I am running in to more guys that don't even know what a TN handle is anymore.

Do you guys find people still open or interested in them at all?

I have no doubt that a custom TN handle is the best thing you can put on a spinning rod, weather it's full or split grip style. Any tips on promoting them?

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/10/2015 08:20PM by Marc Morrone.

Marc,
All that I can say is that I currently have a 40 rod build underway that all call for this style handles.

Some folks love them, and others not so much.

Be safe

There have been several articles on the TN handle in the past couple years of RodMaker that puts a new twist on the handle. Vinyl coated, nylon discs for rigidity and sensitivity, cord wrapped TN handles, etc. Sometimes all it takes is putting a new twist on an old idea to make the handle seem more modern and arguably even better than the already excellent design.

I'd push the simplicity. Light weight. Adjustable reel location, etc., etc. to your customers. The TN offers them a lot of options.

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Do you guys have a preference between the classic full TN handle or a split style handle?

I have stuck with traditional styles, but am really considering the split style for a few builds - thinking I'll keep the reel mounting portion approx. 7" long to allow for some reel location adjustment.

I have used the full and split grip handles on ultralight to medium/ light rods up to 6-1/2' long. Right now I use a split grip with full diameter (1-1/4 to 1-1/2") cork rings. I attach the reel with silicon tape ( tommy tape, stretch and seal ). This has been the most comfortable for me to fish with.

Marc, I'm with you on the Tennessee handles. Handle legnth should vari with rod legnth up to 9" or more. I don't think you have to promote their value to a serious sportsman. They'll ask for it.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

I would suggest educating them.!
Build two identical rods and let them play with both.
feel the difference in sensitivity, weight, balance, bit detection, ability to mount the reel in different locations allowing for micro adjustments for comfort and balance. ECT.

I have seen an increase with people going with a carbon fiber material style over the cork. I have always preferred a TN handle made with cork for all reasons mentioned above. Plus, the carbon tends to get really slick when wet.

Odd, as none of mine get slick when wet - they actually become more tactile. Have you actually tried one of these handles, skinned with carbon?

BTW - the carbon skin is usually over a urethane foam core, not cork. Although cork could be skinned but that would negate at least part of the advantage of that style grip.

If you need more information on these type grips and their properties, the Volume 10 #6 issue of RodMaker Magazine introduced them to the rod building craft. There is a full article on both carbon skinning and forming urethane cores within that issue.

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I meant as the actual handle material as far as Cork vs. Carbon, not carbon skin over cork. Yes, the best I have found for the carbon skin is the North Fork Carbon as far as getting a good grip. Sorry for the confusion Tom.