Why That Open Space On Some Of The Rod Handles?!

[laus]

Back in the day all rod handles were just plain ole cork, or wood, or whatever. Not too long ago I noticed rods with an open space (no cork) somewhat below the reel seat. Anybody know why the change?

[OHIO]

It decreases the weight slightly, but I honestly think companies started making them to improve looks.

IMO split grips look a lot better than full cork handles.

[J Francho]

Back in the early 90s there was a cork shortage, and thus the "split grip" was born.

[BrASSmonkey]

Beaver got to the rod...

[breezy]

I'm still on the fence about split grips. I go back and forth between split vs full in ergonomics and aesthetics. Other than those there is very little difference in weight, etc IMO. I just wish more manufacturers would offer both split and full handles...seems like the majority of all new rods are split grip. Just like LH reels, give us some options!

[Senkoman12]

It decreases the weight slightly, but I honestly think companies started making them to improve looks.

IMO split grips look a lot better than full cork handles.

i agree, the split grip makes the rod look sleeker. i am a fan of them. i like them better than full grips.

[KenG85]

Split grips look way better, but full handle cork casts way more comfortably (two handed).

Split grip spinning gear is the only way to go.

[flippin and pitchin]

I did an informal poll last year on grip preferences. Split grip was first, traditional full fore and rear grip 2nd, and full rear grip with no fore grip a close third. Longer rods, crankin rods and flippin rods seem to feel better to me with a full rear grip. I do like and have moved to split grip handles on almost all of my spinning rods though. Offering both means retailers have to add inventory which is expensive and risky in this economy.

[tholmes]

i agree, the split grip makes the rod look sleeker. i am a fan of them. i like them better than full grips.

I disagree. I have no clue as to why split grips became so popular, but, IMHO, they're uglier than a mud fence. Sleek? More like lumpy, like they didn't quite finish building the rod.

But then, I'm an old codger who still uses round reels.

Tom

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The true origin of the split grip is debated among rod builders but most agree Rich Forhan brought the style to the fore front. The advantages he lists include weight savings,hand placement for two handed casting and space for hook keepers. I believe the cost of high grade cork has a lot to do with factories jumping on the band wagon.

[clayton86]

I my self love em I still have a few full handle corks and I feel weird with it I. Like the ones with the hook keeper in the split to though that's not popular only a few are like that

[.ghoti.]

Four of my twelve baitcast rods have full rear grips; the rest are split.

Of my spinning rods, two have full grips, one is a split grip, and my favorite has no grips at all.

I don't see any advantage for either design while fishing. Or disadvantage for that matter. I'm happy with either style.

I started to go off a rant about foregrips, but I'll start another thread on that some time.

[OkobojiEagle]

It's been a few years since I've had an urge to buy a new fishing rod, however all of the rods I currently use whether spinning or bait casting have the full cork grip sanded to an elongated hour-glass shape much like a split-grip but with cork covering the entire length. As mentioned above, hand placement is more comfortable when casting and gripping the rod with wet hands when fishing from my float tube is also more comfortable. I've removed all but 3/4" of the foregrip on each of my spinning rods as well. Ergonomics over asthetics.

oe

[Bankbeater]

IMO its all about $$$. Cheaper to put on a little on both ends of the handle than run it the entire length.

[Quillback]

Think baseball bats, they have the knob on the end of the handle to keep your lower hand from slipping off and allows you to put more into the swing, same goes for split grip rods.

[SirSnookalot]

I only have 1 split handle rod, not really all that crazy for it. All of my freshwater and inshore equipment is spinning and I would not consider any rod without an ample foregrip. Catch powerful fish and you may learn to appreciate it, many times my hand is several inches on to the shaft for leverage.

[CWB]

Think baseball bats, they have the knob on the end of the handle to keep your lower hand from slipping off and allows you to put more into the swing, same goes for split grip rods.

I respectfully disagree. I played ball for years and cast with 2 hands like I hold a baseball bat. I do not like split grips and don't think I will ever get used to them.

I've never seen a baseball bat that had a thinner section between the butt and the barrel. They taper down to a uniform 7/8" or 1" diameter and then have the butt at the end.

I see what you are trying to say though and I do not think that's the reason for a split grip. Can't be for weight. Maybe just something new to spice things up?

The world may never know.

[trevor]

Back in the day all rod handles were just plain ole cork, or wood, or whatever. Not too long ago I noticed rods with an open space (no cork) somewhat below the reel seat. Anybody know why the change?

You got me, all it does is make the rod less balanced.

[Quillback]

I also played a lot of ball CWB, I hit for power and had my left hand gripped right on the knob, same goes for casting, if you're a powerful caster you can have your left hand snug on that knob. Doesn't work for everybody, some people like to choke up

It's all about leverage.

[zenyoungkoh]

Its all about preference.

[CWB]

my left hand gripped right on the knob

My left hand was on or snug to the knob also. But was your right hand 8" up the bat as it would be if that's how you are holding the rod when casting? Not so much about choking up but position of hands. My right hand is at the reel and my left hand is right underneath it. I've tried casting with my hands apart on a split grip and it just doesn't feel natural. With my hands together, one is holding the grip and one is holding the rod blank. Doesn't feel right. I have seen long distance casting matches and they do hold the rod with their hands apart but this was before split grips hit the market so there probably is a leverage advantage. This is only my opinion. Everyone has their preferences and split grip rods will never be one of mine.

Go Cubs! (quiet CJ)

[Jigfishn10]

The split grip took a while to gain popularity. I don't recall exactly when they came out, but they were marketed as a rod with less weight and more sensitivity. I personally don't think they are any more sensitive than a full grip rod nor do I feel a significant reduction in weight. I do think they are a much more comfortable rod to fish with, IMHO. I switched out a few of my full grips to split grips.

[MightyMichigan]

Back in the day all rod handles were just plain ole cork, or wood, or whatever. Not too long ago I noticed rods with an open space (no cork) somewhat below the reel seat. Anybody know why the change?

The main reason was for a way for the american companies keep up with the japanese styled rods when it came up with stylish looks (the originals like your daiwas). But for performance i can tell a slight difference in weight reduction, thats all i can really tell.

[Flywatersmallie]

It seems the people who don't like the split grip style is because they handled one that wasn't designed to be that way. The St Croix Mojo rods come to mind. The Premiers and Triumphs balance much, much better using the same blanks and very similar hardware. But, the Mojos are very tip heavy. Balance is key. Look at the Dobyns line. They are not the lightest rods out there but strap a reel on one and they seem almost weightless in hand, even in the longer lengths.

As far as aesthetics, thats a different story, either you like the styling or you don't. Personal preference. Loomis GLX rods are nice, but they sure are boring to look at.

[B-Dozer]

I disagree. I have no clue as to why split grips became so popular, but, IMHO, they're uglier than a mud fence. Sleek? More like lumpy, like they didn't quite finish building the rod.

But then, I'm an old codger who still uses round reels.

Tom

I'm with you on both points