Split Grip or Full Grip whats your preference? 2024

Incheon Basser reply :

Split Grip or Full Grip whats your preference?

How does the grip effect your purchase decision?

flippin and pitchin reply :

Neither. The absence of the fore grip is what is important. I love the ability to lay a finger directly on the blank. The missing cork on the rear saves about 15 grams. It looks pretty trick though.

Stasher1 reply :

Definitely full grip. I've had a couple split grip rods, but I just don't like they way they feel while making a two-handed cast. It's also just a bit too trendy and gimmicky for me.

I find it irritating that just about all of the new rods that have come out in the past year or so are only available in split grip. >

Don't even get me started on the foam grips...

SirSnookalot reply :

I have 1 split grip rod that I use for inshore saltwater. It's fine for handling those small fish under 10# but when you have a bruiser on that you have to walk down the beach because it's spooling out 50-100 yards of line, I like the rod butt under my armpit. The split grip is fine if you are in one spot with butt resting on your hip. The actual casting split vs full makes no difference to me.

Many surf rods now are built not split but a very thin butt.........I don't like them.

KYntucky Warmouth reply :

I like spit grip rods, I always have. When I started bass fishing, I always looked at the Daiwa L&T series of rods and the Phenix MBX rods. I have and fish both types of rods, with foam and cork, with no real beef with any certain style. Most of my rods are spit grips though.

roadwarrior reply :

If there is any fishing equipment that screams

PERSONAL PREFERENCE, this is it. I have

a Dobyns Champion 683C (split grip) matched up

with a CH50MG...sweet! However, I will never own

another. I just prefer a full grip and cork.

8-)

Lucky Craft Man reply :

I owned a split grip once and sold it after a few outings. I cast with two hands and I just hate holding onto a nub at the bottom of the rod. I will only buy a full grip rob, but with the way the trend seems to be going, I am going to have a harder and harder time finding full grip rods.

tritz18 reply :

I have always owned a full grip rod but recently purchased my first split grip and to tell you the truth I don't even notice a difference.

Goose52 reply :

Full grip for me - for all the reasons already mentioned above. I am open to grip material however- I might choose something besides cork if it felt good to me...

Catt reply :

Full Grip, I don't like being told where to hold a rod

wagn reply :

gotta have me my split grip

SmokeRise1 reply :

I never had a mullet or wore parachute pants in the 80's and couldn't quite commit to the grunge look in the 90's. The emergence of the split-grip has finally given me a chance to be 'trendy' and I'm jumping on it.

21farms reply :

i was excited when split grips really started getting popular and have had owned many. however, after the initial buzz wore off, i've found that i really do prefer the feel of a full grip. split grips look cooler but i've almost come full circle...most of the rods that i have kept are full grip. dobyns gives you a choice which drove me nuts at first but that i really appreciate now.

Grey Wolf reply :

Full grip by a small margin.

b.wedlund reply :

I prefer split grip, but the only thing that is a deal breaker for me when purchasing is if my index finger doesn't come in contact with the rod blank.

Hooked_On_Bass reply :

Full grip.

grimlin reply :

Split grips...They feel much more comfortable.I also much prefer the the fore grip gone as well.

It's just me....there's no wrong or right in this.Strictly personal preference.

heavy M reply :

I got a split grip Falcon Lowrider and I really like it so my vote goes to split grips, but most of my full grip rods are basspro rods with the "powerhump" so I don't really have a good full grip rod to compare to.

Like others have said mostly personal preference.

Nebraska Bassin reply :

I've never used a split grip rod, but I don't really see any reason to switch to one. I'm not concerned about weight saving, and when I do need to make a two-handed cast, it's nice to have something for my back hand to actually hold on to.

Steve_IA reply :

As mentioned by an earlier poster, removing the fore grip is of more importance to me as well. All of the rods that I'm currently using (both baitcasting and spinning) have a full rear grip that I have sanded to an elongated hour-glass shape. I enjoy the feel of this shape grip for both two-handed casting and retrieving.

steve

CPT Scrap reply :

i have both, and prefer the split grips. just feels more comfortable to me.

bassin is addicting reply :

full grip....and cork.

i don't own a split grip but have held and considered one but i didn't like the feel of it..

BASSclary reply :

IMO i prefer split grips, but the style of grip will not keep me from buying one rod over another. I prefer split grips because:

~they're a little tad lighter,

~when i cast i feel more of a catapult effect

~they look pretty B.A

~And correct me if im wrong, less cork = more rod vibration right? so more sensitivity? i know rod manufacturers are claiming that.

BrASSmonkey reply :

Split grips.

I'm shallow.

I own both, and don't notice a real difference between the two. I just feel trendy and younger when I use split grips.

BASSclary reply :

Quote
I just feel trendy and younger when I use split grips.

HAHA ! lol very very true!! well said

fathom reply :

don't really have a preference here...am more concerned with the blank than the handle.

that said, the splitgrips i've used feel off-balance...like fishing with a 7' pistolgrip.

.RM. reply :

While I voted split (personal rods). Both split & full grips have their places...

Tight Lines!!!

Raul reply :

Quote
Split Grip or Full Grip whats your preference?

Doesn 't matter to me

Quote
How does the grip effect your purchase decision?

Doesn 't affect at all.

K_Mac reply :

I voted full grip, which I prefer without the fore grip. I have one split grip that I use mostly for pitching. I like it very much for that application. For two handed casting, not so much.

Goose52 reply :

Quote

Quote
I just feel trendy and younger when I use split grips.

HAHA ! lol very very true!! well said

Great response ! ;D I think that's a primary reason (although most wouldn't admit it) that people are jazzed on the split grip rods !

crappiekid24 reply :

I prefer full grip over split grip. It just felt awkward to cast 2 handed with the split grip to me. The only split grip rod I own is my drop shot spinning rod.

I would say it does affect the rods I purchased because I prefer the look and feel of full grip.

FishFocker reply :

It doesn't matter to me at all. When I cast 2 handed my second hand naturally grabs the butt of the rod anyway. However, A little less weight and and a slightly slicker look isn't worth one cent more than a full handle.

Red reply :

I voted split grip. All my rods are this. However I have never owned a quality full grip rod. All my rods are customs except my spinning rod. When I was learning to build them, the split grip was the "cool" thing so I guess thats why I did them like that. But more importantly, like others have mentioned is the lack of the foregrip. When It comes time to buy new rods, that will be what I am looking for, not the split grip.

ww2farmer reply :

I own both and don't care, but like others have said I really like no fore grip. I won't buy any more rods that have fore grips, or at least large ones.

Dock Master reply :

Split grip because it cuts down on the weight just a tad and because it looks cool.

hitchhiker reply :

Split grip only because I like the way it looks as well. Also no foregrip for blank contact.

All of the rods I build these days have a split gip, but I make them with a rear grip that is longer than found on factory rods. Usually 3-3 1/2 inches.

Weight savings is a non issue, because when I build a rod regardless of handle style, I'm counterbalancing the butt of the rod to balance it out so it's not tip heavy. Overall weight of the rod is heavier than a non counterweighted one, but the balance is more than worth it.

BassThumb reply :

They both have their place.

I love split grips for lighter powered rods and for reaction baits that require sweep sets, like med/mod cranking sticks and med-heavy/fast spinnerbait rods. A split grip M/M cranking stick is especially sweet IMO. Light as a feather. I do like that the split grips are lighter by a half an ounce or so, but don't like horsing fish out of cover with them, where I often have the butt of the rod in my ribs or armpit. It doesn't feel right.

I much prefer full cork for heavier powered, hard hookset rods, like for pitching and slop lures. I have had two split grip flipping sticks for pitching and frogs, and they both were sold because of the split grip.

Like people are saying, it's all about personal preference. Folks are all over the place on this one. Some in the middle, like myself, some love em, some hate em. I think it'll come down to actually fishing a half dozen trip with one before a person will get it figured out. Waving one around in an aisle at a BPS won't cut it. Thankfully, if you don't like them, you can always sell them in the BR Flea Market.

Dwight Hottle reply :

I'm old school & prefer the full grip. The split grip is more of a finesse tool for me.

Big Tom reply :

I enjoy me some split grip. I really don't buy into the "it completely enhances your rods performance" argument but I do think it looks awesome.

Diggy reply :

Split looks better but full feels better. I have one full grip rod which is an Berkley LR and I enjoy the castability of it. I always notice when I use it, even tho its ugly IMO

John G reply :

All of my Rods have a full grip but I think some split grips look better.

SirSnookalot reply :

I have 1 split grip, it's ok, it's an 8' that I use for light surf fishing with a small spinning reel (3000). I do prefer a full long rear butt.

TrippyJai reply :

It's really getting hard to buy a new rod these days because I prefer the full grip with cork and it seems like every company is moving towards the foam split grips. I had one for a while and didn't care much for it. It might looks better and might be lighter, but as long as the combo is balance, that is what is important to me.

tugsandpulls reply :

i have a split foam grip rod for my plastics i like it all my other rods are full grip cork

endless reply :

I don't preferably care as long the rod is good and comfortable.

Diggy reply :

On 3/24/2012 at 4:16 PM, SirSnookalot said:

I have 1 split grip, it's ok, it's an 8' that I use for light surf fishing with a small spinning reel (3000). I do prefer a full long rear butt.

this is a family forum!!!!

buzzfrog reply :

On 3/24/2012 at 9:38 PM, Diggy said:

this is a family forum!!!!

lol it is all look to me, i have some of both, i like one of my spilt grips the best one day, thent the other day it is full grip, at moment i love my full premier cranking rod lol

mikeeasttn reply :

I prefer the cork full grip rod. Have some split grips and do not fish them if I have a choice to fish a full grip rod. Some of my favorite rods only come in split grips now is the reason I bought them. After tryng I am going to a different brand rod or custom rods.

Goose52 reply :

When this thread started 21 months ago - I said full-grip. Just a few months ago, I finally bought a split-grip rod (Phenix Recon) but don't have enough time on the rod yet to develop an opinion on the grip configuration. However, like has been said, many popular rod lines are now only available with split-grips so I expect I'll have to go over to the "dark side" eventually...

SoCalFisher reply :

Split grip for casting, I love my Phenix recon and my Shimano crucial. Full grip for spinning.

BassinNY reply :

Full Cork Grip, just feels comfortable. Don't like the foam or the split grips.

zell_pop1 reply :

full cork grip.

flippin and pitchin reply :

After 21 months, my opion has not changed. It's part of the reason I made the move to Dobyns. I can get most everything I want in a cork full rear grip. Honestly, the split grip for spinning is Okay. I ordered my DX742SF in full rear grip. Options are nice.

Maico1 reply :

At this juncture I use both, leaning more on split grip for finesse fishing

toolemera reply :

full grip, cork. The weight gain or loss is minimal and I prefer to have a choice on where I place my hand. More so, why even have to think about where my fingers are? with a full grip, I concentrate on the fishing and not the grip.

I think it's just a manufacturer need to add something to the marketing gumbo to sell rods.

fadetoblack21 reply :

I fish mostly spinning gear and I hold the rod with my hand in front of the reel. For some reason split grip spinning rod have no grip or very little grip in front of the reel. For this reason alone I stick with full cork grips.

bassinKS reply :

i have both but just recently got my first full grip baitcast rod and i can say i like it way much more than my split grip one i dont know why i just do its all personal preference

Hi Salenity reply :

Split grip, every time for everything.

SmokeRise1 reply :

I've never cared. Never paid any attention when buying. Now all of a sudden, I don't own a rod with a full grip.

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

On 3/25/2012 at 5:19 AM, flippin and pitchin said:

After 21 months, my opion has not changed. It's part of the reason I made the move to Dobyns. I can get most everything I want in a cork full rear grip. Honestly, the split grip for spinning is Okay. I ordered my DX742SF in full rear grip. Options are nice.

I had a bunch of split grips for a while, I've gone back to full grips on all of my newer purchases. They just feel more comfortable to me. Especially when I cast with both hands.

J Francho reply :

I need a full rear grip for cranking and swimbaits. Otherwise, could care less so long as the rod, reel, and bait feel "right" to me.

backcast88 reply :

It doesn't matter much to me as long as its comfortable.

I used to only buy full grips but recently started getting into split grips. I do like my split grips a little better but I still reach for my full grip for throwing crankbaits and jerkbaits.

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

This is very interesting to me as a rod builder. I'm especially curious about the preference for different designs in different applications. Is it just the two handed casting you prefer the full grip for or something else? The original split grips were designed specifically for two handed casting with the butt grip consitently positioning your hand. The distinction between casting and spinning is also interesting. Thanks for aything you care to add here.

J Francho reply :

I think the whole split rear grip came up in the 90's as a result of a cork shortage. maybe now, there is a functional purpose behind it, but I recall at least one manufacturer saying cost was the motivation behind it. Might even have been Daiwa, can't recall.

Anyway, I just like cork tucked under my arm when cranking. One thing I hate is the EVA butt caps, like on the LTBs. They are constantly catching on my Columbia and Exofficio SPF shirts.

baluga reply :

Split grip just because they look cool !

laus reply :

Can't stand split grips. I'm a two handed caster, not to mention maneuvering the rod when landing a fish. I have a split grip that's well balanced( cost a lot sigh) and a pleasure though. I once asked what was the difference between the two here and got some terrific answers....the one I remember best is that the splits started during a cork shortage. Hm. Any of you fly fishermen wanna see em on your rods?

SirSnookalot reply :

I agree with Francho about tucking the rod under your arm and a full grip is better for that, but I the only time my rods are under my arm is when I'm handling saltwater fish, mostly offshore but sometimes inshore too but not as often. From my observation most offshore fisherman have that rod tucked when fighting a fish and very few rods are split grip. I have handled the Blair Wiggins offshore split grip rods and they are the most awkward rods I ever touched. Removable butt caps are important, underneath quite often is a gimble butt for using a fighting belt.

For casting and retrieving both freshwater and inshore (only spinning is used), a short rear split grip is not as comfortable to cast. The lack of a foregrip is a bigger negative for me, when handling some of the larger fish the extra leverage you get with your hand on the fore grip is a big plus, not to mention the stain on your forearm, this relates to the tennis elbow thread. I would not own a rod without a good sized front grip.

The weight savings of rod and reel is of no issue to me, within limits of course.

B@ssCrzy reply :

I prefer cork, but I think that is just because I am used to it. Only have 1 split handle and it is growing on me. It is a carrot stix. The only thing I don't like about it is that the hook keeper is located on the split part. So occassionally my hand will grab it when casting with two hands. Worst place ever for a hook keeper.

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Split Grip or Full Grip whats your preference? 2024

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