Split Handle vs. Solid Cork Handle? 2024

5/0 reply :

What are the pros and cons of these types of rod handles?

WRB reply :

Split handles were created to reduce rod weight.

Tom

Hammer 4 reply :

I used full cork handles for a long time. When I got my first split handle, it was way more comfy for me, in so far as I never used all the handle to begin with. Split handle rods are usually lighter, but not always. I even prefer a split grip on my swimbait rods.

BaitFinesse reply :

Split grip exposes the blank for graphics, inlays and winding checks. Its predominately done for aesthetics.

DanielG reply :

Looks like you'll get different views here but I had splits all the time then when I got my full cork I found it more comfortable along my arm when leveraging. But both are okay.

jbsoonerfan reply :

On 10/21/2019 at 10:37 AM, BaitFinesse said:

Split grip exposes the blank for graphics, inlays and winding checks. Its predominately done for aesthetics.

That's a new one.

zell_pop1 reply :

Full cork just feels better to me, split grips are for looks.

livin2fish reply :

Seems like it has been mentioned that cork is a limited resource and alternatives needed to be developed.

Guess I'm off the op's question. I do not find one has much advantage over the other.

jbmaine reply :

The real advantage is, it gives us another option in choosing a rod. As you've read, some prefer split, some solid. We have the option to use what feels best to us.

BassWhole! reply :

On 10/21/2019 at 7:31 AM, WRB said:

Split handles were created to reduce rod weight.

Tom

I find that if I don't skip my upper body workouts, lifting a few extra cork rings (and their associated adhesive) becomes almost doable, but if you add the weight of sealer on the other hand, I'm only good for maybe 8 reps.....

Seriously though, split grips are popular because they look cool (in addition to saving $ on cork). The only issue with split grips is that if the dimensions of the handle are less than ideal, one ends up griping bare blank. I have a few stock split grips, but prefer full handles. My customs are mostly split grips. Like most other things, it comes down to preference, and what works for each angler.

dodgeguy reply :

I love split grips. Winn grips are my favorites. They are for making the rod lighter. In the beginning I didn't like them because I was old school. I have found them very addictive.

TBAG reply :

I own several examples of both, but prefer split.

WRB reply :

Do you all remember when split grips became popular? To refresh your memory it was about the same time this bass fishing site came online or not a very longtime ago.

Anglers had lots of questions regarding split grip because they were different then traditional hull handles. This is a change that occurred during the majority of bass anglers life time of fishing. The reason for split grips was to reduce rod weight.

The debate and discussions were the handle weight being reduced would cause rod balance issues and the weight savings would be off set by the need to add back butt end weights. The bare reel locking ring verses the fore grip also became popular during the same weight reduction era. St Croix and Loomis rod builders stayed with the traditional full cork handle and shortened fore grips, only more recently offering split grips do to user demand.

Tom

OkobojiEagle reply :

As long as this discussion is personal preference only I'll add mine. Spinning rods I prefer split grip and length of the handle behind the reel stem to be consistent among all of my spinning rods. The bulbous butt of the rod is my left hand positioning point providing easier/better consistency in casting accuracy (and maybe distance). Positioning of my hands differs with baitcasting reels and I prefer buying full cork grips which I sand down to a concave shape but leave cork covering the entire handle.

J Francho reply :

The first ones I saw were on Daiwa flipping sticks, in the early 90s. Cork was in short supply, and expensive, so they went to split rear grip to save material. That's the way I remember In-Fisherman reporting it in their annual equipment guide. I don't really know of any pros or cons regarding weight or sensitivity, but i will say I like a full rear grip for moving baits, and have no preference on other rods. What I don't like is exposed threads and a rough locking nut in front of the reel. Dobyns smooth locking nut is one of the best. Otherwise, I don't dare if there is a fore grip or not.

Randy Price reply :

I have several rods of each. Being an older guy (55) I like the traditional looks of full cork but that being said it really doesn't matter. I do not notice any difference when fishing.

WRB reply :

Today you have more choices with both split grip and full handle rods. Back in the day we tapped the spinning reels to full cork handles for balance known as a Tennessee rod back in 80's. Today a Tennessee handle is the original aluminum ring reel mounts, go figure.

I prefer premium quality cork handles but have learned to except Winn or Hypolon split grip handles. Still prefer a padded short 2" fore grip because I don't palm my reels and run the line over my fingers pushing baitcasting reels, old school. Since knowone holds a rod by the center section of the casting rod handle the missing material has no real function, so it's a personal choice that doesn't impact rod performance other then removing a few grams of weight IMO.

Tom

dodgeguy reply :

Rods have blanks now that are much lighter . Balance to me seems was better on the newer rods I have.I was one of those who thought it would result in top heaviness but on the newer blanks I don't see it.

BaitFinesse reply :

At this point I have come to expect a split grip. Remove the material in the grip where your hands don't go to expose the blank and then go ahead and apply some paint, an inlay or graphic and some winding checks and thread work. Build a rod like you give a d**n. If a lightning rod shock can do it then you can.

If a rod is not going to have a spit grip then I do expect some sort of treatment to the full grip to make it look a little sharper. Quality cork. Tapered full cork ect. The carbon fiber ring in the center of full grip with the Oroci xXx and gen 2 XX rods is a really nice touch.

Catt reply :

It's a mental thing ????

Split grips remind me off the old pistol grips; coming from a saltwater background where 25-30# Bull Reds are common. I always felt like I didn't have enough to hold on to!

I'm adjusting slowly & absolutely love Winn grips!

Log Catcher reply :

I like the full cork grips. I guess rod length makes a difference. If you are standing up to cast using a longer rod the split grips make make a difference. I have to sit down to fish and don't use a rod over 6'6" in length. I think the split grips are ugly and I hope I never have buy one.

GReb reply :

Doesn’t make a difference to me but except for one older rod all of my current rotation are split grip

5/0 reply :

Thanks everyone. Looks like I'm going to stay with the full cork with a cork fore grip. Cleaning them can be a pain, but I've done it with baby wipes in the past. They don't come out pristine, but it cleans them up pretty good!

Joe

Bassattackr reply :

Preference really.. Used full cork for a long time. Tried split cork and hated it, felt awkward. Now most of mine are split grip EVA foam grips and I really like them.

Dens228 reply :

For me it's whatever handle comes with the rod I want. It doesn't really matter to me and I don't really notice a difference. I had to go look at what I brought on my kayak Sunday. Three full handles, three split. I couldn't have told you without looking.

Mobasser reply :

I still like my straight cork handles

BassWhole! reply :

On 10/22/2019 at 2:46 AM, Dens228 said:

For me it's whatever handle comes with the rod I want. It doesn't really matter to me and I don't really notice a difference. I had to go look at what I brought on my kayak Sunday. Three full handles, three split. I couldn't have told you without looking.

I envy guys like you. From my little league glove, tennis rackets, soccer cleats, bikes, and rods, I'm crazy fanatical about it being just right, I'm sure it's both reel(ha), and imagined...

zell_pop1 reply :

On 10/21/2019 at 11:07 PM, J Francho said:

The first ones I saw were on Daiwa flipping sticks, in the early 90s. Cork was in short supply, and expensive, so they went to split rear grip to save material. That's the way I remember In-Fisherman reporting it in their annual equipment guide. I don't really know of any pros or cons regarding weight or sensitivity, but i will say I like a full rear grip for moving baits, and have no preference on other rods. What I don't like is exposed threads and a rough locking nut in front of the reel. Dobyns smooth locking nut is one of the best. Otherwise, I don't dare if there is a fore grip or not.

Exactly Team Daiwa rods that became the Light and Tough series had split grips back in the 90s, it took over a decade for everyone else to offer them. That is how you know it is for looks or cost cutting, not about lighter weight and increased sensitivity the rod manufacturers claim or they would have copied Daiwa long before.

Hammer 4 reply :

On 10/22/2019 at 7:35 AM, zell_pop1 said:

Exactly Team Daiwa rods that became the Light and Tough series had split grips back in the 90s, it took over a decade for everyone else to offer them. That is how you know it is for looks or cost cutting, not about lighter weight and increased sensitivity the rod manufacturers claim or they would have copied Daiwa long before.

So, if you Remove material from a rod, how is that not saving weight..? Or am I missing something..?

jbrew73 reply :

On 10/21/2019 at 7:31 AM, WRB said:

Split handles were created to reduce rod weight.

Tom

That’s what I said a while back and was laughed at for suggesting it. Glad someone else thinks so too.

gimruis reply :

I have a co worker who constantly claims he hates the split grip cork rods, yet he has openly admitted to never having held or used one.

Personally, I like the split grips. But a full cork or split cork handle would not prevent me from buying a specific rod.

STBen1215 reply :

I personally prefer full grip for a lot of techniques but can and will fish both. It's all preference. In reality, the difference in weight is marginal at best.

Tackleholic reply :

Clean those cork handles with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Pads and a minimal amount of water, then wipe down with a damp cloth. Very quick, thorough, and easy.

BaitFinesse reply :

On 10/22/2019 at 7:39 AM, Hammer 4 said:

So, if you Remove material from a rod, how is that not saving weight..? Or am I missing something..?

If the rod doesn't bother to save weight in other ways then it is mostly likely done for other reasons.

FishTank reply :

I use dislike split grip rods but I have gotten use them over the years. For me, I sort of prefer a full cork grip on jigs and soft plastic and a split grip on crankbaits but it's not a definite thing that bothers me.

I do remember fishing with a split grip saltwater rod when I was a kid (early 80's) that had a wooden handle by the reel seat with a removable cork like ball at the end of the rod that you could attach counter weights to. I think the idea was to hold the rod on the edge of a dock or boat and bob the bait up and down by using the cork ball. First split grip rod I had ever seen.

zell_pop1 reply :

On 10/22/2019 at 7:39 AM, Hammer 4 said:

So, if you Remove material from a rod, how is that not saving weight..? Or am I missing something..?

The rod that really started the split grip craze was the St Croix Mojo rod. If you had picked a 7'MH Mojo then picked up a 7'MH Premier you wouldn't notice the .1oz difference but that Mojo rod sure looked slick and sold like gangbusters all the other rod manufactures followed suit. So yes technically lighter but that's not why it became popular.

Yumeya reply :

I like both but like how a full grip looks over a split grip.

Alonerankin2 reply :

I don't care for them. The best I've used are Kistler and his design..

I do like them on a loomis blank.

3250

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