Anyone have a great combo that just hurts your hands? 2024
TBAG reply :
Long story short but no matter what I do my dedicated weightless Senko only combo, Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 2500 with a St. Croix Avid X 68 MXF is so uncomfortable I don't enjoy fishing it with it. Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing Senko rod as I've caught some pigs on that rod. But, no matter what I do my right hand and fingers that are used to grip the rod and reel base just hurt like hell after a short time.
It's upsetting as I'm a huge St. Croix rods and Shimano reel fan boy but don't know if I can use this combo any longer. None of my other St. Croixs (Avids, Mojo Bass, both spinning and casting) have ever hurt my hand. I've tried swapping reels and rods and for example the Stradic Ci4+ feels great on my other spinning rods, Dobyns Sierras or Daiwas hurt.
So, ultimately I'd like to use the Stradic Ci4+ and try a new Senko specific rod. I want to keep the 6'-6" to 6'-8" length as I prefer it for this presentation. This combo is always with me, whether it's bass boat, kayak, shore or creek wading, mostly kayak though.
Should I try another St. Croix spinning, LTB? None of my Loomis rods hurt my hands, IMX pro casting rods. I actually sold an older Loomis GL2 802s that I used to use for weightless Senkos and now kind of regretting that. The Avid X is lighter, stronger and better constructed than that older Loomis, but when I throw a reel on it sucks. Thanks for any recommendations, and yes I've followed and posted in the very helpful "Senko specific rod thread".
Have a great weekend guys and gals!
flyfisher reply :
just make sure whatever rod you decide on it doesn't have the same reel seat at the very minimum. I have been using a curado 6'10 MXF for weightless soft plastics and i switched over from a st croix rage rod after I broke a guide. No complaints and it does the job very well.
WRB reply :
Aaron Martens designed the Megabass spinning rod handle that others have copied and It's comfortable. The Majorcraft Iovino rods have a very similar handle and at the price point are top quality rods worth checking out.
Tom
BassWhole! reply :
No, because a large part of what make my combos "great" are the ergonomics.
If you really like the rod, you could have the rod's handle redone, of course, you would have to have a decent idea as to what it is that you like and don't like about it.
jimmyjoe reply :
How do you grip the handle? jj
TBAG reply :
On 7/20/2019 at 7:32 AM, flyfisher said:just make sure whatever rod you decide on it doesn't have the same reel seat at the very minimum. I have been using a curado 6'10 MXF for weightless soft plastics and i switched over from a st croix rage rod after I broke a guide. No complaints and it does the job very well.
Thanks, I've never owned a Curado rod but they've always been on my radar. I'll check it out further.
On 7/20/2019 at 7:33 AM, WRB said:Aaron Martens designed the Megabass spinning rod handle that others have copied and It's comfortable. The Majorcraft Iovino rods have a very similar handle and at the price point are top quality rods worth checking out.
Tom
Thanks Tom, I'll check them out.
On 7/20/2019 at 7:42 AM, BassWhole! said:No, because a large part of what make my combos "great" are the ergonomics.
If you really like the rod, you could have the rod's handle redone, of course, you would have to have a decent idea as to what it is that you like and don't like about it.
Nah, I'd rather just try another factory rod. I don't mind paying more for one, but not really wanting to use the time or effort on customizing the Avid X. I'll just keep it as a backup.
On 7/20/2019 at 7:47 AM, jimmyjoe said:How do you grip the handle? jj
I've tried two ways, reel base/stem between my index and middle, and between middle and whatever the fourth finger on your hand is called. 
jimmyjoe reply :
On 7/20/2019 at 7:47 AM, TBAG said:
I've tried two ways, rod base/stem between my index and middle, and between middle and whatever the fourth finger on your hand is called.
Well, so much for my idea. I thought that maybe you were putting your whole hand ahead of the reel stem. My experience is just the opposite of yours; I have the 7' ML/F Avid X, and it's by far my most comfortable rod. So I don't know what to tell you. Good luck! jj
TBAG reply :
On 7/20/2019 at 7:55 AM, jimmyjoe said:Well, so much for my idea. I thought that maybe you were putting your whole hand ahead of the reel stem. My experience is just the opposite of yours; I have the 7' ML/F Avid X, and it's by far my most comfortable rod. So I don't know what to tell you. Good luck! jj
Haha, no I grew up and learned on a spinning reel so don't grip it that way, does anyone actually do that? LOL
waymont reply :
The Daiwa Tatula cork spinning rod handles are super comfortable. No matter how you hold it, all finger above the reel, three, two above the reel it's very comfortable. They are fantastic rods too. The medium 6'6" in particular is great.
A-Jay reply :
Maybe try a pair of these . . .
A-Jay
TBAG reply :
On 7/20/2019 at 8:12 AM, A-Jay said:Maybe try a pair of these . . .
A-Jay
A real comedian! haha. If it wasn't 90-105 degrees here I just might! LOL
Guess I should come up your way so you can put me on some Northern Michigan smallies! Could I bring my oven mitts on your boat? LOL
N Florida Mike reply :
I’d be glad to take it off your hands and experiment to see if my hands hurt too.....????
Munkin reply :
The handle being uncomfortable is the only reason I did not buy that exact rod. I have the regular Avis 68MXF and it is my favorite spinning rod period.
Allen
Scuba Steve reply :
I have the same reel on a 6'6 ML avid. What I noticed with that specific reel is it is a bit chunky where it connects to the rod. I hope that makes sense. More "hump like." So partner that with the reel seat on the avid x, and you're probably dealing with some out of the ordinary ergonomics.
I love my ci4 on my avid. Put it on an avid x at the store, didn't like it. You're not alone.
bwjay reply :
I've got a Stradic Ci4+ on a 6'8MXF Expride and it's pretty comfortable to me. I used it for jigging for walleye/lake trout and as a general purpose throw-anything rod on a canoe trip and didn't have any issues with my hand. My arm was a bit sore from holding the rod out away from my PFD for so long, but as far as I can remember, I had no problems with my hand. Pretty sensitive rod and lightweight as well. If you can try out the Expride in person, obviously do that first. But here's a +1 from me!
TBAG reply :
On 7/20/2019 at 8:27 AM, Munkin said:The handle being uncomfortable is the only reason I did not buy that exact rod. I have the regular Avis 68MXF and it is my favorite spinning rod period.
Allen
On 7/20/2019 at 8:30 AM, Scuba Steve said:I have the same reel on a 6'6 ML avid. What I noticed with that specific reel is it is a bit chunky where it connects to the rod. I hope that makes sense. More "hump like." So partner that with the reel seat on the avid x, and you're probably dealing with some out of the ordinary ergonomics.
I love my ci4 on my avid. Put it on an avid x at the store, didn't like it. You're not alone.
Thanks fellas, glad I'm not the only one. I actually prefer a split grip but all of my Avid with full cork handle (just casting rods) feel great. Might just switch to an Avid.
Scuba Steve reply :
On 7/20/2019 at 8:53 AM, TBAG said:
Thanks fellas, glad I'm not the only one. I actually prefer a split grip but all of my Avid with full cork handle (just casting rods) feel great. Might just switch to an Avid.
I'm weird as I prefer full cork for spinning rods. I just think the regular avid works better than the avid x with that reel because it felt a bit slimmer and easier to hold. And I have small hands anyway.
For what its worth it's my favorite spinning combo. End up using it the most.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Yep, the 50 and 70 sized Shimano baitcasters are too small and uncomfortable in my hands. Abu Revos are uncomfortable in my hands. I've had rods that pushed or rubbed on spots on my fingers or hands that made me get rid of them. I also dislike cork because it dries my hands out terribly bad for some reason.
Allen Der reply :
St Croix Eyecon has the most comfortable handle I've ever used in a spinning rod. They make a 66mf and a 68mxf
I don't know how anyone can use a daiwa tatula with the rough cast control knob sticking out in front. Revos feel perfect to me
The Bassman reply :
I have three Shimano Zodias that are everything I could want in a spinning rod and are comfortable enough. That said, I also have three older Cabela's Pro Guides with palm swell hump reel seats that fit me like a glove (not oven mitt). They get the most use.
Scuba Steve reply :
On 7/20/2019 at 2:02 PM, Allen Der said:St Croix Eyecon has the most comfortable handle I've ever used in a spinning rod. They make a 66mf and a 68mxf
I don't know how anyone can use a daiwa tatula with the rough cast control knob sticking out in front. Revos feel perfect to me
Completely agree about the eyecon! Top 3 for sure.
NathanDLTH reply :
I got rid of a GLX because of this, could not get comfortable holding the rod. It was terrible. Mine was casting.
As for you, maybe play around with how you hold your rod/reel. I started out on a spinning rod/reel, between my ring and pinky finger. Now that I’m old, it’s super uncomfortable and it’s the steam and my whole hand in front. I don’t fatigue or get uncomfortable now and it’s easier on me.
Scott F reply :
A common way to mount spinning reels on some of the more modern rods is to have the rod blank exposed between the parts that grip the foot of the reel. This leaves a gap between the blank an the reel foot. I find these reel seats very uncomfortable. My finger tips rest on the hard edge of the reel foot. I’ll never buy another rod with that style reel seat again. The rod in the picture is a discontinued St. Croix Rage.
Fishes in trees reply :
I find many spinning rods uncomfortable for a variety of different reasons. Either it is the gap between the reel foot seats or the threads ahead of the tightening nut, I've found very few of the numerous spinning rigs totally comfortable as is. I've found that I can make nearly any spinning rod more comfortable by using rod wraps. Cover up the threads - build up the gap area between the reel seats - there are lots of ways to custom fit the rod to your hand.
The material marketed as rod wrap tape can get pricey - around $10 per rod or so. Slightly less expensive is tennis racquet handle tape. If you don't mind all your rod handles being blue, it gets cheaper yet - the least expensive racket tape is a blue color. When you are in you local Dick's or Academy wander over to the baseball bat section. Ball bat wrapping tape comes in an assortment of different thicknesses and colors, but it isn't any cheaper than the Wynn wraps, I think Wynn makes that stuff also, come to think of it. Decent bicycle shops carry handle bar tape in a variety of colors, also not much cheaper than rod wraps.
I've been spoiled, years ago, when I first realized this problem existed and that I could fix it, 2 Walmarts near me downsized their tackle inventories and I got a whole bunch of the original rod wraps at a buck a package - down from $5 or $6 bucks each. Nearly all of those are used up so I've had to look in other areas.
Word of caution - duct tape comes in a variety of colors, but it doesn't work very well for this application and neither doesn't electricians tape. You can get non-sticky silicone tape that once it is applied it fuses to itself and that kinda works but it is the most expensive of all the options mentioned so far. I carry fusible silicone tape in my fishing truck but that is only for when I need a waterproof seal on some connection and can't find the lighter to use the shrink wrap.
There you go - my solutions to uncomfortable spinning rod handles.
Bait casting rod handles I've only had a few issues, mostly with the trigger underneath the reel seat. My only solution to this issue is to put a fine grit grinding stone on the Dremel and slowly try to make it fit better. ( I only do this on bargain bin/close out rods, Any rod $150 or more better fit right from the get go or it doesn't get purchased
BassWhole! reply :
On 7/20/2019 at 12:47 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Yep, the 50 and 70 sized Shimano baitcasters are too small and uncomfortable in my hands. Abu Revos are uncomfortable in my hands.
Same here. A chunky 100 sized reel is the smallest I find comfy.
Gorris317 reply :
I actually sold off a Curado K because of this reason. When it was mounted on an E6X my palming hand would hurt. It was digging into the meat of my palm. Wasnt going to change the way I hold a baitcaster for a single reel.
I hold a rod and reel with all my fingers in front of the trigger on the rod.
Sjp521 reply :
I had the same problem with two of my spinning outfits. Got an Ardent Pro Rod Overgrip for spinning rods. Worked, no more discomfort.
VolFan reply :
What he said ^
Get an overgrip - to save money or get more color and thickness selection, look for tennis overgrips. Not the actual grips themselves but the thinner, self-adhering overgrip. They come in a number of thicknesses, colors, and tackiness.
Skunkd reply :
I put my Stradic Ci4 2500 on a 6’ 8” M/F Zodias and love that combo. I’m fishing it in my kayak and find it super comfortable
Hulkster reply :
For spinning rods, the new generation Loomis E6Xs are very comfortable.
Scrapiron reply :
The St.Croix Legend Tournament (current and last version)- I just could not get used the the handles with spinning reels- whether a Shimano or Daiwa reel. I felt the similar way on the Avid X- wasn't as bad, but just couldn't get comfortable. For being long in the tooth, that Fuji DPS handle just works and disappears in my hand.
Scuba Steve reply :
On 7/22/2019 at 12:52 AM, Scrapiron said:The St.Croix Legend Tournament (current and last version)- I just could not get used the the handles with spinning reels- whether a Shimano or Daiwa reel. I felt the similar way on the Avid X- wasn't as bad, but just couldn't get comfortable. For being long in the tooth, that Fuji DPS handle just works and disappears in my hand.
That's why I didn't buy the LTB in spinning. However the redesigned LTB casting rods are the most comfortable rod I've ever used.
Preytorien reply :
I had a new gen Crucial rod that I loved, but had a reel seat I couldn't get used to. The rod itself was incredible, but man only a few hours fishing had my hands feeling like writers cramp. I switched over to the Zodias line, which was what I had for casting rods, and the problem immediately went away. The reel seat on those rods are great.
Tim Kelly reply :
I find most Japanese spinning handles uncomfortable and in fact any reel seat that's too thin. I put American tackle Aero seats on all my rods. I find them the most comfortable as they fill my hand. Too thin and my hand starts aching.
JediAmoeba reply :
You guys are funny. I don't know if it's because I started out fishing for Muskie a lot and was throwing very large cumbersome baits on heavy rods and reels, but I can go out all day throwing any rod/reel and don't have a problem.
I actually prefer a heavy rod and reel and don't sweat using it for 8-10 hours. I find myself using a 300 Daiwa Lexa sized reel frequently and it doesn't bother me. Let the callouses build up for some natural protection.
BassWhole! reply :
On 7/22/2019 at 9:35 PM, JediAmoeba said:You guys are funny. I don't know if it's because I started out fishing for Muskie a lot and was throwing very large cumbersome baits on heavy rods and reels, but I can go out all day throwing any rod/reel and don't have a problem.
I actually prefer a heavy rod and reel and don't sweat using it for 8-10 hours. I find myself using a 300 Daiwa Lexa sized reel frequently and it doesn't bother me. Let the callouses build up for some natural protection.
Same here. I'm fishing with salt water conventional tackle 8-12 hours a day 200+ days a year, so anything bass feels UL to me . Also when fishing spinning I use my entire hand in front of the reel foot, so I like a full cork fore grip. On the occasions when I find myself using those silly no foregrip spinning rods, I wrap some handlebar tape, or tennis grap on it and secure it down with some tape.
Tim Kelly reply :
I came to it from pike and muskie fishing too, but a thin handle still makes my hand ache!
BassWhole! reply :
On 7/22/2019 at 10:57 PM, Tim Kelly said:I came to it from pike and muskie fishing too, but a thin handle still makes my hand ache!
Of course there is quite a bit of personal preference involved, but ergonomically one's hand is going to be most comfortable, efficient, and less prone to fatigue when it is somewhere half way between fully open and fully closed. If one is young, dumb, and full of you know what, then it will not be as apparent, also if one doesn't fish long hours for days at a time, it may not be apparent. But as one ages, these things become more and more obvious. It's amazing how a small change can make a difference.
Tim Kelly reply :
I have a very expensive, phenomenally light, Japanese ultralight Aijing rod that is borderline unpleasant to use some days as the minimalist handle is so thin.
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