Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?

[ultralight]

A bit curious as a spinning reel guy. All o my spinning reels have a handle that extends only one side with one knob.

Virtually all baitcaster reels have handles that are balanced dual knob.

Why? I realize that a 'balanced' two knob handle should theoretically be smoother as it is balanced, and also easier to just start. But I've never noticed anything problematic with my spinning handles. (I realize that there are some spinning reels with balanced dual knob handle.)

And is it a problem for weight weenies like myself to just chop off half of a baitcaster handle so that it is just one knob?

Thanks!

[Aquaftm45]

Check out Bass n Bonsai tube. He has a fleet of reels with one sided handles. I think he buys the inexpensive Ali handles and cuts them himself. They look good.

[DirtyD64]

There are always heavier duty reels like the Tranx that have a single balanced knob too. I think Shimano offers the HG version with a big single. Maybe some Lexa heavy duty reels have a single big knob too??? I know there was a Revo Toro that came with a single handle in the box.

[slipperybob]

So little to do with the actual reel, but when traveling around and holding a bunch of rods in one hand just to set them down in the corner here and there. When you go to grab the rod you want and find that the handles are tangling upon themselves on reels and lines. That is to say there's a slight less chance of a tangle with double handles.

I've utilized the single "power" handle on some bait casting reels. In typical sense it's is usually a larger knob and more comfortable when actually winching against a larger fish. Often times it's also a longer handle length too.

[Hogsticker2]

Check out Bass n Bonsai tube. He has a fleet of reels with one sided handles. I think he buys the inexpensive Ali handles and cuts them himself. They look good.

Where you at Charlie

[hoohoorjoo]

Check out Bass n Bonsai tube. He has a fleet of reels with one sided handles. I think he buys the inexpensive Ali handles and cuts them himself. They look good.

Where you at Charlie

Same thought went thru my head as soon as I read this.

[vishus]

excuse the mismatched colors/nut, I was playing with it to see how I liked it before I color coordinate and match everything up.

I've been playing with some of those same "aliexpress" handles with a dremel, you have a single handle in a flash. the only negative I have is that sometimes when working small jigs, if you stop with the handle slightly past the forward rotation, the handle weight will pull it self forward, I have caught myself going to set the hook as I "saw my line moving" on its own...

[mhood]

I really enjoyed fishing with my orange SMAK...Twitching bar...Single handle. https://japantackle.com/reel-archives/c ... -smak.html

[Slazmo]

Before everyone goes cutting their AE handles with a Dremel...

Please exercise some self education and heightened safety around carbon dust...

[ultralight]

Yes, absolutely. Please be very careful with carbon dust - especially about getting it in your eyes. I always wet sand and wash constantly in the sink so that there is no powder.

[Slazmo]

More of the issue with the lungs.

[the hooligan]

[mhood]

Not sure how important this is but the handle on the SMAK, while having only one knob, is counterbalanced with a metal weight.

[Slazmo]

Not sure how important this is but the handle on the SMAK, while having only one knob, is counterbalanced with a metal weight.

Not sure how you'd jig it up to find balance - but you could tastefully make (machine up or cast) a little metal balancer that'd fit in the other half / shortened side that'd slot in. All little Abu C's had a counterbalance from memory sake on their handles - it would be a benefit than anything else.

[mark poulson]

A bit curious as a spinning reel guy. All o my spinning reels have a handle that extends only one side with one knob.

Virtually all baitcaster reels have handles that are balanced dual knob.

Why? I realize that a 'balanced' two knob handle should theoretically be smoother as it is balanced, and also easier to just start. But I've never noticed anything problematic with my spinning handles. (I realize that there are some spinning reels with balanced dual knob handle.)

And is it a problem for weight weenies like myself to just chop off half of a baitcaster handle so that it is just one knob?

Thanks!

I like the double knobs. Sometimes, one of the knobs will feel a little rougher, due to lack of oil, and I can switch to the other knob for a smoother retrieve, until I have a chance to add oil to both of them.