Rod Help

[BassAnglerPro]

I will COMPLETELY honest with you, I have no Idea what the Pros & Cons are with a split grip, And the Pros & Cons of a standard/full grip rods. I use casting rods only, and I only do topwater, and soft plastics/w texas rig. What is the recommended grip for a casting rod for the types of fishing I do?   

~Tom

[Bruce424]

My opinion it's nothing but a gimmick. They say it's for balance and weight reduction. But I feel no difference. No offense to anyone who prefers either or.

[gulfcaptain]

1 minute ago, Bruce424 said:

My opinion it's nothing but a gimmick. They say it's for balance and weight reduction. But I feel no difference. No offense to anyone who prefers either or.

That's pretty much my outlook on it as well.  

[smalljaw67]

The main purpose of a split grip is weight reduction and to give the rod a more modern appearance.  The weight reduction comes at a price as it usually makes the rod tip heavy but I prefer tip heavy with my reaction baits. So, if you only fish T-rigs and topwater, a full grip is going to serve you better because it will be better balanced for the most part and balance is better for fishing techniques in which you will lift the rod tip to move the bait.

[SMITTY0045]

On December 28, 2015 at 1:09 PM, Bruce424 said:

My opinion it's nothing but a gimmick. They say it's for balance and weight reduction. But I feel no difference. No offense to anyone who prefers either or.

I'd have to agree. Really its just a preference thing

[Mike L]

I have both styles as a lot of folks. 

Other than what Smalljaw posted about balance, another advantage to having  a split grip is that by grabbing the knob on the end, you will have a better grip of the rod when bombing a cast. 

Mike 

[Missourifishin]

I have several of each and switch back and forth without noticing or even thinking about it. Feel both, and if you strongly prefer one style, go with it.

[Fishes in trees]

I think it is just a design thing - some rods have them and some don't.  The last couple of Fenwick AETOS rods I bought had the split grip and I like it.   I have a Falcon 6'10" Eakins Jig Special, which has the full cork grip and I like it.   My Falcon Bucoo rods have split grips and I like them.   I haven't bought or not bought a rod with split grips or not being a deciding factor.   Generally I buy one based on how it feels and if I think it will fill a niche in my tackle arsenal.   My spinning rods are split as well - some have cork grips and some have more minimal handles.

Spinning rods, it doesn't matter anyway.   I use rod wrap or tennis racquet tape to build up the handle to fit my hand anyway.   Now that I think of it, I've used rod wrap or some other kind of handle tape to modify most of my rods.   Not the AETOS rods though, I like those the way they are.