I'm getting tired of 80 and 84 mm handles on reels. I think 90 should be the new standard. I know there's a lot of other guys that feel the same way. When are manufactures going to catch on?

I think most are...

Lews has several models which only have 95mm handles and the models that don't have a 95mm on their cranking version.

The tatula and zillion have longer handles than original as well.

I agree. I'm really enjoying the 96 mm handle on my Metanium xG. Feels weird when I switch back to my curado or lews with an 84 mm handle. Grantman's right though, I think most manufactures have caught on. Maybe we'll see more reels with longer handles in the near future. Not to get too far off track but on a similar note: I wonder when spinning reel manufactures will realize that you don't need 250 yards of 6 lb test line for bass fishing.

Which goes to say, maybe it's time for shallow spools in spinning reels. Japan already has this figured out.

I prefer 84mm and 90mm tops. I played around with 100mm handles and took them off after a few trips. Making smaller circles feels more comfortable to me.

I get used to the length of handle that comes with the reel. Like when I am using the Calcutta/Conquest 50's, I am content with the 70mm handle that comes with them. After after a while, you get use to it and it isn't even noticeable. Cal over at TT said the same thing during his test of the Conquest 50DC. Now if I was using a reel with a short handle to reel in a lure with a lot of drag, I would add a longer handle.

I prefer 84mm and 90mm tops. I played around with 100mm handles and took them off after a few trips. Making smaller circles feels more comfortable to me.

 

I did the same with my HawgTech handle (which is awesome).

 

Went back to the stock 84's on the 50e reels I have.

I can't tell a difference between 80 and 90mm handles.  I suppose if I had a choice I'd opt for 90mm, but I also like smaller circles.  The only technique I would need the extra leverage of a longer handle is deep cranking.

I can't tell a difference between 80 and 90mm handles.  I suppose if I had a choice I'd opt for 90mm, but I also like smaller circles.  The only technique I would need the extra leverage of a longer handle is deep cranking.

I guess that's part of what bugs me. All the reels I deep crank with have 84 mm or smaller handles...

I guess that's part of what bugs me. All the reels I deep crank with have 84 mm or smaller handles...

Buy a Lew's... All Lew's 5.4:1 reels are built for David Fritts' prefered cranking style. 94mm Handle, Deep Spool, placement and shape of levelwind. Good stuff.

handle lenths of 95mm or longer are mandatory !!!