8 hours ago, J Francho said:

The first ones I saw were on Daiwa flipping sticks, in the early 90s.  Cork was in short supply, and expensive, so they went to split rear grip to save material.  That's the way I remember In-Fisherman reporting it in their annual equipment guide.   I don't really know of any pros or cons regarding weight or sensitivity, but i will say I like a full rear grip for moving baits, and have no preference on other rods.  What I don't like is exposed threads and a rough locking nut in front of the reel.  Dobyns smooth locking nut is one of the best.  Otherwise, I don't dare if there is a fore grip or not.

Exactly Team Daiwa rods that became the Light and Tough series had split grips back in the 90s, it took over a decade for everyone else to offer them. That is how you know it is for looks or cost cutting, not about lighter weight and increased sensitivity the rod manufacturers claim or they would have copied Daiwa long before. 

3 minutes ago, zell_pop1 said:

Exactly Team Daiwa rods that became the Light and Tough series had split grips back in the 90s, it took over a decade for everyone else to offer them. That is how you know it is for looks or cost cutting, not about lighter weight and increased sensitivity the rod manufacturers claim or they would have copied Daiwa long before. 

So, if you Remove material from a rod, how is that not saving weight..? Or am I missing something..?

On 10/20/2019 at 7:31 PM, WRB said:

Split handles were created to reduce rod weight.

Tom

That’s what I said a while back and was laughed at for suggesting it.  Glad someone else thinks so too.

I have a co worker who constantly claims he hates the split grip cork rods, yet he has openly admitted to never having held or used one.

 

Personally, I like the split grips. But a full cork or split cork handle would not prevent me from buying a specific rod.

I personally prefer full grip for a lot of techniques but can and will fish both. It's all preference. In reality, the difference in weight is marginal at best. 

Clean those cork handles with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Pads and a minimal amount of water, then wipe down with a damp cloth.  Very quick, thorough, and easy.

I use dislike split grip rods but I have gotten use them over the years.  For me, I sort of prefer a full cork grip on jigs and soft plastic and a split grip on crankbaits but it's not a definite thing that bothers me.  

 

I do remember fishing with a split grip saltwater rod when I was a kid (early 80's) that had a wooden handle by the reel seat with a removable cork like ball at the end of the rod that you could attach counter weights to.   I think the idea was to hold the rod on the edge of a dock or boat and bob the bait up and down by using the cork ball.  First split grip rod I had ever seen. 

3 hours ago, Hammer 4 said:

So, if you Remove material from a rod, how is that not saving weight..? Or am I missing something..?

The rod that really started the split grip craze was the St Croix Mojo rod. If you had picked a 7'MH Mojo then picked up a 7'MH Premier you wouldn't notice the .1oz difference but that Mojo rod sure looked slick and sold like gangbusters all the other rod manufactures followed suit. So yes technically lighter but that's not why it became popular.

I like both but like how a full grip looks over a split grip.

I don't care for them. The best I've used are Kistler and his design..

 

I do like them on a loomis blank.