Been doing a lot of research before I make the jump into rod building. Wondered if anyone had tried handle kits of eBay? I know there are probably junk, but I saw cool prints and patterns and wondered if anyone knew anything about them? 

No experience with components off Ebay.  But my experience with other purchases is that you want to buy only from companies that have OVER 99 % satisfaction ratings.  I personally don't think it's a great idea, preferring to deal with reputable companies and known brands.

 

"I know they are probably junk. . ."  Then why would you even consider it?

Lots of companies have reel seats of different colors and patterns that also have great customer satisfaction and service. Mud hole has them on site and in their catalog, Rainshadow/Alps, Sea Guide, Fuji, American Tackle, and others have many different styles. Matagi painted seats from Japan are available from the NERBs, or Voodoo Rods sites, if they don't have them, they put in bulk orders pretty regularly.

Yeah I've built a couple actually. They are okay. I will post a couple of pictures and explanations later.

Here is one I used on my light action baitcasting rod (built for very small finesse baits as well as trout fishing).

 

I originally built my rod with Fuji components, but it broke on my first trip out. The blank was replaced, bit to save some money this time around, I purchased a handle kit off of Ali Express (China shopping app).

 

 The kit cost me I think $18 shipped and came with reel seat, split grip handle and winding checks. The first pic is of the website post. And the rest are the finished product.

 

 

It turned out alright and I would say I am happy with it. 

The pros: everything is sized to fit with each other- no researching what handle fits what reel seat etc. It was cheap. The reel seat looks nice, everything except the cork seems at least of average quality.

 

The cons: the cork isn't the best. It's not the worst, but definitely not the best. The top lip part of the cork handle ( that extends into the reel seat) was breaking off so I had to be very careful with it. 

The reel seat and handle didn't marry perfectly together as you can see, there is a slight gap between the two (would be the same with or without trim ring). The winding checks are obviously not sized to your build- mine are too big for my rod so they shifted and are a little off center.

 

This is a niche rod for me, not my go-to bassing stick, so I am okay with the lack of refinement you get with this handle kit.

 

The obvious thing to consider is that if you are going to spend the time and effort of building a custom rod, you would likely want to be very happy with every component of it, and not compromise- that's the purpose of building a custom rod.

 

If you are going to gamble on a kit- I think the kits that include Winn style grips may be your best bet- if that interests you. That way you avoid the possibility of cheap cork or cheap EVA foam. (The Eva on this build is good, but I did build another with an eBay EVA handle that was not very nice at all).

 

 

In short, while these kits can be acceptable - In my experience, I would just recommend paying for quality components from one of the component retailers. It I'd definitely worth it in the long run and avoids you having to compromise on the rod you are putting work into.

1 hour ago, wisconsin heat said:

Here is one I used on my light action baitcasting rod (built for very small finesse baits as well as trout fishing).

 

I originally built my rod with Fuji components, but it broke on my first trip out. The blank was replaced, bit to save some money this time around, I purchased a handle kit off of Ali Express (China shopping app).

 

 The kit cost me I think $18 shipped and came with reel seat, split grip handle and winding checks. The first pic is of the website post. And the rest are the finished product.

 

 

It turned out alright and I would say I am happy with it. 

The pros: everything is sized to fit with each other- no researching what handle fits what reel seat etc. It was cheap. The reel seat looks nice, everything except the cork seems at least of average quality.

 

The cons: the cork isn't the best. It's not the worst, but definitely not the best. The top lip part of the cork handle ( that extends into the reel seat) was breaking off so I had to be very careful with it. 

The reel seat and handle didn't marry perfectly together as you can see, there is a slight gap between the two (would be the same with or without trim ring). The winding checks are obviously not sized to your build- mine are too big for my rod so they shifted and are a little off center.

 

This is a niche rod for me, not my go-to bassing stick, so I am okay with the lack of refinement you get with this handle kit.

 

The obvious thing to consider is that if you are going to spend the time and effort of building a custom rod, you would likely want to be very happy with every component of it, and not compromise- that's the purpose of building a custom rod.

 

If you are going to gamble on a kit- I think the kits that include Winn style grips may be your best bet- if that interests you. That way you avoid the possibility of cheap cork or cheap EVA foam. (The Eva on this build is good, but I did build another with an eBay EVA handle that was not very nice at all).

 

 

In short, while these kits can be acceptable - In my experience, I would just recommend paying for quality components from one of the component retailers. It I'd definitely worth it in the long run and avoids you having to compromise on the rod you are putting work into.

Hey thanks a lot, helps a lot.

I have done ok with eva foam handles from ebay.

Bought some eva split grip butts form ebay and didn't notice any difference than the ones I got from Mudhole.

 

Allen

Maybe there is something wrong with me, or I've been doing this to long. Split grips were not a fashion statement, the lack of a full grip was to save money and make a lighter rod. A grip that cost you more money and isn't lighter than a full grip is a waste of time as split grips have always taken longer to install than a full grip. This grip is to long, both pieces, and incorrectly shaped.

You have to take each offer on its own merits. Lots of good sellers there but some not so much. Just like anywhere else. 

I've seen some of the same reel seats and kits offered on ebay as in Mudhole. The ones I've seen, you get better pricing at Mudhole, as some of the sellers on ebay have very high prices..