Exploring the Split Grip “Advantages” further?

[islandbass]

Some people like the known advantages a split grip rod can offer the angler.

We have heard a reduction in a rod’s overall weight – true, but not by much, but they sure make a rod look great.

We have heard that it increases sensitivity – IMHO, yes and no. It depends really on the design of the split grip. Since not all split grips are equal in design, this “increase” in sensitivity must depend on the design of the part of the split grip under the hand/palm holding the rod.

If the shaped cork is short enough such that the palm is in contact with the blank, then I would say that the increase in sensitivity is there so most likely yes.

If the shaped cork is long enough such that it extends past the hand/palm holding the rod and as a result, the handle is in full contact with the cork and not the blank, then I say that there will likely not be an increase in sensitivity.

I came across an article about St. Croix Legend Tournament rods, which I think are awesome looking by the way, in the Sportsman’s Warehouse periodical in which either the author of the article or St. Croix claim the following:

“The hottest rods on the competitive bass fishing circuit now come with “split-grip”/supergrade cork handles. This exciting new handle design increases casting and hook-setting performance by creating an improved fulcrum point – while reducing the overall weight of the rod.”

Sportsman’s Warehouse Periodical - Sportsman’s News April 2008 Page 18.

Increasing casting distance and hook setting performance? Hmmmm… It is not so much that I doubt the claim as much as I, being a visual learner, am having trouble seeing how the removal of a small amount of cork can move the fulcrum point substantially more than a non split grip rod to have the rod display such an improvement in those two traits.

The article is not clear as to whether it is St. Croix or the author making this claim and for this debate I guess it doesn’t really matter.

Are there any rod builders out there that can substantiate or debunk the claim of improvement of the rod as the result of attaining an “improved fulcrum point?” Or is this sheer marketing hype? I can see how improving the fulcrum point can do this, but I am questioning how the removing of that little of cork can improve that point significantly.

What say anyone else?

-ib

[fishaholictaz]

I just bought a Quantum rod with a split cork. It is very sensitive but I don't know if it from the cork? Overall I like the split cork it feels comfortable/balanced.

[Anglinarcher]

Some people like the known advantages a split grip rod can offer the angler.

We have heard a reduction in a rod’s overall weight – true, but not by much, but they sure make a rod look great.

We have heard that it increases sensitivity – IMHO, yes and no. It depends really on the design of the split grip. Since not all split grips are equal in design, this “increase” in sensitivity must depend on the design of the part of the split grip under the hand/palm holding the rod.

If the shaped cork is short enough such that the palm is in contact with the blank, then I would say that the increase in sensitivity is there so most likely yes.

If the shaped cork is long enough such that it extends past the hand/palm holding the rod and as a result, the handle is in full contact with the cork and not the blank, then I say that there will likely not be an increase in sensitivity.

I came across an article about St. Croix Legend Tournament rods, which I think are awesome looking by the way, in the Sportsman’s Warehouse periodical in which either the author of the article or St. Croix claim the following:

“The hottest rods on the competitive bass fishing circuit now come with “split-grip”/supergrade cork handles. This exciting new handle design increases casting and hook-setting performance by creating an improved fulcrum point – while reducing the overall weight of the rod.”

Sportsman’s Warehouse Periodical - Sportsman’s News April 2008 Page 18.

Increasing casting distance and hook setting performance? Hmmmm… It is not so much that I doubt the claim as much as I, being a visual learner, am having trouble seeing how the removal of a small amount of cork can move the fulcrum point substantially more than a non split grip rod to have the rod display such an improvement in those two traits.

The article is not clear as to whether it is St. Croix or the author making this claim and for this debate I guess it doesn’t really matter.

Are there any rod builders out there that can substantiate or debunk the claim of improvement of the rod as the result of attaining an “improved fulcrum point?” Or is this sheer marketing hype? I can see how improving the fulcrum point can do this, but I am questioning how the removing of that little of cork can improve that point significantly.

What say anyone else?

-ib

In my humble opinion, the movement of the fulcrum point is so small as to be meaningless.

Can you get more sensitivity out of the design, well you covered that pretty well already. Cabelas has a cork free rod called the Mag Touch. I have one, and it is pretty fun, and sensitive, but cold as **** during the winter.

[platinumroof]

I'm not sure what a fulcrom point is and I don't own any split grip rods. I've seen pictures of them and the split is further down the handle than where I hold the rod. The only time my hand is mid-handle is when I cast with both hands. When I am retrieving the bait my left hand is up around the trigger so it's on plastic mainly. Or with a spinning real I'm holding the base of the reel where it's seated on the rod.
It seems like a bunch of hype to me.

[kzoo]

I just bought my first one, a Shimano Crucial for drop shotting. I wanted it for more sensitivity for the feel thru blank. I'm still trying to get use to it. I don't think it's going to increase percentages on hook setting. So far the sensitivity hasn't been noticed except the rod tip, biggest factor I would say is that it's very light.

[bpm2000]

biggest factor I would say is that it's very light.

other than the aesthetics of it all, I'd say that is really the only difference. if you are like platinumroof and cast with two hands with one hand in the middle it might change up your game, but I cast two handed with one on the end so it doesnt matter to me.

[EastsideRedneck]

I can't feel a whole lot in my hands in the first place (nerve damage and callouses), so I'd be throwing money away even if it did work.

Just a thought- Don't you find it odd that they are charging more for a design that saves the company money? Now that, my friends, is marketing genius.

[Shad_Eating_Grin]

The price of good quality cork has been going up in recent years. With these new split grips, maybe the rod manufacturers are saving money but still able to sell at a higher price...

[2000subaru]

Just a thought- Don't you find it odd that they are charging more for a design that saves the company money? Now that, my friends, is marketing genius.

Cha Ching!

I've never thought of it in that way.