer where there are very significant changes to the model features several years in a row. It kind of leads me to believe they didn't get it right in the first place, or that not a lot of thought is put into the upgrades. In the field of due diligence, rapid change and turnover is often a red flag regarding stability and quality of a product... G Loomis IMX, Fenwick HMG... these rods have been around a long time and are still competitive in their price range. Modifications yes, but not complete makeovers...

RoLo reply :

Quote
I have to question the intergity of a product and manufacturer where there are very significant changes to the model features several years in a row. It kind of leads me to believe they didn't get it right in the first place, or that not a lot of thought is put into the upgrades. G Loomis IMX, Fenwick HMG... these rods have been around a long time and are still competitive in their price range. Modifications yes, but not complete makeovers...

Isn't "change" the byproduct of due diligence?

I can show you rods that you'd never guess were manufactured by St. Croix,

that's how much they've learned and changed.

I have no experience with the Kistler Z-Bone rod,

but would buy one in a heartbeat. I've owned several

Kistler LTX Helium ll rods and though it's not my favorite rod,

I can't say a single bad thing about Kistler quality and workmanship.

Except for secondary components from China, they are American made.

I know from a gentleman in my community that Kistler honors their warranty

and very expediently. He broke a high-end Kistler that was his fault (high sticking)

and was told that he could select any rod within the model at no extra cost.

The complete turnaround took 7 days.

Roger

LAO162 reply :

In my field, due diligence is about making sure that the product acts (and continues to act) in accordance with expectations for the product. When there are continually significant changes in the product's design and implementation, it becomes difficult to validate that the current product should meet original expectations, or to determine what future expectations may be for the product -- The merits and durability of a product released 5 years ago becomes meaningless in assessing the merits of the current product if there have been many substantial changes. Instead, current construction and anecdotal information become the only factors in determining expectations of the new product (or a firm's ability to produce a consistent, reliable product).

And yes, when due diligence leads to reduced confidence in a product, the appropriate conclusion may be to change products. Due diligence may also lead to better replacement products as well (such as new blanks...)

With a history of changing reel seats, blanks, guides routinely, plus adding and discontinuing model lines, it is hard (for me) to set expectations for Kistler rods. It is even harder get comfortable with a product when key facts and specifics are difficult to obtain (Many rod/reel manufacturers are guilty of this one). In this case, more information would help me to identify the risks of disappointment in the product. Usually, when less information is available, risk is perceived to be higher.

On the other hand, expectations for a G. Loomis IMX or Fenwick HMG are pretty well established, so perceived risk of disappointment (relative to expectations) is lower.

Personally, I do like the features and innovation of Kistler rods :) However, without a consistent track record for the products, it is difficult for me (personally) to set my expectations for Kistler rods. It is possible that if the opportunity is right I will abandon my analytical side and take the leap of faith to purchase a Kistler based upon anecdotal information.

NOTE: If I only believed in purchasing products with strong reputations I would only load my Toyota with Shimano & G. Loomis gear. As it is, I use many brands (including BPS & Cabelas) and I may not be able to put my gear in the Toyota if it is in the shop due to a recall ;D ;D ;D

Maybe some insight into the many, many questions that I ask...

RoLo reply :

Quote
If I only believed in purchasing products with strong reputations I would only load my Toyota with Shimano & G. Loomis gear.

Loomis??

That's a can of worms I'd rather not entertain.

Let's just say that Loomis was taken prisoner by Shimano, and Gary escaped.

Quote
As it is, I use many brands (including BPS & Cabelas) and I may not be able to put my gear in the Toyota if it is in the shop due to a recall

My tow vehicle is a RAV4, so I know the feeling

Roger

Dan: reply :

LAO, I get what you are saying but it's not like Kistler is changing all of these things because they were broken. I think they're still fairly new to the game and are trying to make products that fisherman want. I think that's the reasoning behind the changing of the reel seats, handles, etc...Loomis knows fisherman will buy their product no matter what, they have a large enough reputation that they don't need to build what the anglers really want (ie: no split grip models)

As for discontinuing lines of rods, I'm assuming you're talking about the Argon, which I would agree was strange, but considering they lowered the price of the LTA's to replace the Argon's spot in their line-up I'm not going to complain.

You argue that their constant changes show instability, but have you heard many complaints about the quality of their rods or their customer service? I sure have not. If the quality of the product and their support of said product continues to be excellent then I have no problem buying from them, I'm just going to make sure I know exactly what handle, guides, and reel seats are on each rod I look at.

LAO162 reply :

Roger & Dan, I hope you understanding that I'm not claiming that there is anything wrong with the Kistler rods, but instead pointing to a lack of patterns that make it easy for me to gain comfort with my expectations. In no way do I expect my HMG to compare to a Kistler. However, after research the HMG met my expectations for its price.

In my field, we have to make a lot of decisions based on unknown factors. Where we have uncertainties, our group calls them "red flags." Some are big show stoppers. Others are insignificant when isolated. However, a pattern of red flags leads to doubt... I was merely pointing out what appear to be red flags TO ME

In the case of G Loomis, there is such a sample of users (and information) that I feel pretty confident in my expectations. Overwhelmingly IMX rods get great reviews from people who are either very pleased or who need to justify their huge expenditure ;D ;D

My real point is that change and a lack of information can make excessively analytical people uncomfortable.

Dan: reply :

So quit analyzing! ;D

I guess for me the consistently high customer satisfaction and quality is enough to outweigh the doubt and red flags.

bassnleo reply :

Maybe this will help remove a red flag.

Been using Kistler rods since 2006 and I now have 19 rods ranging from light drop shot models to extra heavy flippin sticks.

In that time I have only had ONE rod break and that was probably my fault it did. I think I high centered the medium 7' spinning rod and tried to lift a smallie before he was ready. (It was during a tournament and right at the end of the day just before weigh in so details are a little blurry, we were cutting time really close and in a big rush to get that fish in the boat and get to weigh in on time).

I had a new rod in 5 days from Kistler.

All this was BEFORE I applied (or even had the thought to apply) to be on the Kistler Team.

I own models from just about all the lines, except for the discontinued Argon line, just didn't need one at that time. I have held a couple Argons though and they felt nice.

Deputy Dave reply :

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.

LAO162 reply :

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

bassnleo reply :

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.

LAO162 reply :

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

quanjig reply :

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!!

bassnleo reply :

Quote
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

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