What's the advantage of a T-knob?

[ACGOG]

Hey ya'll,

 

In the past few months I've gotten a couple of newer reels, both a Daiwa and Shimano compact 3000 and they came with these t-knobs. To me they really just don't feel right. Is there an advantage to them over the paddles? Is it simply a preference? I did a quick search and it doesn't seem like anyone else really likes them either but maybe I'm just missing something.

[Bankc]

They're larger in your hand, so if you have arthritis, or are doing a lot of heavy cranking, they can be easier on your fingers.  With the T-knob, you don't have to grip the knob between your finger tips, like on a paddle, but can stick it into the palm of your hand and let the shaft point out through your fingers.  That way you can still get the same control, without having to grip as tightly.  

 

They're generally more of a saltwater thing.  I'm not a big fan of them myself.  But then again, I'm not spending an hour trying to horse in one big fish.  

[Hulkster]

i love them. more to grab, better grip. 

[A-Jay]

36 minutes ago, Hulkster said:

i love them. more to grab, better grip. 

Me too - 

A-Jay

[Columbia Craw]

More surface for the yellow jackets to land on.

[jbsoonerfan]

4 hours ago, Hulkster said:

i love them. more to grab, better grip. 

 

Same, I use the 3000 size Stradic just because it comes with the T handle.

[Team9nine]

They suck  - lol. I won't buy a spinning reel that has one. 

[Darren.]

I say it's a personal preference. Personally, I hate 'em.

 

But hey, to each his/her own ? .

[mrpao]

5 hours ago, Hulkster said:

i love them. more to grab, better grip. 

Same here. I like the T knobs, especially in situations where I need to wrench a fish in.

[scaleface]

My old Zebco 802's had them . I thought they were great . 

[ACGOG]

Really interesting to see all the feedback here on who prefers what. Seems pretty polarized but to each their own ?

 

I might need to give the T a fair shot.

[Revival]

I never cared for it.  I removed mine from my 3000 Ci4+ and replaced it with a 2500 knob.

[craww]

I love em, especially when they're flat on the top and bottom like daiwa does in many cases.  I much prefer them over the trend of obnoxiously large bulbous handles we've been seeing. 

[Hammer 4]

Been using a T handle since day one. I feel it gives you more leverage vs a paddle type handle on a spinning reel.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Its the same idea as putting bigger grips on casting reels.  The bigger surface area makes it a little easier to put pressure on it.