I am building a 7' m-fast rod with a split grip handle. What would be a normal distance for the exposed blank on the split section. 4?,5?6?......thanks

Bob - there really isn't a standard distance. That distance is usually whatever is left from placing the total handle length. It's also going to change based on the grip pieces you use. We use 3, 3.25, 3.5 and 4" grips on the same handle length, so every one is the same handle length, but the exposed blank section is different. Hope that makes sense.

Best thing I can say - figure out how far from the butt you want the seat, and stick the grips on from there. You'll have some type of space in between the grip pieces.

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I've got a 4.75 rear cork grip, exposed reel seat and no fore grip.

Hi,

Whatever works for Is just fine.

Capt Neil Faulkner

I usually figure how long I want the handle
Then figure how long I want the section after the seat and shape to fit my hand
Butt section -- Whatever you want Check out some new rods and see what looks good to you ??

Bill - willierods.com

Bob,

From your post, it sounds like you only have one cork grip and not two? Just curious if that is the case.....

Everything you can think of will play into what size area you leave exposed.

I just start with how long I want my butt section to be. My second step is to make sure the upper grip extends below the reel seat to contact a boat rod holder. This may not be important for you, but it is for me. I do not want the exposed blank area to be touching the rod holder at any time. Once I decide how long I want the upper grip to be I can then build the lower grip to "look good" in conjunction with the upper. What looks good will varry from person to person. What is left after all that is the exposed part.

Bob,

There is really is no difference as in any other handle. Where do want the handle to fit your arm/ hands when you cast, or to fight a fish? The reel seat location and butt lenght won't change, so the open area in a split grip will vary the same as on any other handle.

Chuck

Figure how long you want your total butt length.

Then, figure how long you want the butt grip to be.

Finally figure how long you want your butt cap to be.

The open area will be the difference between the butt length, - the butt cap length and the butt grip.

It can be 0 to many inches.

Roger

Hi Bob,
I'm with most of what has been said. Get your reelseat set up so it suits your style for fish fighting and/or casting. Size the butt grip to suit your hand for casting. Size the rear grip to suit how you hold the reel and to fit rod holders if required. Whatever is left is whatever it is after you set everything up to suit your style and needs. Everyone is different so the gap will be different for individuals. Another reason to call a rod "custom made".

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

In other words...the exposed part of a split-grip is the least important part, and is simply what is left over after the important issues have been addressed.

All good advice, thanks everybody!