Applications where slightly SMALLER handle size would be nice?

[pauldconyers]

It is common knowledge that many of us like to upgrade the reel handle size on a bait cast crank reels to get more torque and such. Got me to thinking, are there certain techniques where a smaller sized reel handle might be nice or ideal?

[Jig Man]

I can’t think of any.

[J Francho]

I have some really short handled JDM reels.  I notice it in about the first three thousandths of a second I use it, then forget about it.  Really long handles on the other hand really feel good for cranking.

[NOC 1]

I don't know. I really prefer a 90mm handle, but use plenty of reels with 80mm handles just fine. On the other hand a reel with a 100mm handle will get the handle changed to a 90mm.

 

The longer handle seems like a lot of wasted motion to me and I don't worry much about the torque. Even a 20lb Flathead cat is no match for a 240lb human with tools.

 

I think that one's preferences might have to do with hand size. I have small hands so smaller handles and small precise movements seem fine to me. But I can see why somebody with big ham fists might not feel it the same way?

[pauldconyers]

What got me thinking about this was while watching a Tackle Advisors video about the Curado K. The XG model has the larger 95MM handle on it and he was saying this was the gear ratio he would use for flipping and jigs and that for a presentation as such where you sometimes have to fight fish in tight quarters close to the boat he would prefer a shorter handle. I am curious if anyone else feels the same way or for other presentations would agree.

[JediAmoeba]

I have some 80 mm handles and some 110mm handles and some 120mm on 400 sized reels.  Overall for a 100-200 sized reel I like 100mm for most applications. The 80 mm works great for buzzbaits and other baits I am burning...

[J Francho]

2 hours ago, NOC 1 said:

I think that one's preferences might have to do with hand size.

I think you're on to something.  My hands aren't huge, but they're long.  One thing I CANNOT stand are tiny knobs.  That's more important to me than the length of the handle.

[Bankc]

I like short handles for crankbaits when targeting suspended bass where I won't be bumping into structure.  I feel like it's easier to impart action on the line naturally with a shorter handle.  It makes the motion of reeling less comfortable and more erratic.  It makes sudden jerks and pauses with the handle easier, sometimes to the point of where it happens even when you're not trying.  Swimbaits can be the same way, though usually I try to impart their action by bouncing the rod tip, so I don't necessarily prefer shorter handles for them.  But if I wanted to try a different technique, that's an option. 

 

For most other applications, I prefer the longer handles.  It's easier on my forearms, even if it is more motion (and wasted energy).  It just makes things more fluid.  Though, I'll be honest, back in the day when all handles were short, I didn't have that problem.  I think you just get used to something, and then using something different that interferes with your learned muscle memory can be frustrating.  

[JustJames]

Doesn’t matter much to me, whatever stock I’ll use that, but only left hand reels that I have to have 90mm or up to get a smooth reeling.

I don’t see a lot switch to smaller/shorter handle, the only reason I can think off is to shade more weight of the reel. There were once I wanted to switch to shorter handle on my SteeZ EX (100mm handle), because it got in the way when cast a few times. 
 

[fishwizzard]

Only time I really like short handles is for reels I’m going to travel or hike with, otherwise I prefer 90-100mm ones. 

[Hower08]

Longer handles for deep cranking are very effective. Everything else 80s and 90s are fine. 

 

Remember guys, women say handle size doesn't matter 

[Michigander]

Any size reduction for gear is appreciated in a kayak. ?

 

Also, a very niche thing, but if you've ever put the front of your boat under a low hanging tree and had to fish from a knee or closer to the prone position, then smaller handles would help. I find myself in this situation once or twice a year.