Which knob style do you generally prefer on a spinning reel?

[pauldconyers]

After years of using nothing but bait casters I am going to try a "fairy wand" this year. Being a Shimano guy I bought a 7' M Expride spinning rod and am going to pair it up with a Vanford 2500 or the 3000 size. Main difference is the 2500 has the smaller paddle size knob and the 3000 has the T shaped knob.

I went up to my local store and handled both but without actually fishing them a bit it was not just obvious to me which to go with. I realize it is a personal preference thing but I was curious if you guys had a general preference between the smaller paddle size knob or T shaped knob on spinning reels?

[i_am_R2]

My recommendation would be to get the reel with the specs you need/are looking for then swap out the knobs later if you don't like them? That's what I have done with all of my most recent spinning reels purchased.

I find the smaller knobs on both Shimano and Daiwa to be too "skinny" and the shape of the t-knobs a little awkward. Could be just me though

[BRONZEBACK32]

I like the I-shape knobs that come on Shimano and Daiwa.

My favorite is the one that comes on the Shimano 2500 Stella FJ.

[ftl1951]

I prefer the I (paddle) shape on spinning reels when I am fishing finesse, feel/touch baits like shaky heads, light jig heads, light drop shot, etc. When fishing hard baits like jerk baits, top water, cranks and other moving baits like spinner baits or chatter baits, then I use the T knobs. I like the extra strength for moving baits. Again, like most, it is about personal preference. As has already been suggested, you can always change to the knob you prefer if necessary.

[slipperybob]

For the most part, I-shaped knobs works well and are efficient with lure working.

If catching bigger fish, the T-shape and Paddle-shaped knobs become more efficient when fighting bigger fish and winching the handle becomes a more primary concern. For that cranking lures and spinners becomes the choice.

[filthyPhil]

I always thought the handle and knob on the older Pflueger Presidents with the hardwood look was the best looking. I've been using a baitcaster for to long and just cant go back.

[LowRange]

T knob is easier to RH to use LH spinning configuration. It does not rely on pinching a knob between the thumb and index finger tips and be grabbed by a fist and turned with arm motion rather than a thumb and finger grasping the knob while rotating the wrist. The latter relies more heavily on fine motor skills than the former and some RHs may not have those fine motor skills present in their left hand.

[bwjay]

I was a paddle knob fan but I finally got a Stradic Ci4+ 3000 and I've been liking the T knob. I take my hand off the knob a fair amount of time when I'm letting a bait sit or as I'm slowly dragging or hopping it. When a fish bites I gotta jerk my hand back to the reel and sometimes I can't quite find the handle when it's a regular paddle. Not a huge issue by any means but with the bigger T knob I always get good purchase on the handle. I can't recall losing a fish because I wasn't able to take up slack fast enough after setting the hook or anything (due to fumbling with the handle), but still, the larger knob is nice.