Where have all the Full Handle rods gone...

[78Staff]

sigh... thinking about picking up a few rods after the holidays for '15... and shocked to see almost nothing but split grips in looking at shops like TW, BTD, etc. Have split grips just taken over the world?

I see the benefits of a split grip in some cases, but still prefer full cork on anything over 7ft both for balance and versatility/handling... But other than Dobyns, and a few Falcon rods, I don't see much out there with full cork anymore.

Am I missing any brands? JDM maybe? Leaning towards Dobyn's DX's since I have a few already, but if there's something else I should consider I'm open to suggestions. I use Diawa reels mostly ie Zillions, PX, TDZ, etc so looked at some of their rod models but they are all split grip and foam .

[SS Fishing]

Edge First Strike.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gary_Loo ... CEFSC.html

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gary_Loo ... FCEFS.html

Depending on the model and length you can purchase one with full grips.

[tacklejunkie2]

Check out the Megabass rods. They have quite a few full handle rods.

[78Staff]

Check out the Megabass rods. They have quite a few full handle rods.

lol I was just looking over their Orochi XX line, actually. Looks good.

SS, The First Strikes look interesting, but that carbon fiber grip I just don't know about...always been a cork guy.

[njbasscat]

It's hard to get good quaility cork these days. There is lots of filler used. I think the split grip fad will pass but see a future where materials other than cork will be used.

[fishingandfords]

All of my dobyns DXs are full handles

[facelessnewsouth]

If you're looking for something a little less exotic (what fun is that though?), the new Shimano crucials come in both full and split grip.

[falcon]

Add kistler to the list

[SS Fishing]

SS, The First Strikes look interesting, but that carbon fiber grip I just don't know about...always been a cork guy.

I can send you a sample of one of the edge EFX grips for you to feel in person. I have a few seconds laying around. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

[angry john]

The st croix avid and legend still come full cork. I fish them as well as dobyns for the same reason. I just picked up an older st Croix champion full handle.

[Dink Dawg]

Even though the cost of cork is insane, the cost to fit and finish a split grip is still more than the cork not used. I'm not a fan of split grips. A regional retailer had a series of steelhead rods made with split grips. They couldn't give them away. Bass rods on the other hand did well. I'm glad Dobyns offers a full rear grip option. That's my choice. I see a synthetic cork option coming soon.

[DavidSA]

I don't like the forgrip but I am big fan of the full cork in the rear for anything I cast a great deal. If I'm pitching it does not bother me. I don't own a Dobyns but the cork and finish on the DX rods always get my attention.

It also needs to be mentioned that if we flashback to 2007 very little was split grip. People on this board roasted GLoomis and a few others because of lack of style. Be careful what you wish for is the old saying

One thing I really like about Dobyn's rods is they offer both styles. Much to be said for that and any other company that does it. This is not a right or wrong kind of question but rather can companies afford to make both styles and will retailers stock that much inventory. This is really I think what it comes down to.

[lape0019]

I haven't used one but the new G.Loomis IMX rods are full grip as well.

[cndbasshunter]

not allot of options...Megabass, Dobyns, and St.Croix Legend Elite

[grantman83]

I believe the new crucials have a choice between full and split rear grip as well. I also prefer full handles though I do have several split grips for rods in which I was offered no other choice. Heck, even full eva grip is preferential. The only rod I own which has a semblance of balance while a split grip imo are my generation 1 zillions and that is in the context of split grips, not full