Hello, do you guys have ever tried this grip? How better is it compared to a regular full wells one?
Would you use it for an heavy fly rod 8+?
Thanks for the answer.
Serge.

Serge - I have seen and handled the grip you are referring to. Dick French at Clemens Tackle probably still sells them. While the grip is comfortable, I would not personally use it on heavier saltwater fly rods. I prefer the full wells grip because I have a tendency to move my hand around on the grip during a day of fishing. If I am casting short and want additional accuracy I move my hand towards the tip of the rod and if I need extra distance my hand moves towards the fly reel. This is just my own opinion and how I cast - I am sure there are other ways and thinking on the subject.

I'd agree with Frank on this. But I do know some people who have arthritis and they love that grip. I guess it comes down to personal preference.

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The maniform grip with several custom variations are popular with the tarpon fishermen who look for the 200 pounders around the Homosassa flats. These are generally on 12 wgt. and larger rods. I have seen some with extended fighting butts. They look a little weird but add considerable comfort when pumping up those massive critters. Casting is not the issue here, it has more to do with hanging on for several hours of battle. In fact Billy Pate used one on a 198 pounder which set the world record on a fly until it was topped last year by a 202 pounder. My arsenal does not include any but I have seriously considered making some.

Capt. Harold
Crystal River, FL

I have made several salt water fly rods for a friend who had the bad habit of casting with his index finger instead of his thumb on top. This grip solved that problem & cut down on his dropping the rod too low on his back cast. He loves them.

I built a 10wt with a maniform grip and it's gone in and out of favor, but I think that is due as much to the blank as to the grip. Anyway, I've been fishing with it a lot lately and feel that the grip does improve my casting form and definitely puts less strain on my wrist. On the downside it seems a little big for my hand, which can be problematic when I'm fighting a large fish. Still, I'm considering using a maniform grip on my next 8 or 9 wt.

I suggest you try casting with the maniform grip before building the rod--you could ream it so it's fairly tight with some masking tape bushings and tape the guides in place.