building a switch rod , I don't like the look of the 2 HANDLES GLUED TOGETHER for the top section. I my opinion its too much cork and there is no reason why you cant at least have 2 cork pieces with a split in between to suit the persons grip preference.Im looking for other suggestions on what I can use and a handle .Im referring to the handle that will be closest to the tip. So far Ive thought of cork tape, a gel tape used for bike handlebars that comes in different colors Any of other suggestions?

The reason it is large, is because when single handling it, you grasp it just above the reel seat and when two handing, you grip much higher up to create the pivot pint for the Spey casting. Eliminating the length by very much will no longer enable one to "switch" effectively. I agree that the handles that appear to be "two glued together" are not attractive, so I build mine to look the way I want, but still they must be long.

Phil in my opinion it doesn't have to be long . There are many surf rods European and Amerasian that have a split cork configuration. the stumbling block in the switch rod is the hand on the cork when casting in the conventional manner.What have you used to change your style?

Maryann, as I understand surf rods they are always cast two handed, a switch rod is meant to be cast either single or two handed, this requires that the upper hand is placed in two different ares when changing casting methods.

Figure out how it will be cast Where the hands will be

And make handles to fit Reshape them to how you want

Bill - willierods.com

I need suggestions on different types of handles Im thinking of some thing like cork tape for the last part of the butt section and cork tape for the handle that will be closest to the tip. then the conventional cork for the main handle Im sure there are guys out there that have done some experimenting.

How about Cord wrapped

Bill - willierods.com

good suggestion bill ,Dont have any info on that technique where can I find some I just thought of cord underneath and shrink tape over . Now were cook-en

I'm with Phil, my spey presentations are mostly underhand dominant, my double hand overhead has my hands elsewhere, and single hand as noted above. I've made my own, (R.B. Meiser patterned), but a shortened Angler's Workshop spey foregrip works well also.

Do a search here on Cork Wrapped handles

Here is one place for cord []

Also check the sponcers on the left

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/02/2011 08:53AM by bill boettcher.

Sorry,
Switch rod is meant to cast either "overhead" or "anchor-point" (spey). never one handed. I hace switch rods up 11wt, 13'6" and you cannot cast them with one hand. Also there are rods designed to be cast anchor-point only and those to cast overhead only - the latter would be beach rods.

The only reason I can see NOT to have a split grip is that you will retrieve, sometimes, with the rod's butt tucked under your armpit and be stripping with two hands. This would be with overhead casting. With anchor-point you will not be stripping so a split grip there is O.K.
Solce problem by turning your own grips and do not use factory preformed grips.
Regards,
Herb

Not going to be single handed casting then? Would not recommend cork tape for the main part of the grip. Your hands will hate you. Really not much weight to be concenred with by having the full cork. I like the look of the mixed material cork/composites like Beulah uses etc... Cool look and breaks up that total cork look.

Todd is correct - your hands will be sore.
Herb

Maryann,
Send me your email - or unhide it - and I will send you some pics.
Herb