Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

Why should I try Kistler over another rod brand? What makes Kistler Rods worth the money?
If a rod is out of stock but I place my back order, how long will it take to complete my rod and ship?
What if when I receive my rod, try it out and find that I just don't like the action or power or anything else....can I exchange or return it for a different model?
Do you ship Internationally and how much does it cost to send a rod and how do you ship?
Birth Marks? What are the darker colored markings, lines, spots underneath the finish I see on rod?
How do I keep my Magnesium Winn Grips clean and tacky?
What happened to Reward Points?
How do I know what action rod to select and if that action works well with my application?
Does Kistler have tackle shops stocking the rods in my local area?
I cannot login to the new website. How do I fix this?
Why can't I see my previous purchase history on my account?
How do I file a Warranty Claim for my broken or damaged rod?
Where do I go for replacement parts?

Reel FAQs

What is the name of the Korean factory that makes Kistler Reels?
How do Kistler Reels compare to other reel brands?
What is the difference between the Series 1 and Series 2 Reels?
What is the difference between Size 100 and Size 200 Reels?
Which reel is the best all purpose reel?
How do Kistler Reels perform after fishing in saltwater for a season?
What is the warranty on Kistler Reels?
Will Kistler Rods have parts available for years to come?
Where do I send my Kistler Reel in for repair?

Answers

Why should I try Kistler over another rod brand? What makes Kistler Rods worth the money?

Experience matters: it is the foundation to a truly great product and business. For over twenty-seven years I have invested my blood, sweat and tears into developing elite fishing rods that exceed consumer expectations. My family and I have invested all that we have - our entire selves - into Kistler Rods' brand, name, products, and legacy. No other rod company founder, owner and president have over 27 years of hands-on experience like I do. Passion for helping anglers achieve their recreational and competitive fishing goals guides our every manufacturing and supply decisions.

I thoroughly test each and every rod blank before is crafted into a full-fledge fishing-catching tool! This means each fishing rod blank has undergone significant stress tests before a rod is produced. You can view me testing blanks on the Kistler History Video series found on our website - it’s an amazing process and 99% of the time, I weed out flaws in a blank’s construction, if any, before a customer is ever sold a rod. Once I finalize blank durability testing, I oversee every single detail of production - along with hiring and training each and every single Kistler Rods employee. Our exceptional rod builders’ individual and collective dedication to consistently produce the industry’s best fishing rods is a reflection of my high standards. That’s why I can put my own family name right on each rod to prove that I am proud of our product and to be able to extend a competitive fishing rod warranty; however, it’s unlikely you will ever need to use our warranty in relation to a manufacturer defect.

I want to earn your business, loyalty, and trust. Customer satisfaction is paramount to the business, not profit. From my family, our pro staff, our rod builders and our team members, we cannot thank you enough for your business. I truly appreciate you taking the time to visit our web site and all of our many social media accounts - all of which will give you an in-depth look at our unique fishing rods in action. If you’ve never tried a Kistler Rod before today, I invite you to change your fishing forever and see how The Kistler Experience will improve your fishing success. Kistler Rods welcomes you to our growing family of dedicated fishermen. Thank you, Trey Kistler

If a rod is out of stock but I place my back order, how long will it take to complete my rod and ship?

When you order a rod that shows Back Ordered, we will either already have more in production in which could ship within a week or we will do our best to complete your rod and ship within 2-4 weeks.

What if when I receive my rod, try it out and find that I just don't like the action or power or anything else....can I exchange or return it for a different model?

Absolutely YES, because we guarantee 100% of your satisfaction and want you to be completely happy with your rod purchase. We will either give you a full refund or exchange the rod for you. All we ask is that you help pay the extra shipping cost involved which is around $29.00. We will cover the cost to pick up your rod and have it returned to our office.

Do you ship Internationally and how much does it cost to send a rod and how do you ship?

Yes, everyday we ship to different countries all over the world including Italy, France, Spain, China, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Canada, Mexico, South Africa and many others. UPS or FED EX base cost to ship one to 25 rods in our cardboard container is $59-$99.

Birth Marks? What are the darker colored markings, lines, spots underneath the finish I see on rod?

It is perfectly normal, do not think you have received a defective, blemished, cracked or damaged rod. Most rods are either painted or sanded prior to building to cover or remove markings, but Kistler Rods along with North Fork Composites has proven a rod that has not been sanded nor painted will perform so much better. Grab your rod and go fishing. Also, take note of your rods birth mark as a unique identification much like a serial number.

How do I keep my Magnesium Winn Grips clean and tacky?

Because Winn grips have absorbent properties, they may eventually soil from dirt and perspiration from your fishing glove and hands. This does not affect the performance of the grip.

To clean a Winn grip, apply a small amount of water to a soft towel, and gently rub the grips. Do not saturate the towel. Never use a brush and soapy water to clean a Winn grip because it may damage the top surface and destroy the tackiness and slip-resistance of the grip.

DO NOT immerse Winn grips in a bucket of water to clean them. This will saturate the underlying layer of the grip and may ruin the grip.

What happened to Reward Points?

Access the new Reward Points Here.

How do I know what action rod to select and if that action works well with my application?

This is the most confusing aspect of fishing rods among most all anglers. Everyone has their own perception or idea of what their version of a Fast action is supposed to feel like. Same goes for all actions. Trey has removed the confusion buy helping your ignore the action and instead use the Main Rod Filter or Help Me Choose rod filter to dial in on a particular rod power that has the ideal action. Example: for thick cover or big baits, you will only need a Moderate action. For the lightest lures, a fast action is all you need. And for most of your typical lures and structure, a Fast or Moderate-Fast action is ideal. So allow Trey to help you choose the right rod with the right action by using his amazing filtering system. Focus on choosing the right 'Power' rod for the application so you can get hook penetration and fish pulling power as required. Remember, rods are not just meant to cast a lure easily or feel the lure only.

Does Kistler have tackle shops stocking the rods in my local area?

Most likely not, but we do sell to a handful of authorized elite dealers and distributors around the world. You are always welcome to buy and try if you just are not 100% sure about which rod. We are happy to exchange or refund your purchase anytime. Our main business focus is direct sales right to the customer. This is why we are leading in industry in customer satisfaction not to mention staying current with the annual trends while building rods that truly help us catch more big fish.

I cannot login to the new website. How do I fix this?

You will then need to set up a new account by following these instructions:

Click on Login - Click Create Account button - Complete Information Required - Remember your Password. If this does not help, Please contact reuben@kistlerrods.com or 281-259-8033 x 202 for assistance.

Why can't I see my previous purchase history on my account?

The new 2020 website did not carry over order history however our account system has a complete transaction list if you ever need it from us.

How do I file a Warranty Claim for my broken or damaged rod?

Simply click the link named Warranty and file a claim form online?

Where do I go for replacement parts?

Go here.

Kistler Reel FAQs

What is the name of the Korean factory that makes Kistler Reels?

The Kistler Reels are handmade inside a factory that currently builds their own reel brand for Korean angler market. It’s not who makes Lews, Abu Garcia, Dockett, Shimano, Okuma, Quantum, Daiawa, BPS, H2O etc.

How do Kistler Reels compare to other reel brands?

Some might compare them to a hybrid that would combine qualities from Shimano and Lews. Well built for longevity and durability with silky smooth retrieves and casts.

What is the difference between the Series 1 and Series 2 Reels?

Both have the same bones and guts however the Series 1 has four bells and whistles that the Series 2 does not have. The Series 1 is lighter weight, it has carbon fiber drag washers that boast a whopping 19 pound drag, the line memory reminder dial, and the carbon fiber handle.

What is the difference between Size 100 and Size 200 Reels?

The Size 200 fits into most hands very comfortably and holds more line capacity. The Size 100 is best for smaller hands, flipping and pitching all day because it is lighter weight.

Which reel is the best all purpose reel?

The Size 200 is the best size reel for most all angler applications either in the Series 1 or Series 2. 80% of anglers retrieve with their right hand.

How do Kistler Reels perform after fishing in saltwater for a season?

We do not recommend using in saltwater unless you plan to clean your reels thoroughly immediately after each use if you want your reel to perform at its best season after season.