After years of using nothing but bait casters I am going to try a "fairy wand" this year. Being a Shimano guy I bought a 7' M Expride spinning rod and am going to pair it up with a Vanford 2500 or the 3000 size. Main difference is the 2500 has the smaller paddle size knob and the 3000 has the T shaped knob.

 

I went up to my local store and handled both but without actually fishing them a bit it was not just obvious to me which to go with. I realize it is a personal preference thing but I was curious if you guys had a general preference between the smaller paddle size knob or T shaped knob on spinning reels?

I have both.  I like the smaller one better.  I hold it with my thumb and index finger.  The T shape I have to use thumb and two fingers.

I prefer the paddle-shape...no particular reason but for the fact it's all I've ever had on my spinners dating back to my old Mitchell 320 from the 60s.

I generally prefer the paddle shape because those are a safe bet to be comfortable to me but the T shape if it's the right size works fine too, at which point it's different but fine by my standards as well.

Paddle - all day, every day 

 

I won't even buy a reel if it has the T-shape handle knob. Like you said, all personal preference...and I prefer not to own any reels with the T-shaped handle  (I do, however, own a couple soft knob round handles like on my CI4s).

Paddle shape. Specifically the Lew’s “Combat Grip” it has texture and I don’t lose my grip, even with wet hands

I have and fish both

but as for my preference,

you can call me Mr T.

I pity the fool using a paddle.

I have a few 2500's that I put the 3000 T handle on.

?

A-Jay

On spinning reels, I prefer the same round knobs I do on baitcasters.   Tee-handles are the worst for grabbing every line in a kayak, then not letting go.  

To me, what really gives subtle feel on light spinning tackle is counter-balanced or double handles.  This low-geared JDM C1000S can get away with the short 72 mm handle (36 mm pitch).  

Seatrout are the worst for pushing the lure toward you, sampling and rejecting, and on my last nite-lite dock fishing trip, the rig just above delivered the most fish on long UL.  

T-handle for me please.

I hope you aren't going to use this thread as "advice" on what you should get because as you can already tell, there will be no consensus.

 

Put me down for the T knob though, if you are keeping score.

He was kind of soliciting advice, maybe polling, or wondering why people like what, but the way you can tell the difference between choice and unsolicited advice is I like v. You Should.  

 

Long counter-balanced handle on high-geared C2000SHG (equivalent to Stradic FL1000).  This is the UL I take out on a kayak (salt trip late next week).  

 

The thing is, you'll probably not work out your own personal preference until you get some miles on it.  

 

I despise T knobs. Like others have said, it all comes down to personal preference.

6 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

Paddle shape. Specifically the Lew’s “Combat Grip” it has texture and I don’t lose my grip, even with wet hands

I love this grip too.  Couldn't agree more.

I think my favorite one is electical tape

I have used both types.  Really makes no difference to me.

Paddle

For bass fishing I don't really have a preference. When fishing crappie, trout, and panfish I prefer the paddle. When fishing for larger fish that actually pull back, I prefer a T handle

9 hours ago, Bankbeater said:

I have used both types.  Really makes no difference to me.

This.

Count me in for round knobs.

19 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I have and fish both

but as for my preference,

you can call me Mr T.

I pity the fool using a paddle.

I have a few 2500's that I put the 3000 T handle on.

?

A-Jay

Watch out fellas..."He's on the jazz, man" ... BA Baracus

I prefer the paddle.  But I own some T-shaped and don't have any issue using them.  I won't avoid a reel because it has T-shaped handles if everything else is there and the price is right.  But if two presented two identical reels except one has a paddle, that's the one I'll take.  

Paddle all day, every day. Hate T handle, but will use in salt if only reel available,

i.e., I don't have my own gear  .

5 hours ago, BassWhole! said:

For bass fishing I don't really have a preference. When fishing crappie, trout, and panfish I prefer the paddle. When fishing for larger fish that actually pull back, I prefer a T handle

I'm the same as this.