Hey all, 

I am interested in seeing if I could get any comments on modifying the handles of my St. Croix avids in order to make them more suitable for my needs. 

You see, I have very small hands compared to the average male. In fact, my 5'5 120lb fiancee has the same size hands I have (granted, hers are definitely big for women's standards)! 

So, not only do I think that the new school "split handles" reduce weight, I think the taper right below the reel seat would better accommodate my hands. 

I will ask St. Croix if this is ok with them r.e. the warranty, although I'm pretty sure what the answer is going to be  . If I had it done by a professional, I think most of us would agree that it would not damage the actual blank, especially the part that would be fighting the fish anyway. Heck, I might just have it done if I promise myself to take really good care of my rods and not to break them lol. 

So, what do you guys think about this? Have you had any experience with modifying the cork handle on your rods. 

Good idea? Bad idea? Any thoughts on how much this could cost? 

Thanks,

 

---Carlos

Personally I wouldn't mess with your Avids, I think you should buy another rod with the split grips you are most comfortable with and add them to your arsenal.  If you decide you like Brand X better, you can sell your Avids for a decent price to fund another replacement rod.  I am in the same boat, although I like using my Avids and I also have small hands nothing out of the norm just am a short guy lol 5'5".  But I find the split grips to be more comfortable, I still love the Avids though just probably will be my second string guys.  lol