Kistler vs. e21

[BassinID]

Thus far I have been a huge fan of e21's Carrot gold stix, but have heard great things about Kistler helium LTA, if anyone is familiar with both, do you feel that the helium is worth the extra hundred bucks a rod?

[doc]

I have a gold carrot stix, and I see no reason to upgrade, its a great rod, strong, sensitive, and that sexy color.

[BassinID]

I definitely agree, it is the most sensitive rod I have ever used, although I had one break off at the handle, e21 replaced it free.

[WTL]

I could never own a carrot stick if its that color. I would have to paint it or something. Yea I know they are great rods, and it is probably a good marketing angle, but couldnt do it.

[The Doc]

I know a few people who have broken their E21's. I havn't owned a helium, but I've had a few of the magnesiums and they were pretty nice. Everything else about the carrot stik has been great, but some buddies of mine have been a little upset about the lack of durability of them...

[BassinID]

I am sure that I will try the helium and probably a magnesium, they are a bit heavier than the e21, but when you're talking about a matter of quarter ounce in a 3 ounce rod its pretty negligible.

[doc]

Originally Posted by The Doc

I know a few people who have broken their E21's. I havn't owned a helium, but I've had a few of the magnesiums and they were pretty nice. Everything else about the carrot stik has been great, but some buddies of mine have been a little upset about the lack of durability of them...

I've pulled in a 9lb, 8lb, 7lb, and numerous smaller fish with mine this year. Granted it's brand new, but I dont see a fish breaking it, It is light so I made sure to put the correct lb line on it, and set my drag correctly but you should do that with any rod. Never fish one over the rated line strength IMO.

[bassboogieman]

I fish Kistler exclusively, and own a dozen of the LTA's (8 cast, 4 spin) and they are the best rod I've used - and I used a lot of different rods in my search for the rod that worked best for me. I also have a few of the Graphite plus Composite rods for treble hooked baits because I wanted something other than a "fast" action for those.
Mine are from '06 - '08 and I like the reel seat on the pre-2008 rods better. I don't like the split handle (on bait casters), so haven't used the Magnesiums, and probably would not buy any "new" LTA's, due to the changes to the rods for '09.
I recently bought a Magnesium spinning rod for my nephew, and after putting a reel on it - I think I could get used to the split handle on a spinning rod. It actually felt pretty good, but I still wouldn't go the spilt handle on casting rods.
The used market is a good choice if you are looking to "try" a particular line of rod. Save some money and if you don't like it, can usually re-sell it for what you paid. Regarding Kistler LTA's be sure they are not of the "repaired" variety - there are a lot of them that are missing a couple inches off the tip. I've seen unreparided, used for $120 - $140 commonly on various "boards" like this one. Actually I bought several NEW '08 LTA's last fall on close out for $125/each. Those bargains are long gone, but check out the used market until you decide if that rod brand is for you.