Drag: Speaking of pulling fish, Kistler's Series 1 casting reel comes with a rated max drag of 19lbs. I didn't fish at close to max drag considering I was only using 10lb fluorocarbon, but I can say it was more than sufficient for my needs and was smooth and consistent in its operation. Internally, the stack consists of 3 carbon washers and two metal washers (one keyed) nestled securely within that main gear.

The standard array of drag washers

This is a pretty standard array of washers with proven performance across several brands who use a similar design. The only real differences I've seen is in the number of keyed washers. Joining the trend of recent years, the Series 1's drag also has a clicker for that audible "ziiiinggg!" when a fish is pulling line.

The reel's line guide is coated with Zirconium

Design & Ergonomics: I mentioned at the beginning of this article that the Series 1 has a familiar profile. I can't quite put my finger on what reel from a different manufacturer it reminds me of though. I get Shimano, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia vibes from different parts of the reel which is no real surprise since it's obvious Kistler is not building this reel in their shop at Magnolia, Texas. The only reel manufacturers that have their own facilities are Shimano and Daiwa anyway, so familiar aspects in design, shape, form are inevitable.

A button at the front-bottom of the non-handle sideplate releases that sideplate for access to the spool and brakes

All that aside, the Series 1 100 series is very comfortable to palm and while that 100 millimeter handle looks a little out of proportion with the reel, many will approve of that extra bit of leverage it provides. The externally adjustable brakes are a nice touch, but I'd prefer if that non handle sideplate didn't detach. Oh and yes, the cast control knob and drag both have micro-click adjustment.

Retail price for Kistler's Series 1 Casting Reel is $250

Price & Applications: Retail price for Kistler's Series 1 reel is $250 and at this time, it is available direct from their website only. It's a good option for a general application reel especially if you want to match brands with your Kistler Rod or just want to try something different. There is also a more economical version in the Series 2 that retails for $150 and both series come with a one year warranty.

If you're a fan of Kistler Custom Rods, you now have a solid choice in a low profile casting reel to match up with your favorite Kistler stick(s)

Conclusion: Back to that idea of leveraging that good karma from a symbiotic rod and reel pairing, if you're a fan of Kistler Custom Rods, you now have a solid choice in a low profile casting reel to match up with your favorite Kistler stick(s). I'm only sorry they don't offer this reel in blue so I can pair one with my vintage, original Helium He69APC with the blue Zirconium guides - yes, I still have one - but that kind of karma would likely be too unfair to the fish. On the other hand, the great thing about black is that it matches everything, so if you want to break from the norm, try something different, yet still fish a solid performing reel with a few thoughtful touches, Kistler's Series 1 casting reels might be right up your alley.

Addendum (04/15/21) : Kistler Custom rods informs us the 6.6:1 & 8.1.:1 options in their Series 1 reels will be in stock by the end of April 2021. Left hand retrieve options in the Series 1 200 sized reel as well as the Series 2, 100 size, in 7.3:1 will also be available at this time. Lastly, upon reading our review, the manufacturer will now have shallow spool options available for both the Series 1 and 2, 100 and 200 sized reels in June, 2021

The Kistler Series 1 Casting Reels are available at Tackle Warehouse