Pistol Grip Rods - What's Your Opinion Of Them?

[FloridaFishinFool]

21 minutes ago, 0119 said:

That old Loomis has the old Weibe reel seat.  For a time pre shimano, Loomis put them on all his average sized casting rods.  Much sought after it is extremely comfortable especially in casting round reels.  I spoke to Mr. Loomis at a show a year ago and he told me he still holds the patent for it and puts them on his new Edge rods.

 

I am looking for a couple of good well made pistol grip handles- vintage type- not the new cheapo plastic crap made today.

I'd like to make some custom pistol grip rods this year. Right now I am finishing up retro-fitting 3 of my old vintage pistol grip rods with new guides done in spiral wrap.

Anyone here know where to buy these "weibe" reel seats?

And does anyone have experience with boron rods? What are they like? I've never used one. Are they whippy or, rigid and fast? Any opinions of boron rods? Anyone using them today? Do they still make them I wonder?

[0119]

You cant buy the Weibe seats anymore. He holds the patent and he doesnt let anyone have them other than on his rods.  The Boron rods I handled many many years ago were light and stiff much like todays graphite in a fast or ex-fast action.

[contium]

On 2/1/2016 at 7:39 AM, FloridaFishinFool said:

And does anyone have experience with boron rods? What are they like? I've never used one. Are they whippy or, rigid and fast? Any opinions of boron rods? Anyone using them today? Do they still make them I wonder?

Boron rods were actually boron/graphite. Similar feel to graphite but I thought they were a little more sensitive. The blanks themselves tended to be a little smaller diameter than 100% graphite for a similar action. Boron rods were a lot more durable. A friend of mine TRIED to break a Fenwick boron rod and it was about impossible. As I recall, the price of boron increased to the point it wasn't feasible to make the rods anymore. The military industry started using it more.

[bowhunter63]

I had a Mitchell with a pistol grip that was stolen from my truck back in the day.i dont remember the model number but it was green in color.I would love to be able to find one now.Caught alot of fish on it.I have a few short handle rods that i still use,they will always have a place in my rod locker.

[NY2TXBassin]

Quote

So what I am reading here repeated a couple of times is that some fishermen believe that they can cast more accurately with pistol grip rods than they can with rod-blank-through-the-handle rods.

If this is true, then what is it that makes the difference?

Is it because the pistol grip rods are shorter and are held in the hand more like a wand? Or, is it because in rod-blank-through-the-handle rods that maybe the extra rod blank that extends beyond the grip point is getting in the way some how?

I am curious what some of you think gives some of us the thought that we can cast more accurately with a pistol grip rod than the more modern type with rod-blank-through-the-handle?

I used to use pistol grips when pitching. A 5'6" to 6' pistol grip is 10X easier to use with this technique than any two-handed rod. Two reason: 1) The shorter length of the rod allows you to whip the rod tip around with ease without worrying about slamming it into your boat or obstacles like trees or docks. 2) The shorter handle gives you far more flexibility to maneuver your wrist into any angle necessary to get your bait exactly where you want it. It was nothing to pitch a bait into a ball cap at 20+ yards. It was so accurate pitching became my primary method of fishing whether it was with soft plastics, jigs, spinnerbaits or frogs; anything that requires accuracy in casting -  under docks, under overhanging trees or into a small hole or gap in vegetation, brush or stumps. Once I bought a two-handed flipping stick I attempted to pitch with it and quickly gave up. It just doesn't get the job done. So, if I'm flipping or need to make long casts in relatively open water I use a two-hander. Otherwise, I prefer a pistol grip hands down!

[Southern boy]

I have been begging for pistol grip rods to come back. I fished with them for years while throwing small crankbaits and I love to just roll me wrist to make the cast. I found this forum and was glad to see other people like the pistol grip rods somewhat as well too. Hopefully one day we can get a manufacturer to offer some good ones at a descent price.

[NYWayfarer]

10 hours ago, Southern boy said:

I have been begging for pistol grip rods to come back. I fished with them for years while throwing small crankbaits and I love to just roll me wrist to make the cast. I found this forum and was glad to see other people like the pistol grip rods somewhat as well too. Hopefully one day we can get a manufacturer to offer some good ones at a descent price.

Plenty of brands have pistol grip rods for sale. Bass Pro, Berkley (Lightning Rod), Lew’s (American Hero and SG1) and Cashion.

 

I have a Bass Pro telescopic pistol grip for traveling. While I like it I get more use out of an old 6’ Fenwick Eagle GT I have. It’s medium action with a very short handle. 

[Big-Bass]

8 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

Plenty of brands have pistol grip rods for sale. Bass Pro, Berkley (Lightning Rod), Lew’s (American Hero and SG1) and Cashion.

 

I have a Bass Pro telescopic pistol grip for traveling. While I like it I get more use out of an old 6’ Fenwick Eagle GT I have. It’s medium action with a very short handle. 

Can you post a picture of the Eagle GT...is it a pistol grip or just a short straight cork handle?  

[NYWayfarer]

5 hours ago, Big-Bass said:

Can you post a picture of the Eagle GT...is it a pistol grip or just a short straight cork handle?  

I can’t post pics here anymore. It’s a bummer. There is supposed to be a button to click and post pics but it doesn’t exsist on my iPhone, ipad or ancient work computer.

 

My Eagle GT is a short straight cork handle. Real short like hard to get two hands on it short.

[Terry O'Brien]

I still have my Skyline 5'6" graphite rod with their better than average pistol grip and I will be taking it to the grave with me