Grip Desgn-Getting Funky

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I've had some extra time on my hands these last few days, came up with something,...well,..outside the box a bit

Spinning grip meets bait casting grip meets trigger grip

Holding this, you have your thumb touching the blank on top and your forefinger touching the blank on the bottom.

The downsides I can see in a grip being made like this is balancing the weight.  The piece could be manufactured in a very "skeletal" way of ultra lightweight composite to reduce bulk.  

It's just EXTREMELY comfortable and ergonomic feeling.

ok,..tear it apart guys, let's hear some feedback

[basscatcher8]

Thats very cool looking and innovative. The only thing i can see is it might be a pain to work your fore finger around the bottom part so you can hold the line to cast. Of course i havent tried it so i dont know.

But i like the idea of being able to have two fingers on the blank might give you more feel for what the bait is hiting or fish messing with your lure.

nice work

[islandbass]

I like it. Have you though about reversing the curve though? I think that that might be even more comfortable.  Since the forefinger bends the other way, it might make for an even better grip.  Either way, that is way cool!

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

The line does not get interfered with by the trigger but IB's idea would make it even less obtrusive.  Keep in mind that on a real build, the whole (added) piece would be slightly further back but it isn't on this model because I used a busted old rod and the reel seat prevents that.

[Tin]

Really like it, may have to have you do it to one of my rods.

[dbass]

That's definitely different (out of the box).  

Without holding the rod I wouldn't be able to realy comment..

How do you grip the line for casting, seems to me you have all the fingers used up trying to feel the rod blank. Also it looks as though the system makes the angler grip the rod/reel where I have never seen anyone grip a spinning reel before. Reel stem between pinky and ring finger.   :-?

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

How do you grip the line for casting, seems to me you have all the fingers used up trying to feel the rod blank.

Nope.  You just grab the line w/ finger normally except it gets pressed against the trigger hook instead of up against the blank.  This isn't something you "have to get used to", it's as natural as the way we've always done it.

Also it looks as though the system makes the angler grip the rod/reel where I have never seen anyone grip a spinning reel before. Reel stem between pinky and ring finger.   :-?

answer:

 Keep in mind that on a real build, the whole (added) piece would be slightly further back but it isn't on this model because I used a busted old rod and the reel seat prevents that.

[Jake.]

It looks like a nose.

Lol. Just kidding.  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

It looks like a nose.

Lol. Just kidding.  

It's called a "Gonzo" grip,....named after the muppet

[BIG M]

I'd like to see the (trigger guard) turned so my index finger would hook it.   Looks like a really cool idea.

[RobbyZ5001]

I hold the reel one finger toward the thumb more then you do. I don't think it would work for me. I do things awkwardly.

[Jimzee]

You might want to see about getting a patent on that.  I believe that may have some potential.  Good job on the idea.  8-)

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I hold the reel one finger toward the thumb more then you do. I don't think it would work for me. I do things awkwardly.

You don't let the reel stem go between ANY fingers? Are you saying you hold the foregrip only?

[RobbyZ5001]

Lets see if I can explain this better. When I hold the rod I have 2 fingers behind the reel stem toward the butt of the rod those two are my pinky and my ring finger. Two toward the tip of the rod after the reel step thats my middle and pointer and my thumb on top.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

ok,...I was gonna say....lol

This was addressed earlier in the thread by David G.

The way I am holding it in the pic is not how I normally hold it.  I hold it like you.  Read back

[=Matt 5.0=]

Dude, you must have been watching me this year. That's exactly how I hold my spinning gear 99% of the time. I have even noticed myself (this year) when fishing jigs, I don't hold the reel between any fingers.. I just hold the foregrip and put my right thumb on the blank....must be my big Swedish hands  ;D ;D ;D

It would be a natural fit for me. Even in school I was made fun of for the way I hold my pens/pencils....very odd I guess.

I do agree that maybe Gonzo's nose could be turned 180* like a baitcaster. You gotta slow that brain down at night time my man lol

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Matt, we gotta change that grip.  I was watching the vids and couldn't figure out why you still don't "look" right.

Stay on him Tin2win

No more dropping 5 lbrs,...GET A GRIP!!

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Nice

[MickD]

I am working on a spinning rod right now that will incorporate part of the design in these posts.  If all goes well it will have a burl cork foregrip of about 2 inch length that will have "arcs" sanded out of it on the top and the bottom that will fit the thumb on top and the finger underneath.  It is for my son who, when jigging, has only the pinky behind the reel stem.  I don't know if he casts this way or not, but he wants to be able to touch the blank with both fingers but doesn't like the look of "no cork" up there.  The double cutouts will make it look a little goofy, IMHO, but that's what we are working on.  Functionally, with the way he holds the rod, it should work very well.  

My only concern is with the structure of the cut-out foregrip.  There won't be a lot of cork left.  I think I can get a solid partial "ring" of cork at both the front and rear of the cork and plan to use the rubberized cork for the front cork ring.

Anybody tried this before?  Comments?