Why are most of the casting style of custom rods equiped with a split grip? Is it bad to use a full length grip on a casting rod?

Weight savings, plus they look cool. Also aid in effectively orienting your hand position for maximum leverage when casting double handed. There's space for decorative thread work, marbling, decals, anything you like. The grip ends can be dressed up with winding checks for a little more bling.

That said, they are not everyone's cup of tea. I really don't like those out of proportion grips with a long section behind the seat and a super short butt grip. Looks funny. I keep mine just short enough behind the seat to rest the heel of the hand, and the butt grip either the same or slightly longer. Any sort of butt cap also makes the butt grip a bit longer also.

Exactly what Ted said. My Bass fishing customers all want split grips. But as Ted says, they must look good and be well proportioned. I think they are especially nice on a spinning rod.

Okay thanks. I was not really wanting to do one but I was wondering why all of the custom ones had split grips.

It's just a matter of appeal to the eye first of all. You can then explain some of the benefits later. They look good when done in good proportions and with some decorative work. Add inlays and wood like some of the artists on here and you have a BEAUTIFUL custom split grip. Who wouldn't want one????????

ME!!! No just kidding. I do think that the custom rods with artwork between the split grips are awesome. I really like the marbalized look. There are a lot of people with a great amount of talent on here. Hats off to all of you!

what is the general proportion scale for the split grips, I too think they look really cool. My next rod needs to have such a set with mrbling in between.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Good morning!

Split grips, grips, who needs them!!!

Just finished a demo rod for jigging fluke, summer flounder to some, in 3-10' water using 10-15# test line and SPRO type jigs around 1/2 oz.. Sensitivity and fun is the goal. No grips, just a 1/2 " piece of EVA at ends of reel seat, single foot light weight guides, no underwrap just a guide wrap with very short wraps. Nothing enhanced!!! Not ever a tip top wrap.

I have to tell you I love this rod. It feels comfortable in my hands, With my hands on the blank I am in touch with what is happening, i feel what is happening at the hook better and yes I am trying braided line with it. What a blast I had catching fish with it.

Now, I grant you many think a spiral wrapped rod looks funny and defies convention Well, this rod defies convention even more.

Moral to the story is design your rods they way you desire. If the design works for you go with it. It others don't like what they see then they have a problem. Trying something different is half the fun of rod building. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!!!

Capt Neil Faulkner

Bill Eshelman; Look at Swampland's web site. They sell a set of split grips ( cork or EVA) that are proportioned very nicely. Order a set of them and see what you think about them. You could even tweak them a little if you wanted any changes in shape .

I also think a split grip looks better!I have to agree with you Capt. Neil, I like to look or think outside the box but keeping it simple and build what you like. Of course I build mostly for myself so I don't have anyone to please but myself. I also like the feel of the blank and instead of EVA or cork I have been carbon sleeving directly to the blank (mostly for looks as some blanks are unfinished at the butt) and it still gives you the feel of the blank directly in your hand. I'm just finishing my first spiral wrapped rod on a Super Seeker blank for my Bro-in-law and wow, I love this thing! On test casting I can't beleive more people don't take to this concept, I'm sold on it. Why no tip top wrap? Due to weight??

Hi John,

Yes, it was about weight. I know, a very little amount of weight, but weight none the less.

I love the rod but an still looking for a better reel seat solution. I may build one without a reel seat.

Neil

Capt Neil Faulkner

Would it be feasible to wrap the reel feet directly to the blank?

On the Vibronics, Steve wraps them straight to a handle. What would the disadvantage be (other than ergonomics)?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/11/2008 05:09PM by Alex Dziengielewski.

This may not be a very good reason, but I found it much easier to ream the cork using split grips on a couple of surf rods I built. It is the only time I have used a split grip, but will definately do more in the future.

Herb

Alex,I have seen people tape them on so I would say using thread would be ok, just a little more permenant then tape.Reel maintnence might be the only problem.

Why? Credit Rodmaker Mag. article. A good idea will be used by those that see its potential. Form follows function. The split grip - along with many other ideas in Rodmaker - made all previous Bass rods obsolete - not a bad position for custom builders to be in. Factory rods have had to copy - or be left behind. They seem to be doing quite well with their copies (they subscribe!) - I've actually helped a few to get it right. Nothing worse than a good idea done poorly.

A standard grip worked well enough for a lot of years - but we either advance or we don't - why settle for good enough - when better is possible.