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Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 8:41 pm
by 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!
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 9:10 pm
by 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.
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Mon May 06, 2019 12:56 am
by 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.
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Mon May 06, 2019 3:35 am
by 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.
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Mon May 06, 2019 2:36 pm
by Hogsticker2
Aquaftm45 wrote: ↑Sun May 05, 2019 9:10 pm
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
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Mon May 06, 2019 2:39 pm
by hoohoorjoo
Hogsticker2 wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2019 2:36 pm
Aquaftm45 wrote: ↑Sun May 05, 2019 9:10 pm
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.
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 5:04 pm
by 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...
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 5:13 pm
by mhood
I really enjoyed fishing with my orange SMAK...Twitching bar...Single handle.
https://japantackle.com/reel-archives/c ... -smak.html
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 10:51 pm
by Slazmo
Before everyone goes cutting their AE handles with a Dremel...
Please exercise some self education and heightened safety around carbon dust...
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 11:17 pm
by 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.
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Sat May 11, 2019 3:22 am
by Slazmo
More of the issue with the lungs.
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Sat May 11, 2019 3:23 am
by the hooligan
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Sat May 11, 2019 6:29 am
by mhood
Not sure how important this is but the handle on the SMAK, while having only one knob, is counterbalanced with a metal weight.
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Sat May 11, 2019 4:36 pm
by Slazmo
mhood wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2019 6:29 am
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.
Re: Baitcasting Reel: Single knob handle instead of double?
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 4:28 pm
by mark poulson
ultralight wrote: ↑Sun May 05, 2019 8:41 pm
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.
