I have a bass fishing friend who wants a 7' ML spinning rod for throwing grubs and other small stuff in winter. He told me that he wants a 10" rear grip, and I found that length to be pretty excessive, at least in my limited experience. Seems like it would really get in the way. Is this a reasonable length?

As a tournament bass fisherman I have several spinning rods used for lighter lures and skipping. Most of my 6'6" and 7' have 10 inch cork rear grips. They dont get in the way at all. I believe it is a pretty standard practice. At least in my area.

10" is not too long for this size/style rod.

Personally, I actually prefer an 11" grip on something light that is going to be doing a lot of repetitive casting. It is much less tiring and certainly does not get in the way. I find that most of the grips on commercial rods are too short to be comfortable for me.

If that's what he wants...

I find that on most rods I don't like the grip to extend past my elbow. After that it snags on clothes and rain gear. But certain applications benefit from a long handle. All of that needs to be taken into account.

Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

I'm with Matt, not past the elbow when holding the rod in the retrieve position. But strictly an individual preference, and one of the most important aspects and benefits of custom building. I do have some long inshore rods with long handles, and it helps with two-handed casts, though I don't like the feel when working the lure. Check with the guy, but if that's what he knows he wants....

I'm with Matt as well....too long for my tastes.

I would make SURE he wants the rear grip ALONE to be 10"......and not the entire grip: rear grip, seat and foregrip combined for a total of 10"....just a thought.......



DR

I personally have a 7 md light with a 10 inch rear grip. Works great if you are casting all day, but it can get in the way a little if you are trolling or drift fishing. A good compromise would be something around 9 inches, that 10 in is just a tad too long.

If the guy really wants a 10" grip than it is the perfect length (for him) There is no such thing as a "right" size for everyone. I would make sure that a customer fully understands what he is asking for and then build it. You might want to put 10 inches of cork and a seat on a dowel and let him handle it. Having a few different sizes "mocked" up on a dowel really helps in determing sizes and seat placement. Good use for that "garbage" cork most have laying around.

Pipe insulation tubes are great for simulating grips. 10 foot lengths are a couple bucks and with a few dowels, you can make a lot of different siz demo handle/seat combo's.



Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

The mock-ups are a great idea. I'd include split grips in the mock-ups, too!

Putter
Williston, ND