Split - Grip Rods : Love 'em Or Hate 'em ?

[Peezer123]

I only own 3 rods but all 3 are Bps Carbonlite split grips...and I love them! Also...maybe it's just me but I feel like split grips are a tad more sensitive to bites..idk just my opinion!

[Capt.Bob]

I hate em, I have one rod with split grip,,,,a 6'8" MXF LTB I bought fore 50 buck's to throw in the back of the truck under the cap so I always had a pole with me and didn't worry about hurting it. (If anyone has a full grip Legend I would be willing to trade ya)

 

Every other rod I own is a full Cork, there mat be an accent of  foam unfortunately, as my preferred material is cork. I have two Legend Extreme rods I bought new with split grips and before I used them they were off to my rod builder for full cork handle's. The split grips just feel like something never got finished, and frankly I personally think most offer a cheap unfinished look. I do own rod's capable of proving the split grip does nothing to increase sensitivity.

[Mike2841]

I don't think I've ever held the rod in the middle of the handle, so it doesn't really matter to me.

[ThatZX14Fella]

I don't think I've ever held the rod in the middle of the handle, so it doesn't really matter to me.

 

Agreed.

[SirSnookalot]

I have 1 split grip, being an 8' rod the butt and foregrip are quite ample, I don't mind it.  A split grip in a shorter rod is not to my liking. 

[thehooligan]

I love split grip rods, especially if they have EVA on them.

Another fan here of split grips, especially Eva.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I hate em, I have one rod with split grip,,,,a 6'8" MXF LTB I bought fore 50 buck's to throw in the back of the truck under the cap so I always had a pole with me and didn't worry about hurting it. (If anyone has a full grip Legend I would be willing to trade ya)

 

Every other rod I own is a full Cork, there mat be an accent of  foam unfortunately, as my preferred material is cork. I have two Legend Extreme rods I bought new with split grips and before I used them they were off to my rod builder for full cork handle's. The split grips just feel like something never got finished, and frankly I personally think most offer a cheap unfinished look. I do own rod's capable of proving the split grip does nothing to increase sensitivity.

 

What does it cost to have something like that done? Im talking the avg person contacting a builder for the 1st time not any discount you may get for repeat business.

I very much dislike the *** handle would like to get an idea on $$$ for full handle

THANKS

 

Oh for topic I like & use both but a split grip that doesnt fit LTB *** I dont like.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

I don't mind them, but I much prefer full grip..

[SirSnookalot]

What does it cost to have something like that done? Im talking the avg person contacting a builder for the 1st time not any discount you may get for repeat business.

I very much dislike the *** handle would like to get an idea on $$$ for full handle

THANKS

 

Oh for topic I like & use both but a split grip that doesnt fit LTB *** I dont like.

I have a good buddy down here that buys nothing but custom rods, he told me he has 75 of them.  He had a new rod that I was admiring especially because he is using the exact reel that I wanted a new rod for.  He told me he pays about $100 being a friend and repeat customer, so I contacted his rod builder.  I was a first time customer the wait time was 2 months (had a booth at a boat show and was swamped with business) and the price was about $250, I also had to drive up to Jupiter to pick up the rod.

I opted not to.  Did my due diligence and bought a rod I love.  I've fished next to Ray many times, my casting distance is the same and so is the backbone, Ray's rod may be a bit prettier but no more effective.  I had no wait time and saved a nice chunk of money, plus a lifetime warranty of which I may be dubious that rod builder will always be in business.

[Tywithay]

I have a good buddy down here that buys nothing but custom rods, he told me he has 75 of them. He had a new rod that I was admiring especially because he is using the exact reel that I wanted a new rod for. He told me he pays about $100 being a friend and repeat customer, so I contacted his rod builder. I was a first time customer the wait time was 2 months (had a booth at a boat show and was swamped with business) and the price was about $250, I also had to drive up to Jupiter to pick up the rod.

I opted not to. Did my due diligence and bought a rod I love. I've fished next to Ray many times, my casting distance is the same and so is the backbone, Ray's rod may be a bit prettier but no more effective. I had no wait time and saved a nice chunk of money, plus a lifetime warranty of which I may be dubious that rod builder will always be in business.

I don't think he wants a custom rod, just wants to change the handle. It depends on the materials used and the builder, but you're looking at $50-$100 most likely.

[Hogsticker]

Full grip rods are starting to feel clunky and overweight. I still have a couple I love, both are Lamiglass Certified Pro rods. But I do not use them for chucking and winding. One is drop shot and one is a flipping stick.

 

Anything that requires lots of casting, especially long overhead casts  (deep crankbaits), needs to be split grip. Split grip makes it easier to grip the but of the rod while casting.

 

Also, if rod manufacturers are tryign to split the grips to save costs I am all for that! As long as they dont go cheap on the blank!

I disagree. A balanced rod is much easier to make repeated casts with. Most split grip off the shelf rods are not balanced.

[Jeff H]

For spinning it makes no difference to me.  For casting, if I'm using it for one handed casting (or pitching) I don't mind the split grip but I prefer full handle for 2 handed casting.  

[Tywithay]

Also, if rod manufacturers are tryign to split the grips to save costs I am all for that! As long as they dont go cheap on the blank!

It's to save them money, not you.

[Capt.Bob]

What does it cost to have something like that done? Im talking the avg person contacting a builder for the 1st time not any discount you may get for repeat business.

I very much dislike the *** handle would like to get an idea on $$$ for full handle

THANKS

 

Oh for topic I like & use both but a split grip that doesnt fit LTB *** I dont like.

I had 50 bucks each in these two rod's in my avitar with the cork rings, and cap, plus labor all included. I had less than the price of one in both was why I bought them. He glues up the rings in the configuration and pattern you want, then reams the inner, and turns the outer. When done these rods are perfectly balanced before the cap goes on, another plus. This is his price for anyone, my discount is I get it done in less than 2 months but at his prices he cant give discounts, if you are accepted as a customer, you all get the same price. I just had a rod built, I bought and delivered the blank and all the components to him, plus had a front cork replaced on a rod that a mouse had chewed on. When the rod was done along with a repair where he had to replace a front cork on a rod, it cost me $75.00 for the total build and the repair. I gave him $100.00 and said thanks, my wait was 5 weeks,  next time my wait won't be 2,,,3,,,,maybe 4 months like others. He is busy works to cheap, and ships his work all over the world. You may want to send Mike @ DVT a message and ask as he is a custom rod builder as well as reel service. Most rods it is not cost effective to buy then alter, as there are probably rods just as good already available with the components and blanks to equal what your looking for, in this case there wasn't and I ended up with two rods, for the total cost of one rod, when all was changed and done.  

[Dave P]

I don't pay any attention to whether it's a split grip or not. I just pick it up and use it.

[jignfule]

hate em

[FishTank]

To me, it depends on how the reel balances with the rod. If I had to chose, I would say a full cork handle is best.

[BassBossMN]

I feel split grip provides more comfort when casting.

[tentimesover]

Some of the split grips if designed right aren't terrible; however, I much prefer the full grip. I just made a final selection of a casting rod based on which model was available in full cork handle.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

$50 is a fair price for a rear grip replacement of standard/burl/composite cork. I'd get a little more for all AAA grade cork. I wouldn't suggest or encourage buying a rod that you know before hand you don't like the grip. The biggest advantage to a custom build is that you can get exactly what you want without compromise. Rod length, power, action / grip material, diameter, shape & length / reel seat / guides are all open to choosing. Then of course there are the cosmetics. A custom build allows time for static testing for premium guide placement as well, a luxury that just doesn't exist in a mass production setting. The level to which these things will lead to increased casting distance, improved sensitivity and fish caught depends largely upon what you compare to. Sometimes the objective is not only to catch fish, but to enjoy the experience more. A box-stock Japanese motorcycle will get you where you're going, but a chromed out Harley with loud pipes might have you show up with a bigger grin on your face. It's up to the rider / angler.

[WRB]

Split grips came about to lighten the over all rod weight, it's difficult to build a 7'+ rod under 4 ounces with a full grip and fore grip. The cost of premium cork is high, if you can find it today!

I don't Ming split grip rod handles unless it's a swimbait or crankbait rod, then full handles are important to me.

My bone to pick is no fore grips! My rod holding technique requires at least a 2" long fore grip. My rod holding hand is mostly in front of the reel so I can feel the line effectively.

Tom

[SirSnookalot]

Split grips came about to lighten the over all rod weight, it's difficult to build a 7'+ rod under 4 ounces with a full grip and fore grip. The cost of premium cork is high, if you can find it today!

I don't Ming split grip rod handles unless it's a swimbait or crankbait rod, then full handles are important to me.

My bone to pick is no fore grips! My rod holding technique requires at least a 2" long fore grip. My rod holding hand is mostly in front of the reel so I can feel the line effectively.

Tom

 

I'm right with Tom on this, I will not buy a rod without a foregrip.

For my brand of fishing a super light rod or even perfect balance isn't overly important.  Don't know exactly how much weight is saved with a split grip, that savings would not guide my decision in a purchase.

I wonder how much cork really costs, not to a private individual or even a rod maker that makes a handful of rods, but the manufacturer.  A company producing a large quantity of rods year in and year out is going to be paying a wholesale priced based on volume, it isn't going to be all that much money.  That said a few bucks saved on each rod just adds to the overall profit to the company, plus split grips seem to be in vogue.  If or when split grips fall out of favor full grips will be made by everyone again.

[Tywithay]

The problem with saving weight (it's not much weight at all) is where they're cutting the weight. If you're removing weight from the bottom portion of the rod, you're hurting the balance of the rod. Doesn't matter for all techniques, but for tip-up applications, a proper balance makes it much more comfortable over the course of several hours.