I use them on my Citica 200E reels and the Curado 50E reels. I do not use them on the curado E5 &E7 reels. The grips on the handles of the Citica and 50E are smaller and the reel grips make these more comfortable for me. I also use certain color combinations on my Citicas to help signify which ones have been to Mike at DVT to have the spool bushing? I think it is replaced with a bearing.

I use and like.

I don't like the slip on grips.  They tend to move toward the base of the knob, causing it to bind.  I also don't like the ribbed texture.  I have replaced the smaller Shimano knobs with both Hawgtech cork knobs (they are $39 retail, not $80) and the bigger Shimano Power grips.  If I could afford them, I'd have Hawgtech cork knobs on every reel I own.

I don't like the slip on grips. They tend to move toward the base of the knob, causing it to bind. I also don't like the ribbed texture. I have replaced the smaller Shimano knobs with both Hawgtech cork knobs (they are $39 retail, not $80) and the bigger Shimano Power grips. If I could afford them, I'd have Hawgtech cork knobs on every reel I own.

Do the Hawgtech Knobs fit any handle or just the HawgHandle? Or certain brands/models?

You need to carry the hardware over from your old knobs.  You may or may not need to add bearings.  The knobs from my Shimano Hawgtech handle fit just about every other Shimano handle.  Hawgtech can probably help you out with your particular model better than I.

Thanks dude. I appreciate it. Im thinking of "prettying up" mt Lews TPs and my Zillion. I love cork knobs on a reel.

I think the zillion has riveted knobs.  You might be stuck there, unless you use a different handle.

HawgHandle it is then. Im going to call them and see exactly wwhat the deal is for both the Lews and Zillion.

I for one appreciate the link RW gave as I don't always know what is available.  I know LMG is going to recommend Shimano, but have fun with him instead of getting irritated. 

 

To the OP, the last reel I purchased came with grips.  I won't have a chance to fish for another couple months.  My daughter really liked them so I will be buying a pink pair for her reel.

I like and use reel grips but I do have one issue with them. I don't know if it is the ribs, the material or what but after all day of cranking/swimbaiting with them on my reel, my thumb looks like I pulled it over a cheese grater a couple times.

 

The benefits outweigh the issues for me, so all my reels get the slip ons.

I for one appreciate the link RW gave as I don't always know what is available.  I know LMG is going to recommend Shimano, but have fun with him instead of getting irritated. 

 

To the OP, the last reel I purchased came with grips.  I won't have a chance to fish for another couple months.  My daughter really liked them so I will be buying a pink pair for her reel.

Its all in good fun, some people just don't get it.

my thumb looks like I pulled it over a cheese grater a couple times.

 

You sure thats not from the fish? Bass do that to my thumb

I tried them but didn't care for the extra bulk. Also the softer versions seemed to drag and snag on clothing.

You sure thats not from the fish? Bass do that to my thumb

 

Nope, the lippin' thumb is on the other hand.

 

I've had bass thumb on an occasion or three.

Love the reel grips. I use them on all of my reels except the 2 Lews I have.

Nope, the lippin' thumb is on the other hand.

 

I've had bass thumb on an occasion or three.

 

If you dont have that when you get home, you know it was a bad day

If you dont have that when you get home, you know it was a bad day

 

Unless you have it on your palm.

I don't care for reel grips. If I don't like the grips on the reel I will explore other options from the factory or aftermarket options. They will mark/indent your stock handle grips when left on for a significant amount of time. Therefore I am stuck with them on one reel. Since then I have NOT added them to any other reel of mine.

Never used a pair but the bass pro carbon black had ribbed grips and it felt like the skin on my thumb was peeling off at times.

Stock grips are fine for me, when I do shop for a reel how the handle feels to me plays an importance in my selection.  I only worry about nicking up my thumb on these guys.

Stock grips are fine for me, when I do shop for a reel how the handle feels to me plays an importance in my selection.  I only worry about nicking up my thumb on these guys.

I dont get how they can "indent" the stock knob of the reel?

 

The inside of every reel grip I have ever seen is smooth.

I dont get how they can "indent" the stock knob of the reel?

The inside of every reel grip I have ever seen is smooth.

It does seem a bit odd, but they definitely do. Fwiw, I use reel grips on most if my reels.

I dont get how they can "indent" the stock knob of the reel?

 

The inside of every reel grip I have ever seen is smooth.

The original ones were smooth but the new ones have ribs inside.