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<\/p>\nWhether casting, retrieving a lure, or fighting a fish, it\u2019s always important to have a good grip on your fishing rod.<\/p>\n
To make sure the pole doesn\u2019t slip right out of your hands, fishing rods come with cork or foam grip handles around the bottom of the blank.<\/p>\n
Traditionally, these grips consisted of a single piece of foam or cork wrapped around the reel seat.<\/p>\n
In recent decades, however, some manufacturers have turned to split grips composed of two pieces of material with a gap in the middle.<\/p>\n
These split grip rods have become popular for their weight reduction and sleek appearance.<\/p>\n
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Contents<\/p>
Deciding between a split grip and a full grip is a design choice for rod manufacturers and a personal preference for anglers.<\/p>\n
While most larger fishing rods still use a full grip, many smaller, freshwater poles now come in the split grip style.<\/p>\n
Consumers quickly took a liking to the new split grip rods, with many appreciating the stylish, modern aesthetic.<\/p>\n
Some anglers also found the split grips improved casting performance under any given weather conditions.<\/p>\n
Nowadays, split grip rods are just as commonplace as their traditional, full grip counterparts.<\/p>\n
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A split grip rod features a two-piece grip that leaves a bit of space in the middle.<\/p>\n
A small piece of foam or cork affixed to the very bottom of the pole constitutes the lower part of the grip.<\/p>\n
Above this material, there is a small gap where the blank is left completely exposed. Another piece of foam or cork above this gap serves as the upper portion of the grip.<\/p>\n
This upper segment is usually located just above and below the reel seat.<\/p>\n
Some split grip rods with a cork handle will also employ a cork reel seat of the same material.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not for nothing that split grip rods have come to dominate the market.<\/p>\n
Not only do they look as great in the garage as they do out on the boat, but they can also bring real performance benefits.<\/p>\n
For one thing, a split grip uses less material than a full grip.<\/p>\n
All that space that\u2019s left empty on the road represents cork or foam that wasn\u2019t used.<\/p>\n
For avid anglers who build their own poles and buy their own materials, a split grip offers an opportunity to save.<\/p>\n
The fact that split grip rods use less material also makes them lighter.<\/p>\n
While a few inches of cork or foam might not seem like much, every little bit of weight reduction counts.<\/p>\n
A lighter rod is generally easier to cast and less of a pain to carry.<\/p>\n
This allows you to fish longer without feeling too much strain in your arms.<\/p>\n
A split grip can also give a rod additional balance.<\/p>\n
Not only is the bottom of the pole thicker than the tip, but it also houses the reel, the reel seat, and the grip.<\/p>\n
This means the bottom of a rod will always be heavier than the top. By removing some unnecessary material from the grip, a split grip design will lessen this imbalance.<\/p>\n
Split grip rods have the additional advantage of leaving space for hook keepers behind the reel seat.<\/p>\n
Fishing is a lot less stressful when you don\u2019t have treble hooks flying around.<\/p>\n
Being able to tuck your lures and hooks into a safe spot can help you avoid accidents and restore your peace of mind.<\/p>\n
Some fans of split grip rods report other performance-related advantages.<\/p>\n
Freshwater anglers often find that the balance and weight reduction provided by the split grip allows them to cast lighter lures into tight spaces.<\/p>\n
This improved casting accuracy is bound to result in a larger daily catch.<\/p>\n
Split grip rods also make it easier for people to hold the rod with a single hand.<\/p>\n
This grip comfort affords a much more comfortable fishing position for many anglers.<\/p>\n
While split grip handles are largely beloved in the fishing community, there are a few minor drawbacks.<\/p>\n
The exposed stretch of the blank between the two parts of the grip is left vulnerable to damage.<\/p>\n
If you leave your poles in a rod holder, especially one where the wood or plastic meets the rod at the unprotected portion of the blank, the rod could receive some scuff marks over time.<\/p>\n
In the worst cases, an accident could even cause structural damage to the pole.<\/p>\n
While this rarely happens and can be avoided with proper care, it\u2019s something to consider.<\/p>\n
Split grips also provide less space for an angler to grab onto.<\/p>\n
Some people with active hands or unconventional styles might find themselves reaching for a part of the rod without a grip.<\/p>\n
Before purchasing a split grip rod, it might make sense to try holding one.<\/p>\n
If your hands naturally grab for the covered portion of the rod, then you shouldn\u2019t have an issue.<\/p>\n
Split grips are generally not desirable for larger rods and big-game fishing.<\/p>\n
When casting heavy lures and fighting big fish, you\u2019ll need to move your hands up and down the bottom of the rod to ensure you\u2019ve got a firm grip.<\/p>\n
Any gaps in the foam or cork material would only get in the way.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the decision between a split grip and a full grip handle is a matter of personal choice.<\/p>\n
Some anglers love the style and weight reduction that a split grip handle provides.<\/p>\n
Others find the weight reduction negligible and prefer the uniform handle and traditional appeal of a full grip.<\/p>\n
After you\u2019ve given both types a try, you\u2019ll know which style is right for you.<\/p>\n
Split grip handles look snazzy and bring some real performance benefits.<\/p>\n
Just to reiterate, since they’re lighter, they’re easier to cast. Also, they offer more space behind the real seat.<\/p>\n
If you think they might be for you, there\u2019s no reason not to give one a try.<\/p>\n
You might catch more fish, and you\u2019ll look cool doing it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"