Are split grip rods really worth the extra money? Besides making the rod lighter what are the other advantages?

I am not sure exactly other than i like it when making the longer casts.  I totally think it is a preference thing though.

I'm with flyfisher, I think it's totally a preference thing. I have a rod I liked but hated the grip on it. I found myself not using that rod more and more because it was so uncomfortable, so one winter I split the grip on it. What a difference it made!

gripnrip, like Jigfishn 10 says, it's a preference thing. I have both types, but like the all cork handle better. I really like the BPS older style "power hump"  Yeah, I know not many like those. But if you can, ask a buddy to try the type you are interested in for a day.

What do you get for your $40-50? Is it truely just another grip? You'll want to look at the Blank, reel seat & guides.

 

A lot of the rods with one pice grips are built heavier as in 1 pice reel seats and several double footed large size guides that add bulk and weight to the rod

Besides the 1-2 gram weight lose, the split grip on spinning rod setups has on my builds increased the senativity.

On bait casting rods mostly a weight reduction and slight sensativity increase...

 

But these are on custom rods, in the rack rod world (store bought) 

I would say the only thing you are getting for the extra $$$ is the weight reduction....

No rod mfg takes the time to build in the sensativity like custom...

 

Tight Lines!!! 

 

 

Besides the 1-2 gram weight lose, the split grip on spinning rod setups has on my builds increased the senativity.

On bait casting rods mostly a weight reduction and slight sensativity increase...

 

But these are on custom rods, in the rack rod world (store bought) 

I would say the only thing you are getting for the extra $$$ is the weight reduction....

No rod mfg takes the time to build in the sensativity like custom...

 

Tight Lines!!! 

 

Can you elaborate on how having an exposed blank behind the reel adds to an increase in sensitivity?  I just can't figure out how that would work.

Ill never buy another rod thats not a split grip

A full cork grip duckett cost more than the split grip version

Quality cork is through the roof right now and in short supply. I for one hate the look of an old cork handled rod that's all discolored and missing filling. . Sure you can repair it yourself but I haven't seen too many amateur jobs look the same as new. I much prefer EVA or other synthetic material.

 

I honestly don't know if its noticeable, but cant help but think the extra material on a full grip would have at least some (perhaps miniscule) effect on deadening a rod versus a split grip.

Besides the 1-2 gram weight lose,

Not enough weight lose to get me real excited.

I prefer a full rear butt and on the long side.  I do not care for split grips on a 7' and less rod, I have an 8' with both an ample fore and rear grip, it's not bad.

A full cork grip duckett cost more than the split grip version

I'm going to take a guess and say if the rest of the rod is the same that the split grip is actualy harder to make and more costly than the full cork rod. 

I think it's the other way around, cork is expensive.

I honestly don't know if its noticeable, but cant help but think the extra material on a full grip would have at least some

(perhaps miniscule) effect on deadening a rod versus a split grip.

 

The butt effects balance and comes into play when casting and leveraged retrieve, like when you have

a fish on. However, since your hand(s) is always on or near the reel, there is no correlation with sensitivity.

I have a few split grips and the main attribute is "bling". Split grips look modern and cool!

I'm going to take a guess and say if the rest of the rod is the same that the split grip is actually harder to make and more costly than the full cork rod. 

Yes and let's say you use the extra 5'' of AAAA cork to build a full grip.  Thats a nicer grade than most use and I can buy it for $20 or less.

Let's compare that to a nice split grip like a Dobyns. They will have to build the handle and the butt separately (and ream and install) then there's the rubberized cork in the split grip and a couple of anodized winding checks.

Then they add a couple of colored wraps by the winding checks. after that it gets color preserver and epoxy.

 

In the end I'd bet a lot of the 2 piece handles are probably more expensive to build.

I have both types.And have not noticed any difference in sensitivity at all.I recently picked up a 6-6 med.-accurist- with micro guides for 20.00. Seems to be a good rod,but slightly tip heavy.With the split grip,it will be a easy fix to balance it out better with my reel.

 I figured for 20.00, id try it.

Back in the 90s, when cork prices shot up, Daiwa's explanation for split grips was cost savings, especially on their flipping sticks.  Maybe .RM. or DVT mike could put this question to rest.

I've never noticed a difference in weight, for me it's all the look.

What rod are you looking at?

I like both but for different reasons.on a longer rod I prefer a full handle like on a swimbait rod.it just seems more comfortable when I really want to rear back and hurl a bait with two hands.on my spinnerbait rod I like a shorter handle split grip it just feels more comfortable.

Dobyns Champ Extreme rods with a full rear grip are $10 more than a split grip.

I've never noticed a difference in weight, for me it's all the look.

What rod are you looking at?

I was trying to keep brand names out of the question. Reason being I'malready battling the voices inside my noggin. I will tell you this tho. They will be used for cranking. I will purchase 2 rods. So in essence I'll save 80 to 100 bucks if I choose not to buy the split grip.

Well, if it helps any, I prefer a full rear grip for cranking.  I like to tuck the butt under my arm, and the cork is more substantial and comfortable to fish that way.

I was trying to keep brand names out of the question. Reason being I'malready battling the voices inside my noggin. I will tell you this tho. They will be used for cranking. I will purchase 2 rods. So in essence I'll save 80 to 100 bucks if I choose not to buy the split grip.

Gotcha!

Back in the 90s, when cork prices shot up, Daiwa's explanation for split grips was cost savings, especially on their flipping sticks.  Maybe .RM. or DVT mike could put this question to rest.

Was it in the 90's JF when they came out with the split grips? I couldn't remember, they took so darn long to gain popularity. Back then I thought they would never make it in the bass fishing world. 

Early 90s.  Here's a split grip from Berkley from then: