What is the point of split grip rods?

[BASS fisherman]

A few weeks back I bought a "bargin bin" rod that is a 6' 6" Quantum MH Torsion BC rod. As I was taking the plastic off of the handle I tried twisting it and inadvertantly tore the cork handle closer to the bottom of the grip.

Being the cheapo that I am, I took the rod to a tourney and fished the day with it. The lower cork grip kept falling off and became a real pain in the butt. Last evening I took the cork off and cleaned the edges up and super glued it back onto the handle. Well that got me to thinking what is the point of the split handle rod grips? Is it done for balance, or sensativity?

Please fill me in on the split grip rods.

[lubina]

 Is it done for balance, or sensativity?  

Please fill me in on the split grip rods.

Mostly the look, and may be weight.

I hope you know Surperglue is not a waterproof cement.

[BASS fisherman]

So other than asthetics, there isn't really a point to it?

The superglue I used is waterproof.  

[Guest avid]

Balance is definitely not improved with a split grip rod.

The Look is very modern, and the myth is that it reduces weight and increases sensitivity.

I say myth. because how much weight is saved by removing a few inches of cork?

As for sensitivity. the exposed rod blank is supposed to make that better, but it's all about the quality of the blank, the design, and the craftsmanship.

But yes, they do look really kewl.

[BASS fisherman]

Thanks for clarifying Avid.   8-)

Maybe I'll post a picture one day soon.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I personally don't like the feel of the split grip.  I cast two handed, so I like to have my hand that is on the lower end of the rod on cork and not the blank.  I used my buddies split grip rod for about 10 minutes, which was about all I could stand.

[RWHusker.]

I bought 2 hendrix rods w/ split grip this summer.  The Rods are great, sensitive and light.  The only advantage that I've found is no matter who looks at the rod they always complement because of the look.  They have no idea if its a cheapo or the most expensive rod on the planet, but everytime I get "very nice rod"

The other cool part of the Hendrix Split, that is where Mike (the owner/builder) paints my name in gold.  I'm an easy mark for the bait monkey

Go BIG RED

[Rich G]

I may be parcel to split grip rods since that is what I like and make for myself. I think split grips enable adaptability to different size reels and types of fishing, also the size of a fisherman's hands which makes a rod that is very comfortable to fish with all day long. The center rod in my photo I am building on a St Croix Avid 68MXF blank. I made the handle longer and larger for my hand to allow for a more relaxed comfortable grip with a larger heavier reel, also I left more room between the grips for what I know will be a very comfortable two handed casting rod. The area between the split grip will allow the rod to be braced under my arm if I am fighting a larger fish. I am looking forward to finishing that rod it seems like it will be just what I was trying to build. When my back ordered thread arrives I will be good to go. The other casting rods are similar to a pistol grip rod that you cast one handed. The rod on the top is very comfortable for one or two handed casting because of where you hold a spinning rod. I guess I will just say I think split grips are very adaptable capable handles. Have a great day, Rich.

[Daniel My Brother]

Wow Rich, those are beautiful grips!

Very nicely done.

I do have to admit that I'd be worried about the rod slipping out of my hand during a hookset. I left the plastic wrap on a cork handle one time and almost lost the rod on a hard strike.

[Rich G]

Hi Daniel, Thank you for the compliment. The grips are really not slippery, even if they get wet they are no more slippery than cork would be. The grips are finish with Tru-Oil gun stock finish which has a tacky softer feel to it than you would think. Tru-Oil is a great finish and makes it easy to re-coat if needed. Have a great day, Rich

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Rich, welcome aboard, beautiful work!!!  I'd love to see you active in the "tacklemaking" section.  We have a few custom builders here who really know their stuff and love experimenting.  I think you'd make a great addition to the crew.

BF- I feel that it certainly can reduce weight.  A balanced rod is a balanced rod but a lighter, balanced rod is preferred.  It's not a lot of weight but when you are talking about rods that only weigh 5-10 ounces to begin with, it could be quite substantial.

I also cast 2 handed and love the split grip feel for this.

And sure, they look cool too.

BF-  Love the new avatar, that shirt looks good on you man!!!

[burleytog]

I don't know about the purpose, I just know that I love them.  I'm slowly changing over to all split grip rods.

[Chris at Tech]

Simply making a rod split grip without any other modifications allows the possibility of actually unbalancing the rod.  If split grip rod designers take the time to balance the rods, I find them more comfortable to fish than the full grip.

So it's mostly personal preference.

[dbass]

BASS fisherman,

As a custom builder I have been building with the split grip for years now, the rod manufacturers are just now catching on...

The split grip handle design increases casting and hook-setting performance by creating an improved fulcrum point, and a slightly reduced overall weight of the rod.

Low_Budget_Hookers, Rich has been on the tacklemaking side of the forums. He showed us those grips awhile back, they are some sweet work..

Tight Lines All!!!!    

[Lucky Craft Man]

BASS fisherman,

The split grip handle design increases casting and hook-setting performance by creating an improved fulcrum point...

Forgive me for my ignorance on rod design, but how does a split grip improve the fulcrum point? I would assume that be decreasing the weight behind the reel seat by removing weight (i.e., less cork), the balance point would be shifted further up the rod away from the reel seat (but the fulcrum point where you are holding the rod wouldn't change). This shift in the balance point would increase the amount of "resistance" you are pulling against to set the hook (which is why tip heavy rods feel uncomfortable - at least to me they do). I try to balance all my rods so the neutral balance point if right where my hand position is on the reel. The rods that are perfectly balance at this point feel lighter then rods that are actually lighter, but aren't perfectly balanced at the reel seat. I assume I am wrong here, since I have no rod building experience and being that I highly respect the Reel Mech, I am hoping you can explain this to me. Thanks.

[mattm]

Those are some beautiful rods.  I would be worried about them slipping also.

[BASS fisherman]

The sad thing is I haven't been able to fish with it yet.  Hopefully later this evening.  

LBH- thanks for noticing.  I have worn it at every tourney this year so far, and feel it helps for some reason.  

[Rich G]

Hi everyone, I want to say thank you for your compliments. I would like to add a little about the handles I make for my rods. They are hollow center bored and filled end to end with Flexcoat lightweight reel seat arbors so they are pretty light. The actual wood is just over an eighth inch thick for the main handle and less than an eighth inch for the fore-grip piece. The end part of the handle has a one inch long circular flocked open cavity that is there to add balance weights that I make for my rods and is capped off by a rubber end cap that completes the balance compartment. I think that the perception that wood is overly slippery is a kind of myth, I guess it would also depend on what finish is used on the wood. Rod balance, rod components used, blank type, builder experience are some things to consider for a sensitive fishing rod. Generally lighter is better, but if a rod does not balance correctly, I feel you loose more than you gain. Thank you for your compliments, have a great day, Rich.    

[Bass XL]

rich- do you sell those rods?

[twors]

Speaking of balance....is it possible to balance out a 7 ft rod with a 6oz reel.

[Chris at Tech]

Speaking of balance....is it possible to balance out a 7 ft rod with a 6oz reel.

I don't think you can make a general statement without knowing which rod and which reel.  Some rod makers are better than others when it comes to balance.  With that said, the only way to know if it will be balanced for you is to get the rod and reel in your own hands and make your own decision.

[Rich G]

  Hi Bass XL, I did try to sell a couple on Ebay, I sold them but they ended up selling to the same person so I did not end up with two different fisherman,s reviews. I received really good reviews but it was from the same person so that did not work as well as I had planned. I have been busy building rods for friends this summer and hope to sell to the public in the future.

  Hi twors, You had asked if it is possible to balance a seven ft. rod with a six ounce reel. It really depends on the rod design, rod blank, guide type, make, size, thread wrap length, handle and handle length. I guess I think I would say yes. Have a great day, Rich.

[Pencil Pusher]

Split grips aren't that new. I have three Berkley Series One rods from the mid 1980's, when they were the latest thing and were top line rods. They all have split grips, even the pistol grip rod is split.

[lubina]

even the pistol grip rod is split.

WHAT???????? ;D

[Pencil Pusher]

I knew I would have to explain the pistol grip part further. It is a six foot rod, instead of the straight handle that the split grip rods have now, this rod has a pistol grip handle, the blank extends through the back of the handle with a couple of inches of bare blank and and then there is a knob on the end of the blank. So, it is the same basic construction except instead of a straight grip behin the reel seat, the grip is a pitol grip. I also have six and a half foot one that does have a straight handle like the new ones.