Facts & Myths about Split Grips?

[LAO162]

The current thread about splitting grips leads to a question for relative novices like me.  What are the facts and myths about split grips?

- Less Weight (i.e. to what degree)?

- Better Balance?

- Increased Sensitivity?

- Better/Worse Handling (Medium-sized hands in my case)?

- Weakens Structural Integrity?

- Other

For example, are there be any meaningful differences in AllStar's IM10 TAS and ASR Rods?  (without experience and the ability to handle them in person, it's hard for me to determine a personal preference )

Thanks!

[Chris at Tech]

This needs to be studied on a rod-by-rod basis.

In addition, split grips by themselves accomplish none of that, in my opinion.  However, the split grip + the actual design of the rod are what results in all those features.

[Mike-in-WV]

This needs to be studied on a rod-by-rod basis.

In addition, split grips by themselves accomplish none of that, in my opinion. However, the split grip + the actual design of the rod are what results in all those features.

I agree with this 100 percent but I also don't see how they improve anything and it's just butt ugly to me. Another gimmick maybe  :-/

[Branuss04]

I think it's just like everything else.... personal preference

[Lucky Craft Man]

I like to cast with two hands, so the one split-grip rod I had was uncomfortable to cast with (holding on to that little nub at the end of the rod was odd).  Needless to say, I don't have the split-grip rod anymore and will stick to full grips (to answer your question, I think split grips are a personal preference).

[Tin]

Don't use brake-clean, dry cleaning fluid, or carb cleaner to remove epoxy.

[.dsaavedra.]

Don't use brake-clean, dry cleaning fluid, or carb cleaner to remove epoxy.

shut up  

but yeah its very much personal preference and if your willing to pay more for a split grip (most split grip rods cost more).

i personally love the way they look, they look more modern to me.

[David P]

The split grip in itself is more a personal preference.

It's not going to reduce, or single handedly make the rod more sensitive.

The one thing that I do believe in, that many split grip rods have, is the no front grip. This to me, makes a TON of difference, because instead of putting my finger on more cork, my fingers are directly touching the rod blank.

[Guest muddy]

I prefer the old handles I got to fish some of the custom split grips last year at the fork. The weight difference is neglible and I finally got to handle the ASR's, I prefer the TS IM 10's. I liked the spinning version, but I usually cast with both hands BC and I just do not like the feel of those split handles.

[David P]

For guys who cast with both hands...

I do the same thing with BC's, and have no problem casting a split grip with both hands. I just place one of my hands on the butt..

I notice absolutely no difference casting or feel wise Split grip vs Regular...

Maybe some guys are just so used to one thing, it's tough to change.

[LAO162]

Thanks for the input.  So far it sounds as though discomfort is a greater factor than the perceived benefits.  I guess I shouldn't disqualify a rod for consideration because it doesn't have a split grip.

Cheers

[Quinn]

Thanks all. You helped answer my question ...

"Reading this thread raised my curiosity on what "Carrot Stix" are, so I see the design in purchased rods, but don't understand what it does.  I've seen similar rods with double grips on large snaging and catfish rods, but why the little knob on the end??

They do look cool though "

From another post that had more to do with the craft of modifying a rod than the reason one would use a split grip.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Carrot stix are the latest craze.  They give comparable performance to the big $$ rods with 1/2 the price tag.

The negatives are that the components used are not "the best" and they are butt ugly.

[Shadcranker]

I own both styles, and I favor the split handle design. I like the looks, and I think that the reduced amount of grip material does reduce the weight and add slightly to sensitivity.

Main reason though is I like the looks and the way the rod feels in my hands.

My personal choice is the Powell Max series. I own around 6 of them, and for the $, they are the best deal out there, IMHO.

It is, like much of the discussion in this section of the board, a personal choice. Handle each, and decide for yourself.

SC

[detroit1]

I love this place. It is a bass resource. I like the looks of the split, (hi-tech to me), and i appreciate reading everyone's experiences on the various subjects. We are all field-testers...

[=Matt 5.0=]

My Carrot Stick fits my hand perfectly. My thumb rests right on the blank and when fishing a shakey head, I can feel EVERYTHING. Boyd wasn't kidding when he said "I can drag a worm over a beer can and tell you what brand it is."

Didn't really see what the big deal was til I bought one and started fishing it...now I have another one on the way.

[flechero]

Just splitting a grip will lighten it slightly but actually affect balance in a negative way... removing weight behind the reel seat makes a rod more tip heavy.

Certain rod designs or grip materials can be used to accomplish certain things.

For example, use of "Exotic burl cork" which is much denser and heavier than natural cork almost requires a split grip for weight reasons, and tailoring of the size and profile can be used to balance a rod and accomodate very large or small hands without looking to strange.

A split grip usually aids in casting accuracy since hand placement is said to be more consistent.

[LAO162]

Thanks for the additional input.  The concensus seem more balanced now.  

[TournyFish001]

The split grip in itself is more a personal preference.

It's not going to reduce, or single handedly make the rod more sensitive.

The one thing that I do believe in, that many split grip rods have, is the no front grip. This to me, makes a TON of difference, because instead of putting my finger on more cork, my fingers are directly touching the rod blank.

x2 I agree completely-

[bugman]

Confidence in your equipment and baits is directly linked to catching fish. Some guys like to match the color of the rod & reel. If you think something will help you catch fish use it. I have thought about getting  a split grip spinning rod but would not buy a split grip casting rod. Don't ask me why, I really don't know myself.

[.RM.]

Split Grips, are all a matter of personal preference. I get more request for custom split grip rods than standard straight full grip rods anymore, and, either way none request the fore grip anymore. As far as what manufacturers are doing with split grips is nothing more than trying to keep up with the custom builders, they don't have time to use it as a balancing tool like custom builders, it's more of a "kool look" than anything else.

In a custom split grip section everything done there is in respect to weight, sensitivity, and balance.

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines All!!!!  

[michbass]

For guys who cast with both hands...

I do the same thing with BC's, and have no problem casting a split grip with both hands. I just place one of my hands on the butt..

I notice absolutely no difference casting or feel wise Split grip vs Regular...

Maybe some guys are just so used to one thing, it's tough to change.

That is the one thing I have always wondered about. I don't think a spinning rod would make a lot of a difference but I cast two handed on BC.  I will have to play with one at the store to see how casting like you said feels. Just think it is something different that I have to get use too.

[Jeff H]

It would seem to me that it wouldn't be a very difficult thing to get used to a split grip casting rod, but I don't know yet and won't for a few more months.  

[flechero]

It would seem to me that it wouldn't be a very difficult thing to get used to a split grip casting rod, but I don't know yet and won't for a few more months.

for most it's extremely easy to get used to... it takes about 3-5 casts to pick a grip you like.  From there it becomes 2nd nature pretty quickly.

[LAO162]

Thanks for the insight Flechero