Is there a real difference between a solid handle and a split handle? Is this just cosmetic? Your opinions.

Yes, just try it once and your hand will let you know.

like ^^ said try it out.
myself, i do not care for the split grips all that much but they do serve a purpose.

i like my own custom split grips... some factory ones I don't find all that comfortable. also, the skeleton or bare minima seats i usually don't find all that comfortable either.

Back in the 1950's through maybe the 1960's, car manufacturers changed the appearance of their models every year. Tail fins to no tail fins, 2 head lights to 4, to wraparound 2's, round tailights to square, to round, etc. They felt they had to make changes to catch the attention of their potential customers.

For those who remember, it wasn't that many years ago (maybe 20 years) that the what is presently called "split grip" was kind of in vogue for a short time. I still have the split Fenwick rod which I purchased, although I didn't like it, so I converted it to a modified "cork "Tennessee handle", which I really like.

There are a number of fishermen, along with many folks in other sports, endeavors, activities, etc, who have the interest and money to purchase anything that is new to them, just because it appeals to them. There is nothing wrong with this, hey, its the American way, and more power to them.

My personal opinion, that's what it is, my opinion, is that it is again an effort by manufacturers to offer something that folks don't have - this is OK - we don't want them to go out of business, do we?

Some 30 ish years ago, everyone had 6' spinning rods. A few articles in magazines, and suddenly thousands of "ultralight" rods were being sold. When most folks got their ultralights, there then developed a demand for long whippy "Nightcrawler Secrets" rods. Don't have one? Better get 2! :)

If you are old enough, and fairly careful to not break too many, you'll end up with many, many different configurations, way more than the other member of the house thinks you need!

The "new" split" grip rods do offer a bit lighter handle. Really, though, eliminating weight forward of the reel is more desirable, actually adding weight back of the reel better "balances" the rod.

Sorry for being so long winded, just my opinion. Been a long winter!

Bill Krejca

Hello: I think that the manufacturers went to the split handle to sell something different. I build both types and don't really have a preference. Some rod holders can only use a full grip style. Other than that check them out to see how they feel to you. Some say the split grip is lighter but I don't think they could tell the difference because the missing cork just doesn't weigh that much. Good Luck O - R

Thanks Bill. not long winded at all. your post really makes a lot of sense. tight lines to you this year.

There's also a slight difference in the handle shapes compared to your typical straight round handle too.

When I bought new casting rods for bass fishing it was one of the reasons that I chose the rod company that I did
They had full cork handles. I didn't what a spit grip

But last year I broke the tip on my favorite rod and had to replace it with a spilt grip
(Same rod blank just the newer model went to spit grips)
Never thought I'd say this, but the split grip feels better in my hands
I didn't gain any sensitivity. Being a split grip there's a taper on the grip that just feels better or is easier to hang on to.
I will tell you it's still a odd feeling If I use 2 hands casting to grab the rod were there's no grip

So I'd say it's more then cosmetic. It's a better holding position but you don't gain any thing in sensitivity.