I'm considering puttting a "tennesee" graphite tube handle on a spin
jig rod im building. Anyone out there have any experience/feedback
with them? They sound great in theory anyway.
p.s.-this site is killer!

They are very light and sensitive. Some fishermen do object to the appearance and/or hard feel. Others would not have anything else.

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I've built several rods with the Tennessee Sensor handle, and have yet to find a more sensitive handle/grip. They're great for walleye jigging, or anytime you need sensitivity in a spinning rod. Bluegill bites fel like a "thump" in your hand. Try it you'll like it! Bob Vasko

I've built three rods with this type of handle, and I'm just starting on a fourth one. Two of them were my favorite spinning rods until one bounced out of a boat on a rough ride several years ago, and the other got stolen last year.

They make very sensitive and light handles, and since the reel position is not fixed by a reel seat you can get perfect balance just by shifting the reel.

I used to attach the reel with cloth friction tape, then add a layer of vinyl electrricians tape for comfort. This time I'm going to try strapping tape to hold the reel then heat shrink tubing over that, although I'm always open to suggestions. What do you guys use to hold reels on Tennessee handles?

Joe

I've tried one and don't like it. Yes they are senstive but just don't feel right to me. You can get close to the same sensitivity by buidling without any foregrip where your finger and thumb are right on the blank. I use just one cork ring in front of the reel seat turned down to transition the top of the seat to the blank. Looks very nice with the added benefit of having direct contact with the blank.

Another drawback to the graphite tennessee handle I've heard from guides during cold weather fishing in the fall. The feel is objectional and sometimes slippery to handle. The sensitivity is claimed by some, although this too is disputed by others. It is very light material rivaling cork for weight. The look of the material can be handsome and functions well for taping and holding the reel with something like tommy tape.
For percieved better sensitivity, one might just as well use an exposed blank reel seat and no foregrip. Just finish with epoxy and a thin winding check. Sensitivity issues by direct feel of the blank ahead of the reel is probably better put to use with an the ultra sensitive bite at ice fishing time. I would more consider the choice of a high grade blank for the ultra light weight and stiffness ratio more than relying on the 'feel' at the handle.

Rich
Solyrich Custom Rods