Non-standard handle

[THeBLender]

Stef's thread got me thinking...

Have any of you tried to sand a "dent" into your grip for thumb or fingers to give the handle a kind of grip type feeling?

[Cary]

Yep, did that to an 8 wt I had. Basically, It was a a mistake. I didnt realize how many different ways I griped a rod until I did that. Made holding the rod uncomfortable except when casting.

IMO, a symetrical grip is best, and I prefer a full-wells style, turned to my liking. I like an exagerated forward slope, and the heel turned a little narrower than factory.

As said by someone else, its probably better to go narrower than wider. if a grip is to wide,fatigue sets in pretty quick.

[Rod]

here is a pic (the one on the right) of a grip that cheech custom made for me. I have fairly large hands and as you can see from the pic that it is shorter than standard by at least an inch. it also has an exaggerated taper on the front as well as a fatter than normal mid section. It is the most comfortable of any of my rods. Although my 13 year old cast the rod it was on this summer and I haven't been allowed to use it since so apparently it fits smaller hands as well.

[steeliesonafly]

I have built and fished alot of rods with a maniform cork and really like the feel of it. It is an erganomic handle. That helps keep your casting true. It also helps to create less effort to a cast. It does not look traditional.

James