"Lighter Than Air" is the tagline for Kistler Rods' new Helium LTA series of rods, and for good reason. Put one in your hands and you'll know why. G. Loomis has had a reputation for making super-light, super-sensitive rods, but we think Kistler's Helium series tops them on both counts (and are a lot cheaper).

Helium LTA rods are lighter than a few sheets of construction paper, and tough enough to haul a 10-pounder out of heavy vegetation. The keys are in its design. Sensitivity starts with extra-sensitive and extra-light rod blanks. From there, rod balance plays into the mix because if you have to fight the rod, you won't be feeling fish as well.

Kistler also designed the Helium LTA series with no cork above the reel seat, which allows you to put your his index finger where the cork foregrip normally is, thus further enhancing sensitivity.

Here are some on-the-water goodies we discovered:

> These rods allow even the slightest of taps to be felt, and quick and efficient hooksets are the rule rather than the exception.

> The rods add to the enjoyment of a long day because you don't get tired as quickly.

> They look cool – matte grey with low-profile guides and nice wraps.

> The hardened blue zirconia rings really do keep line gliding smoothly throughout the cast and retrieve, and at the micro-vibration level eliminate noise, cuts and grooves sometimes caused by heavy braided line.

Dudley Endorsement

David Dudley's 2003 FLW Tour season was one for the record books, and he said that Helium LTA rods were a big reason. He mentioned that before fishing these rods, he really didn't think rods meant that much, and usually bought the most inexpensive ones he could find. But after using Helium LTAs, he said: "Without question, I was able to feel and catch several fish that I wouldn't have noticed with less-sensitive rods. I used to think there was little difference in most rods until I used a Helium. There's no question they helped me in 2003."

More Info

Additional tour pros fishing Kistler rods include Mark Tyler, Chad Morgenthaler, Scott Martin and others. Tyler has a signature series of Kistler rods, and there are four other lines of Kistler rods in addition to that and the Helium LTA series.

For more information on Kistler rods, click here to go to www.kistlerrods.com.