I have a customer wanting an 8 ft xhv rod for big swim baits but he wants a 24 inch handle , I have never built one is this a standard length?

Jim,
There are a lot of long rods that are built with long grips, especially ones that are using a tennessee grip.

The customer is always right, so build what he wants.

If using a cork grip, it often works better to use 2-12 inch grips, or 3-8 inch grips to create the 24 inch handle.

The 24 inch length is pretty tough to work with on a lathe, or gluing up. But, you can purchase straight grips of an 8 or 12 inch length and glue them together.

The other thing that you might ask is whether he wants the grip to be a single 24 inch rear grip or a 12 inch rear grip and a 12 inch fore grip. Often with big and longer rods, folks like to have a nice lever action and cast with both hands. They will often cast with one hand behind the reel and one hand in front of the reel.

So , you just need to get the exact specifications for what the client wishes and build to his wishes.

Good luck

Yup , if he stated that he wants a 24 inch handle than make sure thats what you do even if you think it's nuts . If he ends up complaining if you built it exactly like he said you're good although without it being in writing he could say i said 36 inches lol. Some are open to suggestions and some aren't , just confirm everything no guessing .

Jim,
Once you get the blank and reel seat, invite the client over.
Tape the reel seat in the position where it would be with a 24 inch grip and see how he likes it.

Easy to do this before you do any work on the rod. Much easier to change lengths now - rather than later.

Good luck

When you say a 24” handle what exactly does that mean? Is it the length from the butt to the back end of the reel seat, or from the butt to the front of the reel seat, or from the butt to the front of the fore grip? This does make a difference. A 24” rear grip is exceptionally long, but if the reel seat and forengrip are included, it’s still long but not exceptionally long. Everyone has different likes and dislikes when it comes to handle length. Find out exactly what he wants.
Norm