Ice rod handles: Different types and sizes. Which one?

[fisherman-andy]

I’ve been exploring many different handle sizes & handles types lately. I thought I give some input as having the right size or type of handle definitely affects they way you hold and feel the reel & rod. In part it gives perception. I don’t have big hands nor am I a big guy so my opinion may differ from some of you who are more then welcome to share your own reviews on what you prefer.

Foam, wood, or special material handles: I have zero experience with foam handles. Anyone with syncork handles or have a ice rod that has foam handles care to share a review? What about wood handles?

Cork handle: Your typical standard handle that comes on most fishing rods. Pretty much get it in any size you want and or choose any configuration of real seats and lock handle. For some reason I don’t care for real seats and lock handles on ice rods???

3”-4”: Cork size for finesse applications. Very easy to pencil grip but difficult if your wearing thick gloves or mitts. I prefer these for UL rods and finicky panfish. With my small hands it makes it very easy to grip whole.

3" cork & 4" carbon fiber:

5”-6”: Standard size, the most common size on all fishing rods for handling comfort and feel. Easier to hold if your wearing gloves or have bigger hands. Although I don’t wear gloves no matter how cold I’ve been out so far.

6”-11”: Handles this long may be best for fly reels or even inline reels. Allows you to grip the handle like a fly rod. This is for you like to rest your index finger at the tip of the cork on the rod blank itself to feel the blanks sensitivity.

Various size corks and grips from 5"-12":

Split Grip: Catching on here this year is the split grip cork handles. Some say the split cork can reduced a rod’s overall weight, add comfort to hold, and increase sensitivity if the blank travels through the cork all the way to the butt end, again this depend on how its made & assembled. Sensitivity may also depend on how you hold or grip the handle.

Split grip handle w/inline reel:

Carbon fiber graphite handle: This is one handle i’ll be exploring this hardwater season. Eliminating the cork handle and going with a hallow carbon fiber handle some say maximizes sensitivity transfer from the tip to the butt end allowing one to get the most out of solid carbon graphite ice rods. This may be the handle for you if your looking to get the most out of trying to sense light finicky bites. Plus they wont deteriorate like cork and is light weight. Im curious to see a split grip carbon fiber handle setup… hmm?

Cork & Carbon fiber handle w/inline reel:

[BartmanMN]

Good post. I was just contemplating if I wanted the 3 inch on the Seven Deuce or the standard handle on the al Dente. I've not held the 3 inch in my hand yet, so I was not sure.

As for the Carbon fiber one, is that a special request option? I didn't see that listed on the HSOforum.

[iffwalleyes]

I personally don't see the spilt grip being that big of a deal on the ice. Personally I like the straight Tennessee handle about 6" for all applications some of my larger roads I have longer. The syn cork is interesting.

[fisherman-andy]

Good post. I was just contemplating if I wanted the 3 inch on the Seven Deuce or the standard handle on the al Dente. I've not held the 3 inch in my hand yet, so I was not sure.

As for the Carbon fiber one, is that a special request option? I didn't see that listed on the HSOforum.

You can request a carbon fiber handle, I assume most of you will likely be dealing with either Thorne Bros, DH, and Tuned up Customs. Or from whomever your having your rod build or made from. Cost wise is no more or not much more then your standard corks.

The one shown in my pictures is a DH Perch Pounder on carbon fiber handle. Its a perch/walleye rod, solid carbon graphite blank on recoil guides. The recoil guides is a must here if you want the maximum sensitivity transfer to the blank and CF handle. You need it as light as can be.

[bobbymalone]

i've wondered about carbon fiber handles being a bit 'slippery' cork has a little bit of stickiness to it.

increased sensitivity and whatnot is one thing, but i think it's sorta like different tread patterns on a pair of marathon shoes. Might be able to shavea minute on your time, but I doubt it's gonna be the deal breaker.

I pick handles based on how they fit in my hand and what i think looks cool. It's nice to have options though. I build my own rods.

[bobbymalone]

fisherman andy, why is there lightning striking your rod bag?

[silverbulletguy]

What is that you are using to hold your reels on? Where do yo get it? Cost? Why do you use it? Better than just using electrical or hockey tape?

[fisherman-andy]

What is that you are using to hold your reels on? Where do yo get it? Cost? Why do you use it? Better than just using electrical or hockey tape?

Their called "reel wraps" by Cold Snap. However there pretty much the same thing as castrating bands used for cattle "LOL"

[fisherman-andy]

i've wondered about carbon fiber handles being a bit 'slippery' cork has a little bit of stickiness to it.

increased sensitivity and whatnot is one thing, but i think it's sorta like different tread patterns on a pair of marathon shoes. Might be able to shavea minute on your time, but I doubt it's gonna be the deal breaker.

I pick handles based on how they fit in my hand and what i think looks cool. It's nice to have options though. I build my own rods.

The idea of "slippery" when wet has cross my mind. So what I did was doused the carbon fiber handle with water and rinsed my hands in cold water assuring their wet. When attempting to grab the handle to my surprise it is not slippery. Likely due to the weave of the fiber?

The only way I see this being slippery is if you allow the handle to get wet and it freezes on it. But typically the warmth of your hand melts the thin layer of ice. I dont wear gloves on the hand that holds the rod.

If you think of it, every little bit of edge helps you win here no matter how minimal the upgrade is. Having the better tire treads, the faster car, the more sensitive blank, the better and lighter ring guides. It all plays a part to one winning no matter how you like to compare or see it. Seeing minimal should never be overlooked when your trying to gain the edge.

When on a finicky light panfish bite a noodle tip or spring bobber will fail you where sensitivity and tightlining technique shines...

[Craig Oyler]

Nice post Andy, you have some great looking rods. I think the reel wraps are the only way to go. Do you have a way to weigh your rods? I'm curious about the weight in grams on your carbon fiber handled rod.

[fisherman-andy]

Nice post Andy, you have some great looking rods. I think the reel wraps are the only way to go. Do you have a way to weigh your rods? I'm curious about the weight in grams on your carbon fiber handled rod.

Unfortunately I dont have the type of scale to be able to weigh the handles or the rods. Maybe some rod builders can help chime in on specific weight ratios of different handle materials and sizes such as carbon fiber and corks? Anyone?

[CJH]

Their called "reel wraps" by Cold Snap. However there pretty much the same thing as castrating bands used for cattle "LOL"

Do they bother your hand at all, say if you are fishing all day? I typically just use electric tape, but hate the sticky residue it leaves.

Great post!

[fisherman-andy]

Do they bother your hand at all, say if you are fishing all day? I typically just use electric tape, but hate the sticky residue it leaves.

Great post!

Im certainly not bothered by it, but other's may differ. How you hold your rod and if you wear gloves also may play a factor for comfort.