Split Handle Or Full Handle 2024
sparky241 reply :
What is the advantage to a split handle rod verses a full handle? Which do you prefer and why? I have the full handle versions and I like them so far
Capt.Bob reply :
All my rods have full handles, I bought 2 St. Croix Extreme's last year for a real good price, in a months time both had full cork handles, to me they just feel right and look finished!
Before.
After
The big thing is with the MHM when I have a bigger fish, it is much more comfortable tucked under your forearm when you are using it for leverage to help fight a larger fish. Which would you prefer,,,,,,,, 
aavery2 reply :
I prefer full cork in my jig rods, and crankbait rods, other than that I kinda like the look of a split grip and they don't bother me.
SirSnookalot reply :
Just a matter of preference, mine is not a split grip. I have 1 split grip rod being an 8 foot medium the butt and foregrip are ample, a big asset in fighting some of my inshore species. Regardless of species size I would not own a rod without a foregrip, an absolute must for me, I can get away with a little shorter butt.
Tywithay reply :
Full grip for me. I can't find any advantage to a split grip. You get weight savings, but it's in the wrong place, so it doesn't matter.
Tim Kelly reply :
I prefer a split grip as, when I build my own rods I like to put the hook keeper in the area between the handles so they don't snag the line when I'm "banjoing" a lure off a snag. With the keeper in the traditional place in front of the reel seat the slack line snapped when banjoing always seems to wrap itself round the keeper. If I am building a rod fro treble hooked baits I don't care either way and don't fit a keeper as the butt ring or reel are perfectly good places to keep the lure when not in use.
*Hootie reply :
Have both but I lean toward full grip. However, if I like the rod, the handle doesn't play a part in my decision.
Hootie
0119 reply :
Full grip. I hardly use my LTB's because of the tiny bulbous rear grip. Feels like I'll drop the rod every time I throw it. Im starting to have a preference for quality foam now too.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 5/24/2014 at 7:58 PM, 119 said:Full grip. I hardly use my LTB's because of the tiny bulbous rear grip. Feels like I'll drop the rod every time I throw it. Im starting to have a preference for quality foam now too.
X2 on LTB if the grip is too small thats no good. Its also another gripe I have with the overhyped *** black rod. The dia is off and cork portion too short.
My favorite casting has split my favorite spinning has full. The style doesnt make a difference to me just its attributes.
Raul reply :
I have both and swear i don't feel any difference at all.
Maico1 reply :
Either one works for me as long as it has a reel on it.
0119 reply :
On 5/24/2014 at 8:58 PM, Maico1 said:Either one works for me as long as it has a reel on it.
Wait till the bait monkey invents Bass Tenkara! Then we'll all be jumping on that band wagon ...........
Maico1 reply :
Funny you say that but back when I was a youngster I was blessed with a neighbor who built Bamboo Fly Rods . Lucky for me he taught me how to use a Fly Rod and one of the things we would do was to go down to the local lake with poppers for the bass. What a blast and of course they seamed to be such a long rod to use back then.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Really prefer a full cork.... That said... The split grip of loomis rods are the most comfortable in a. Split grip for me... But... I will take a full cork any day over split
Alonerankin2 reply :
On 5/24/2014 at 9:06 AM, Capt.Bob said:All my rods have full handles, I bought 2 St. Croix Extreme's last year for a real good price, in a months time both had full cork handles, to me they just feel right and look finished!
Before.
After
The big thing is with the MHM when I have a bigger fish, it is much more comfortable tucked under your forearm when you are using it for leverage to help fight a larger fish. Which would you prefer,,,,,,,,
I bet those rods can really be fished proper now!
Looks great! Very nice now!
BassCats reply :
I prefer a split grip. I feel I get a better grip when casting with the split.
robster80 reply :
ive grown to like the split better myself
Capt.Bob reply :
On 5/24/2014 at 10:47 PM, Alonerankin2 said:
I bet those rods can really be fished proper now!
Looks great! Very nice now!
Yes they can, they balance perfect now, they were way tip heavy,,, but with the full cork, especially the heavier rubberized dark rings used to add better balance, and why the 6'10" MXF the lighter shorter rod with the lighter Team Pro reel used a smaller diameter profile and less Rubberized cork rings, and the 7"2" MHM used more and bigger diameter rings, it got them almost perfect but the internal balancing in the extreme rear of the but made them perfect without moving the reel seat and extending the rear grip. I am blessed with a very talented rod builder!!!!
Off subject but the other thing I got with these newer rods was RECOIL Guide's, the ugliest guides on earth, but I have to say out of all my rods Loomis IMX GLX Croix Elite Avid Extreme, these are the most sensative rods I ever fished with. I think the RECOIL guides had a lot to do with that, and that is why the Rod I am building this year is being built with Recoil Guides.
Alonerankin2 reply :
I couldn't agree more about the Recoils... I like them.. And.. They are ugly... But I also like the Pacbay minimas... What's wrong with us!??! Lol!
Capt.Bob reply :
It's all about searching for perfection,,,,,,I mean what do we really need to catch a stink'n predator, that is ions behind our intelligences,,,,,,even mine,,,,,
21farms reply :
another recoil guide fan here...i absolutely love them and can't figure why so many people complain about them.
to the OP, i like both split- and full-grip...i have plenty of both. my problem with split grip rods is that the trend seems to be for them to get skinnier and skinner.
capt.bob, i like the full-handle conversion...looks great and i bet they feel great too.
skeletor6 reply :
It largely comes down to preference. I tend to side with the Split Grip for the weight savings and added blank exposure. If you assume a blanks at its maximum efficiency when it's bare, all added items will decrease it's efficiency to an extent. The more efficient (strength/weight) the added items are (guides, reel, seat grip, etc.) The more efficient the entire setup. However, if the grip leads to poor balance and is uncomfortable then sacrificing efficiency to achieve higher comfortability becomes a preferential issue.
smalljaw67 reply :
I always like a split grip, my one custom spinnerbait rod I had made was built in the late 90s with a split grip, it just feels better to me especially when I make roll casts.
Jeff H reply :
I don't mind the split grips on rods that I use for single hand casting, but if I am throwing with both hands I prefer the full handle. On spinning rods it doesn't matter to me at all.
Missourifishin reply :
I own both. I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter to me, because I like both equally and I can switch back and forth between the two with no problems.
Mccallister25 reply :
I own both, and like both. I never really think about it. I do prefer cork over foam though. My jig rod is a Cellus, which is the rod I use the most. It has the foam grips, which I wish were cork.
LMB KING reply :
The biggest advantage is weight. By making split handle, it takes weight off the rod, so companies now are removing unnecessary weight making them lighter. it was not made for looks as some people like full handle, so it comes down to preference but if you're all about taking as much weight from fishing gear than that's all me. i like light gear.
S Hovanec reply :
I prefer full, but my favorite rod has a split Tennessee with the hook keep between the grips. I like it so much I think my next 2 spinning builds will have the same configuration.
SirSnookalot reply :
I wonder how much lighter a split grip rod is. As Capt Bob did by adding cork and altering the balance IMO is a total win, especially if one uses a variety of lure weights. Not only is his rod less prone to be tip heavy but I feel 2 handed casting is easier with a full grip.
Tywithay reply :
On 5/25/2014 at 1:42 PM, SirSnookalot said:I wonder how much lighter a split grip rod is. As Capt Bob did by adding cork and altering the balance IMO is a total win, especially if one uses a variety of lure weights. Not only is his rod less prone to be tip heavy but I feel 2 handed casting is easier with a full grip.
It's only a few grams, maybe 6-7 on a long handle. The weight is removed from the wrong portion of the rod though. You want more weight at the butt of the rod to improve balance. A 5oz rod with perfect balance will feel much better than a 4oz rod that's very tip heavy.
tomustang reply :
Doesn't bother me
sparky241 reply :
On 5/25/2014 at 9:13 AM, BigBlock496 said:I own both, and like both. I never really think about it. I do prefer cork over foam though. My jig rod is a Cellus, which is the rod I use the most. It has the foam grips, which I wish were cork.
i agree i always like the feel and look of cork over foam. i think i actually like the split grip better, but like jeff h said if im using both hands i think i want a full grip
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
The original split grip was intended to improve two handed casting by placing the rear hand consistently on the butt grip. In modern use split grips are use aesthetically and to reduce the cost by using less (and often lower grade) cork.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 5/27/2014 at 9:15 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:The original split grip was intended to improve two handed casting by placing the rear hand consistently on the butt grip. In modern use split grips are use aesthetically and to reduce the cost by using less (and often lower grade) cork.
Yep!! and as quality cork becomes more and more scarce,,,and the price rises, we are going to see fewer and fewer rods built with it. We every season see more and more new rod and models that use other or less materials to build there rods. For those like me that want nothing else,,,,better get em wile you can.
The same thing happened with firearms. Walnut and other exotic wood was the once a standard material for quality Rifle and Hand Gun Stock's. Today manufacturers have brainwashed many into believing synthetics are better,,,,,,in some ways it is,,,,if you don't like to take care of your equipment, but to many that use wood and know how to take care of it, it still better than synthetics,,,, kinda like everything else, they cheapen stuff up using less expensive products to manufacture products,,,,raise the price,,,,,and we are brainwashed into believing it is all because it's better, while profits continue to increase, and stockholders smile,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 
Chris186 reply :
I like the split grips for fishing jigs and soft plastics. Anything I use 2 hands to cast with like spinnerbait, crankbait etc I prefer a full grip. Casting a split grip with 2 hands feels really awkward to me, as I found out yesterday.
SirSnookalot reply :
How much does cork cost on a wholesale manufacturer's level bought in volume, probably not a lot. I would think a split grips are more fad orientated than a cost saving measure.
LMB KING reply :
On 5/28/2014 at 2:55 AM, SirSnookalot said:How much does cork cost on a wholesale manufacturer's level bought in volume, probably not a lot. I would think a split grips are more fad orientated than a cost saving measure.
You right about that, but Weight saving and they still cheap rods with full cork on them.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 5/28/2014 at 2:55 AM, SirSnookalot said:How much does cork cost on a wholesale manufacturer's level bought in volume, probably not a lot. I would think a split grips are more fad orientated than a cost saving measure.
I don't know how many they buy or build, but Fly rods Spinning rods, casting rods, offshore, inshore, etc. etc. and the many models in each category, I think I am going to be very very conservative as I will be with the cost!!!
Lets say they buy for 100,000 rods a year at minimum,,,,, so if they pay 1/3 rd of what custom rod builders do, 50 cents a ring, ( my builder pay's over $1.35 per ring for the best cork flor grade he can get and buys 1000 at a time) they average probably 10" on a full cork rod,,,,grip and for grip,,,, that takes 20 rings, this isn't counting gluing reaming and turning and assembling,,,,,all required on top of buying it. Granted they use trim pieces, (as do I where I can on custom rods) that are cheaper even on the best factory rods. so lets say just in material it cost 15 pieces X .50 that's $7.50 a rod if they build 100,000 rods a year it cost the $750,000.00 just for handles, if they can buy other materials and I can for 1/3rd that price that is a savings of $500,000.00 if it was only $1.00 a rod cheaper which I am positive it is more than that, they would still save $100,000.00 a year or one million in 10 years,, I assure you that you need to look and do some checking and reading on prices and availability of premium cork that isn't full of filler like most rods that you are referring to use. Just the rings for my handle and forgrip was over $20.00, that is just cork rings, then my builder will work his magic on them and I get to pay for that, but it will be nicer than the best factory grip, however I doubt my builder can get the quality of cork St. Croix uses in there Extreme and Elite lines, Fly rods or conventional!!!
On 5/28/2014 at 3:00 AM, LMB KING said:You right about that, but Weight saving and they still cheap rods with full cork on them.
I don't know, but I do know how they build them and what they use for the best. I will assure the cork on cheap rods is going to have the same kind of cork, and I will assure you it wont be near the cost of cork on rods such as St Croix uses on Legend elite's or Legend Extreme's, I can tell the difference in my Avids and them, they really get cheaper on the imported rods. They buy rings usually 1 1/4" diameter and 1/2" thick, this is pretty standard. But I can buy rings that need filler much like a 100 or 130 rod even, for less than 1/3 what I pay for the best I can get, and I it doesn't mater if I want 1 of each kind or 1 million of each kind!! Most experienced rod builders know the very but of a rod is the least preferred place to start chopping weight, they would either have extremely tip heavy rods, overly long handles, or very heavy components building them ahead of the blank. Making a expensive rod cost wise,,,,a cheap rod performance wise!!
I do know a 4" long 1 1/4" dia. peice of cork with a 1/4" hole in it that will have to be reamed larger and make it even lighter,,,,,weighs less than 1/10th of an oz!!!! This is an example of what they want you to think!!! These are all things that keep me building different rods ofter having dozens,,,, oh so much goes into a rod that make the difference between a great rod and one that looks and feels good, Function is everything and it's quest is endless!!!!! 
LMB KING reply :
On 5/28/2014 at 7:50 AM, Capt.Bob said:I don't know how many they buy or build, but Fly rods Spinning rods, casting rods, offshore, inshore, etc. etc. and the many models in each category, I think I am going to be very very conservative as I will be with the cost!!!
Lets say they buy for 100,000 rods a year at minimum,,,,, so if they pay 1/3 rd of what custom rod builders do, 50 cents a ring, ( my builder pay's over $1.35 per ring for the best cork flor grade he can get and buys 1000 at a time) they average probably 10" on a full cork rod,,,,grip and for grip,,,, that takes 20 rings, this isn't counting gluing reaming and turning and assembling,,,,,all required on top of buying it. Granted they use trim pieces, (as do I where I can on custom rods) that are cheaper even on the best factory rods. so lets say just in material it cost 15 pieces X .50 that's $7.50 a rod if they build 100,000 rods a year it cost the $750,000.00 just for handles, if they can buy other materials and I can for 1/3rd that price that is a savings of $500,000.00 if it was only $1.00 a rod cheaper which I am positive it is more than that, they would still save $100,000.00 a year or one million in 10 years,, I assure you that you need to look and do some checking and reading on prices and availability of premium cork that isn't full of filler like most rods that you are referring to use. Just the rings for my handle and forgrip was over $20.00, that is just cork rings, then my builder will work his magic on them and I get to pay for that, but it will be nicer than the best factory grip, however I doubt my builder can get the quality of cork St. Croix uses in there Extreme and Elite lines, Fly rods or conventional!!!
I don't know, but I do know how they build them and what they use for the best. I will assure the cork on cheap rods is going to have the same kind of cork, and I will assure you it wont be near the cost of cork on rods such as St Croix uses on Legend elite's or Legend Extreme's, I can tell the difference in my Avids and them, they really get cheaper on the imported rods. They buy rings usually 1 1/4" diameter and 1/2" thick, this is pretty standard. But I can buy rings that need filler much like a 100 or 130 rod even, for less than 1/3 what I pay for the best I can get, and I it doesn't mater if I want 1 of each kind or 1 million of each kind!! Most experienced rod builders know the very but of a rod is the least preferred place to start chopping weight, they would either have extremely tip heavy rods, overly long handles, or very heavy components building them ahead of the blank. Making a expensive rod cost wise,,,,a cheap rod performance wise!!
I do know a 4" long 1 1/4" dia. peice of cork with a 1/4" hole in it that will have to be reamed larger and make it even lighter,,,,,weighs less than 1/10th of an oz!!!! This is an example of what they want you to think!!! These are all things that keep me building different rods ofter having dozens,,,, oh so much goes into a rod that make the difference between a great rod and one that looks and feels good, Function is everything and it's quest is endless!!!!!
I like high quality rods, and my favorite blank by far is the G.LOOMIS blanks, i just think that the quality are superior. They also use split cork and full cork rods but i personally like split cork because its looks good to my eyes and i basically want a stick with reel seat and fuji guides because it looks cool to me.
it doesn't affect performance, but its a preference thing. Most freshwater rod companies are switching to split cork exclusively but you still have some companies with their full cork traditional rods. But your right about some companies that are on the higher end that sell full cork that are lighter than other split cork companies.
mikeeasttn reply :
I prefer the full cork for the look and casting. I also have a few of the split grip rods and just do not like the way they feel when casting.
SirSnookalot reply :
For me the importance is a foregrip which I'm not seeing much of in newer freshwater rods, so I use light, ml a nd med sw inshore rods in freshwater. I cast with my hand just above the reel on the foregrip, it's the most comfortable for me.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 5/28/2014 at 3:23 PM, SirSnookalot said:For me the importance is a foregrip which I'm not seeing much of in newer freshwater rods, so I use light, ml a nd med sw inshore rods in freshwater. I cast with my hand just above the reel on the foregrip, it's the most comfortable for me.
It is quite easy to learn how to use a freshwater rod properly to play a fish, we don't hog handle and run em down,,,,it's come to papa time usually, in time one can get the hang of it if he works at it a little bit.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 5/28/2014 at 3:23 PM, SirSnookalot said:For me the importance is a foregrip which I'm not seeing much of in newer freshwater rods, so I use light, ml a nd med sw inshore rods in freshwater. I cast with my hand just above the reel on the foregrip, it's the most comfortable for me.
On 5/28/2014 at 8:03 PM, Capt.Bob said:It is quite easy to learn how to use a freshwater rod properly to play a fish, we don't hog handle and run em down,,,,it's come to papa time usually, in time one can get the hang of it if he works at it a little bit.
What does this have to with a foregrip preference? I do understand using heavy braid and winching a bass in, there isn't much need to "run em down".
Raul reply :
Another thread rising from the afterlife ...... what the heck is going on ? 
12poundbass reply :
On 1/25/2017 at 6:05 PM, Raul said:Another thread rising from the afterlife ...... what the heck is going on ?
Maybe sirsnookalot uses dial up internet and it just went through? ?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/25/2017 at 6:05 PM, Raul said:Another thread rising from the afterlife ...... what the heck is going on ?
On 1/25/2017 at 7:42 PM, 12poundbass said:Maybe sirsnookalot uses dial up internet and it just went through? ?
Snook's post was almost 3 years ago? Unless someone deleted a post, Raul is the grave digger here.
ww2farmer reply :
It doesn't matter to me, I have both split and full handled and like them both. I am a little picky about real seats though. There are a lot I like and don't mind, but a rod with a Fuji SK2 or ACS casting seat is a no go for me. Spinning rod seats I am not a fan of the Fuji SKS or TVS. Beyond that full grip, split grip, foam, cork, forgrip/no forgrip...I don't care.
Mosster47 reply :
Split grip. I butt cap in my hand feels way more secure to me when I cast.
dwardmba reply :
I wasn't here three years ago. I enjoyed the read, something to be said for the blast from the past.
12poundbass reply :
On 1/25/2017 at 7:48 PM, Bluebasser86 said:
Snook's post was almost 3 years ago? Unless someone deleted a post, Raul is the grave digger here.
Oops! Lol looks like I jumped on too soon! Lol
bigfruits reply :
full cork on BC, split on spinning is my preference.
Angry John reply :
I like full handles on casting because most of the splits are way to short in the upper handle area. I have one rod that I do like the split and it is a steez flexlight. For some reason the handle and grip area is large enough for me to get a decent hold on the rod. Spinning rods I could have either way as getting a good hand hold is not an issue. My current favorite spinner right now is split grip. The look of a full grip in cork is way nicer IMO but function is always most important. The cork on my dobyns dx rods is very nice looking.
CTBassin860 reply :
I have both.It makes no difference to me.The full cork looks pretty nice though.
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