Full or Split grip? 2024

scrutch reply :

I like a split grip for my spinning finesse setups, but I think I prefer the full grip for my casting stuff. I never put my hand back there for more sensitivity, and I can't really see any weight advantage either.

I'm not sure I like the feel of just the blank when casting with two hands. I have large hands and it feels too small for me.

Which do you guys like, full cork or split grip in a casting rod? And WHY?

Red reply :

I like split grip. When I am making two handed casts I grab the butt, not the blank.

tbird reply :

I prefer a full grip , my hands are large and I feel like I get a better grip on the rod .

OHIO reply :

Split grip.

It's much more comfortable while casting IMO.

I usually cast with two hands and I like the feel of the blank in one of my hands.

It gives me more control (at least I think it does). :-?

I have a hard time using a full grip anymore now that I am so used to split grips.

I think they look better too.

Craiger12 reply :

Another vote for full grip. In my opinion they look better, feel more comfortable, and balance better.

BASSclary reply :

For shorter grips, I like full cork because I think it gives me a little more accuracy,

but with longer handles, I like split grips, because I put my hand on the nub on the bottom and I feel it gives me more of a "catapult" effect if you will.

SDoolittle reply :

I can't imagine anything I could possibly care less about.

senile1 reply :

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I can't imagine anything I could possibly care less about.

;D I can't say that either grip has given me any issues. The type of grip is low on the list of characteristics I consider when buying a rod though I can see this making a difference in balance on some rods.

Bankbeater reply :

Full grip. I just can't get used to the split grip.

WanderLust reply :

I prefer full grip... I can't get used to split grip.

hitchhiker reply :

I like split grips only because I like the way it looks. Just as long as there is no foregrip.

Dwight Hottle reply :

I'm old school & have always used full cork grips. I prefer the cork handles on st croix rods especially because they feel very comfortable in my hand. I just picked up a new split grip caster and I have to admit I'm starting to like it. The exposed blank does transmit vibration between the cork sections. Maybe I'm not so old school just old! ;D

B-Dozer reply :

I like the cork grips also. I think I might be in the minority of fisherman that prefer BPS's "hump" grips. Just seem more comfortable.

K_Mac reply :

I also prefer full "humped" grips (without a fore grip).

Bass_Fanatic reply :

Grip style is about 1% contributing factor when buying a rod, but if I had to choose, I would choose split grip.

TrippyJai reply :

I'm on the same boat as others who say that they can't get used to split grip. I've bought a few and I just don't like it. I like my rods with a full grip + fore grip.

I'll admit those split grip rods do look pretty cool.

grimlin reply :

I love split grips....as long as there's no fore grip.

The way i hold a rod,split grips are much more comfortable for me.

Captain Obvious reply :

I really could care less the only thing a split grip really does is reduce weight.

Even then a well built full grip will feel like a feather so there is no real difference.

I use split grips but there is no real reason behind it. I'm comfortable with each

bassin is addicting reply :

i never would have thought i would like the split grips...until i was lucky enough to "win" one of the pinncale rods here and it had a split grip. it turned out i really like it.

the lamiglas i just bought has split grip also..

but i will say...i still like the full cork grip also.

so both are fine.

what i definitely DON"T like is the foam type grip.

B-Dozer reply :

Quote
i never would have thought i would like the split grips...until i was lucky enough to "win" one of the pinncale rods here and it had a split grip. it turned out i really like it.
the lamiglas i just bought has split grip also..

but i will say...i still like the full cork grip also.

so both are fine.

what i definitely DON"T like is the foam type gripX2

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

Doesn't matter to me. I've got rods with split grips, I've got rods with full grips. Not enough of a difference for me to really care. I do prefer a rod without the foregrip though. Unfortunately a couple of my favorite rods have the foregrip.

Ima Bass Ninja reply :

Hmm, interesting to see that a lot of you do not consider the grip to be an important part of the rod. I understand the need for a good blank and action and all that but there is only 1 part of the rod that you actually come into contact with on a constant basis, and that is the grip. As for me it is a very important part, its what connects me(via my hands) to my tool(the rod) and for comfort and confidence i prefer full cork grips. Probably the longest answer to a simple question you'll ever see

I.rar reply :

eh , all my rods are full cork grips. ive never owned a split grip , but they look nifty. i rarely cast two-handed or use the fore grip , so i guess i prefer a slip grip/no fore grip even though ive never used one... :-?

senile1 reply :

Quote
Hmm, interesting to see that a lot of you do not consider the grip to be an important part of the rod. I understand the need for a good blank and action and all that but there is only 1 part of the rod that you actually come into contact with on a constant basis, and that is the grip. As for me it is a very important part, its what connects me(via my hands) to my tool(the rod) and for comfort and confidence i prefer full cork grips. Probably the longest answer to a simple question you'll ever see

Maybe we need to clarify. The grip is important, but

the grips on all of the medium-priced to higher-end rods that I would buy are more than satisfactory. Hence, it becomes a non-issue when buying a rod. In other words, I believe all of these rods have solid quality in the grip department and the differences between a full and split grip do not lead me to choose one over the other.

Let's put it another way. If I have a choice between a hot redhead, a hot blonde, or a hot brunette, I don't really care what color or style their hair is if it meets an acceptable standard. They are all hot.

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

You haven't done the hibbity dibbity with many redheads, have you?

DWG1984 reply :

Quote
Doesn't matter to me. I've got rods with split grips, I've got rods with full grips. Not enough of a difference for me to really care. I do prefer a rod without the foregrip though. Unfortunately a couple of my favorite rods have the foregrip.

I do have a slight preference for split grip spinning rods

SDoolittle reply :

Quote
what i definitely DON"T like is the foam type grip.

I hear that a lot, but I actually really like foam.

scrutch reply :

Quote
I can't imagine anything I could possibly care less about.

Why bother posting then?

I do agree that grip type isn't a MAJOR factor when purchasing a rod. But it is a factor, otherwise rod manufacturers would not offer the exact same rod in two different grip styles.

It's simply a preference and I'm interested in hearing what others' preferences are.

scrutch reply :

Quote
Hmm, interesting to see that a lot of you do not consider the grip to be an important part of the rod. I understand the need for a good blank and action and all that but there is only 1 part of the rod that you actually come into contact with on a constant basis, and that is the grip. As for me it is a very important part, its what connects me(via my hands) to my tool(the rod) and for comfort and confidence i prefer full cork grips. Probably the longest answer to a simple question you'll ever see

Perfectly stated.

zerofivenismo reply :

I prefer split grip with no fore grip, and it's a toss up between eva foam and cork.

J Francho reply :

Full rear grip for moving baits, and heavy jig rods. For the rest, doesn't really matter, as long as its comfortable. I've been known to sand/grind/file offending handles.

Vinny Chase reply :

Full grip for casting. I like to get that extra few feet by having two hands on the rod and chucking. With split it isnt as comfortable to have both hands on the handle

senile1 reply :

Quote
Full grip for casting. I like to get that extra few feet by having two hands on the rod and chucking. With split it isnt as comfortable to have both hands on the handle

I can see that. I guess I'm just so used to using both I don't even notice it. Most of my long casts are two-handed so I do it enough to notice. When I use my split-grips I grab the butt end of the rod with my left-hand for a two-hand cast which is comfortable enough. When I use my full-grips I just grab wherever it feels natural and make the cast. It's funny, but I have to sit and think about how I do it to describe it. When I'm fishing I don't even notice it. It's just second nature.

Al Wolbach reply :

Quote
Full grip for casting. I like to get that extra few feet by having two hands on the rod and chucking. With split it isnt as comfortable to have both hands on the handle

Ditto.............

Dr. Watson reply :

I have both and I prefer the full cork grip, it's just so comfortable and I think it has a nice vintage look to it.

David P reply :

Split Grip for finesse baits

Full Grip for non finesse baits

Grewia reply :

With the rod/reel combos I have, full grip for spinning, split grip for casting.

Stasher1 reply :

Full cork grip for casting rods. Foam grips remind me of Ugly Sticks.

I prefer full cork grips for my spinning rods as well, but I suppose it's not a deal breaker if the blank is good enough since I rarely cast a spinning rod with two hands.

CWilliams reply :

I have no preference.

I wonder if people who say they hate foam, have actually fished with a stick that had quality foam.

When fishing, what kind of handle I have, never crosses my mind. I am too busy trying to figure out why I can't catch anything.

fishfordollars reply :

Have both, makes no difference to me as long as it's NOT FOAM.

CWilliams reply :

Quote
Have both, makes no difference to me as long as it's NOT FOAM.

What rods have you fished that had foam handles and what did you not like?

.ghoti. reply :

I have rods with split grips and rods with full grips. Rods with foregrips and rods without. Cork and EVA. None of those factors really make any difference.

What does make a difference is the diameter of the grip. I need a bigger grip than many rods have.

I bought a Steez Flex Lite rod earlier this year. Turned around and sold it because the grip was way too small. Great rod. Lousy grip. Ditto, a Cumara casting rod. I still have it, but don't use it much. Great rod. Lousy grip for my hands.

I also have two St Croix Avid spinning rods. I gave both to my wife. I can't use either one without getting hand cramps, the grips are so tiny. Again, great rods, lousy grips for my hands.

Actually, the rod I have that is the most comfortable has no grip at all. No foam and no cork; except for a tiny composite cork butt cap. An Airuss Tradition spinning rod. It has a plate type reel seat wrapped directly onto the blank. It is very comfortable to hold all day, and is extremely sensitive. My hand is wrapped right around the blank.

BASSclary reply :

Quote
Have both, makes no difference to me as long as it's NOT FOAM.

Hammer 4 reply :

I use both, and after getting use to the split grip, I prefer them on my spinning rig. As for a baitcaster, either one works for me.

CWilliams reply :

Quote

Quote
Have both, makes no difference to me as long as it's NOT FOAM.

x2

Same question to you:

What rods have you fished that had foam handles and what did you not like?

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

I don't mind foam at all. Good quality, high density foam is actually very nice. It's the cheap grade low density foam that is just horrible.

KYntucky Warmouth reply :

I prefer split grips but a full grip doesnt lessen the appeal of a rod to me. It's all about how the whole rod is put together.

CWilliams reply :

Quote
I don't mind foam at all. Good quality, high density foam is actually very nice. It's the cheap grade low density foam that is just horrible.

Thats the point I was trying to get to. I am guessing people are basing their opinions off low quality foam.

Same can be said about cork. Quality cork is great...the rest, not so much.

BASSclary reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
Have both, makes no difference to me as long as it's NOT FOAM.

x2

Same question to you:

What rods have you fished that had foam handles and what did you not like?

Bucoo

Venetta

Ugly Stick

early carrot stick

I didn't like the texture of them, but maybe it just wasn't good quality foam like SoFla suggested. It also left my hands being black :-? which was wierd.

Also, I don't like the color of the grip being black, but then again I think it would look funnier any other color.

OHIO reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote

Quote
Have both, makes no difference to me as long as it's NOT FOAM.

x2

Same question to you:

What rods have you fished that had foam handles and what did you not like?

Bucoo

Venetta

Ugly Stick

early carrot stick

I didn't like the texture of them, but maybe it just wasn't good quality foam like SoFla suggested. It also left my hands being black :-? which was wierd.

Also, I don't like the color of the grip being black, but then again I think it would look funnier any other color.

I agree that the grip of an Ugly Stik is horrible, but the Vendetta grip is amazing IMO.

My favorite grip I have tried is on the Carbonlite.

2508

Full or Split grip? 2024

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