Up-grading reel handles?

Different per manufacturer, or universal?

Has anyone changed out stock handles/knobs?

Where would you order from?

Scott Martin said, something about up-grading his reel handles, on one of his tutorial videos.

Thanks in advance, 

 

Not universal. Daiwa and Abu share the same dimensions. Easily done.  This site has/had a sponsor I think that made and sold some good ones.  Hawgtech, they have a website.  

I like to upgrade my Shimano's to the 96mm Metanium handle. They're around $38 and much cheaper than some of the aftermarket carbon fiber handles. However, Hawgtech does make some very nice handles. I believe theirs are around $60 for just the handle. 

Some of the smaller Shimano reels come with 80-84mm handles. I prefer the feel of a little bit longer handle, because I feel like I have more leverage on the fish and it's easier on my wrist. 

Shimano and Abu do not share handles. Abu, Daiwa, and Lews do though. Hawgtech is where I go for my Shimano handles.

Big hands = big gloves!

39 minutes ago, kickerfish1 said:

Big hands = big gloves!

I agree.  I have this problem....size 2xl in most gloves, xl's are typically pretty tight fit. 

Anyway....I don't think hand size necessarily equates to longer handle requirement.  I prefer 90mm handles because of the difference in wrist rotation/feel.  It becomes more of a personal preference thing in my opinion.  I have tried 100/102mm handles also and would choose them over an 80mm handle if I could not get the 90mm but they still don't feel right to me.  90-95mm is right for me, all day, every day!

On ‎2‎/‎18‎/‎2016 at 10:09 PM, Jeff H said:

I agree.  I have this problem....size 2xl in most gloves, xl's are typically pretty tight fit. 

Anyway....I don't think hand size necessarily equates to longer handle requirement.  I prefer 90mm handles because of the difference in wrist rotation/feel.  It becomes more of a personal preference thing in my opinion.  I have tried 100/102mm handles also and would choose them over an 80mm handle if I could not get the 90mm but they still don't feel right to me.  90-95mm is right for me, all day, every day!

Thank you, good hearing from you,

Would you be able to share, where you get reel handles?

And are the ones you use, straight, or curved?

APPRECIATE YOUR IN-PUT.

Well, I'm mainly a Daiwa guy so I use their factory 90mm handles mostly.  Some are straight and some are the "swept" design.  I have also used the Hawg Tech handles and like their straight 90 and 94mm models. Some guys ***** about the Hawg Tech nut covers but it's a pretty trivial deal to me.  I have absolutely no preference of straight vs swept or bent or curved etc.  I can feel no performance advantage with the handle shape, but the length makes a difference for me.  I can go with whatever shape as long as it's 90-95mm.

On 2/17/2016 at 6:37 PM, Cgrinder said:

Shimano and Abu do not share handles. Abu, Daiwa, and Lews do though. Hawgtech is where I go for my Shimano handles.

I stand corrected.  Off course Lew's would since they are nothing but a rebadged Revo.....

On 2/18/2016 at 9:20 PM, kickerfish1 said:

Big hands = big gloves!

Years ago when I was first married,  I was at a friend's and there was a girl that had a crush on me there too.  At some point someone mentioned the size of my feet.  I said, "you know what they say about big feet and big hands don't you?"   Her eyes got as big as saucers and I said,  "big shoes and big gloves."   She was a bit disappointed at the answer.

Sorry,  resume the thread...

I like to palm Ambassadeurs. Their stock handles get replaced by those with wide rubber ribbed knobs as are found on Johnny Morris reels, among others.

Josh

Longer handles only change the leverage, not the gearing ratio.

Vintage reels had very short handles and that's what created the after market. Today's quality reels all have good stock handles and knobs. 

Some anglers like the custom look of after market handles.

Tom

On Friday, February 19, 2016 at 11:28 AM, Josh Smith said:

I like to palm Ambassadeurs. Their stock handles get replaced by those with wide rubber ribbed knobs as are found on Johnny Morris reels, among others.

Josh

Do you remove the paddle grips or do you use the entire handle from the Morris reels?

Hello,

I use the entire handle, but replace the bushings with bearings. There are times I like straight handles, though, and so I swap paddles and handles until I get what I want.

Josh

Do you remove the paddle grips or do you use the entire handle from the Morris reels?