Split Rear Grip???

[Sea Draggin]

Other than looking awesome. What are the advantages and disadvantages.

All my current rods have solid grips, however I am considering a split and am looking for some feedback so I don't make a bad choice.

[shoefish]

I don't know if there are any actual advantages other than it might lighten up the rod a bit depending on what the material is and how split it is- I think it's basically just for looks. I used a van staal jigging rod last year and it had a split grip and it was fun to fight fish on, but I would say that the one disadvantage is that split grip rods don't sit well in rod holders- they rattle around a bit with the grip gone.

I'm in the process of building a tuna max rod and had considered split but then thought better when I pictured a $900 Stella sitting on it rattling back and forth...I could picture it just jumping out of the rod holder...plunk...

[paul708]

not sure of a advantage.
4-6in of foam probably doesnt weigh that much.
i like some foam for my arm to rest on. not just against the blank.
they do tend to bang sometimes in the holder where the split is.
if you like it go for it.

maybe on production rods. the smaller grips cost less and they can charge more for it. because it looks different??

[Finesse]

I've only done this grip for surf blanks...more as a result of the distance from the reel seat to the end of the blank also not wanting to have all that eva back there....plus for a blank like this you dont need to worry about the rod holder thing.
Only thing .... in this case .... it adds the work of another wrap.

[Sea Draggin]

Thanks, now that I think about it, I have seen how goofy they sit in the rod holder. And mine will sit there for at least 2 hours out and 2 hours back.

So I will not do the split grip. Although, they do look cool.

[gman]

Rear spilt grip has some advantages and disadvantages

Pros

1. Style - cool looking and unique, if you havent noticed in jigging style matters

2. Weight - it reduces some of the weight on the rod which will be beneficial for all day jigging

3. Comfort - having a solid blank which is thin and smooth under your arm pit is more comfortable that a thick rear grip that iritates your arm pit while jigging

Cons

1. Breakability - isnt rocket launcher friendly, I havent had one ever break but at times in rough seas I worry.


Overall - I have owned 2 Hots, 2 Shimano Blue Roses that have all had spilt rear grips. When dressed nicely with winding stops and logos it has a visual impact and is easy to jig with. I have never had one crack, or break and both blanks are thin

Ive also owned Smiths which have regular rear grips and they are comfortable as well. perosnal choice but there are some reasons to use them

[mythosbeer]

Originally Posted by gman

Rear spilt grip has some advantages and disadvantages

Pros

1. Style - cool looking and unique, if you havent noticed in jigging style matters

2. Weight - it reduces some of the weight on the rod which will be beneficial for all day jigging

3. Comfort - having a solid blank which is thin and smooth under your arm pit is more comfortable that a thick rear grip that iritates your arm pit while jigging

Cons

1. Breakability - isnt rocket launcher friendly, I havent had one ever break but at times in rough seas I worry.


Overall - I have owned 2 Hots, 2 Shimano Blue Roses that have all had spilt rear grips. When dressed nicely with winding stops and logos it has a visual impact and is easy to jig with. I have never had one crack, or break and both blanks are thin

Ive also owned Smiths which have regular rear grips and they are comfortable as well. perosnal choice but there are some reasons to use them

Isn't the wieght issue, well, not really an issue. The weight that would be cut down would be behind the reel or the focal point of your jigging action...therefore it wouldn't add weight to the jigging motion (actually it would reduce it being on the other side of the reel). At least thats what I think of the physics involved. Think of a teeter totter, if you remove a little weight on one side, the other is harder to pick up. Granted that is a very exaggerated example, but the point is still the same.

Mitch

[paul708]

i guess the weight issue may be a concern.
IF
you are already using the lightest guides avail.
you are using the lightest blank avail.
you are using the lightest reel avail.
lightest gimbal..rubber, metal,composite.
there are a few other things that can add or cut weight from a rod.

cut more weight..no rear grip at all maybe a option?

[gman]

Originally Posted by mythosbeer

Isn't the wieght issue, well, not really an issue. The weight that would be cut down would be behind the reel or the focal point of your jigging action...therefore it wouldn't add weight to the jigging motion (actually it would reduce it being on the other side of the reel). At least thats what I think of the physics involved. Think of a teeter totter, if you remove a little weight on one side, the other is harder to pick up. Granted that is a very exaggerated example, but the point is still the same.

Mitch

Mitch I know nothing about the physics of it, I suck in math but I love to fish. Ive tried about 8 major jigging rod brands and I like some with splits and ones with solids. I do know that weight is weight and the splits are generally lighter. I do know that when you but a well balanced rod that is light like the ones I use you can jig all day and night with it. Regardless of where the weight is you still have to hold it up

[Wes Blow]

I was told the reason is less bulk and resistance under your arm when rapid jigging.