I have 7 Kistlers right now, I love everyone of them. Ive used loomis, shimano, and falcon religously. funny how you say the california series/ graphite series are heavy. they are about the same as a GL3 loomis and 50.00 less. The heliums are very light and will be 10% lighter come june or july when the new models arrive. rogue makes a good rod but not great. how about customer service and warranty? Kistler customer service is 2nd to none and so is there LIFETIME warranty! If you want to check them out give me a shout and Ill show you All I know about a true quality, U.S. built rod with an excellent support staff. these rods are very strong and not brittle like loomis IMX/GLX models. check their web @www.kistlerrods.com and post any questions on their forum or talk to Clifford Wiedman and tell them Derrick sent you. you wont regret it I promise.:7