Do any of the major rod manufacturers make rods with the split grip on them?  I modified one of my rods and like the split grip and was wanting it on my new rod.  I am looking for something in the 6'6" Med Fast range.  I will use this for cranks, topwaters, spinnerbaits, and other lures.  I am looking for something in the same price range as an Avid.

This will be a casting set up with a Curado 200 DPV (or whatever the 5.1:1 is called)

Kistler manufactures split grip rods, Magnesium TX and Helium II are split grip.

Quantum also makes some of their Sig. Series rods with the split grip design.

Joe   8-)

Shimano's Crucial series offers split grips.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74445&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

edit: I reread your post, I don't know if shimano makes any 6'6" rods with split grips.... :-/

Daiwa, Evergreen, and megabass also make them.

Personally I think they are very cool looking.

There can be some balance issues but when you think about it the cork or foam in the middle of handle serves no real purpose.

The theory is that the extra cork adds weight (miniscule) and absorbs some feel (makes more sense)

I think the high end rods of today are as sensitive as one could want.  Sensativity is really more a function of the line.  with braided line and my GlX, I can feel a blade of grass bumb into my lure.  

But technology, design, and style, are always advancing.  The split grip is definityly the new wave.

We'll see. "Style" and fads run in spurts. Maybe this is just another way to market the "next new thing."

Avid, I don 't think Aaron is on the look for a $400+ rod.  

Aaron, check out Powell rods (www.powellco.com).  The Powell Max 683c lists for $169, which is a dollar less than a St. Croix Avid, and it is 6' 8" long.  I own both rods.  I love my Avid, but in all honesty, the Powell smokes the Avid in sensitivity.  It has a split grip.  It's just my opinion but I think this rod can compete with rods in the $250 - $300 range.  Read this review at Tackletour.com for more objective information:  http://tackletour.com/reviewpowell683cxfast.html.  

The only problem with Powell is you won't be able to find them everywhere.  I had mine shipped from a store in Wichita, KS.  The rod has a lifetime warranty.  If you're interested the following link is a list of retailers who sell these rods:  http://www.powellco.com/bassrods_retailers.htm.

We'll see. "Style" and fads run in spurts. Maybe this is just another way to market the "next new thing."

I think it is a response to consumer demand.  Remember that split grips involve extra labor and care to build (which equals $cost$ in the manufacturing world) so I doubt the rod companies are pushing this as a fad.  

Custom builders have been making split grip rods for quite a while, so the demand seems to be there. I'm beeting that the major rod making companies will be jumpimg on this bandwagon in the near future. Just expect to pay a bit more for the same rod.

Besides, they just look good.

make sure you hold one 1st. they aren't comfortable for some people.

Thans for the replies guys.

I have modified one of my rods to be a split grip bit is not pretty to look at.  I like to fish with it though so I decided to look for one made with the split grips.  I had seen that powell rod before but forgot about it.  I will have to look at it again.  I am also looking at a gblanks rod.

I won't sacrifice quality just for the split grips though so i may just get an Avid or something similar.

Any more info is appreciated.

Aaron,

just to let you see how it would look, here is an Avid w/a split grip.  ..i also took the foregrip off.

i don't/didn't like the "hump" on the handle, so, I Changed It! ...And, i changed the guides to spiral & now, it's one of my favorite rods.

ronnie

That is very very nice looking rod Justtrying.  

Spiral wraps and split grips nothing new, and definitely the way to go..

justtrying, nice job....

Tight Lines!!!

that is the sweetest lookin avid i have ever seen .... nice work man .... i bet if you sent that pic to croix theyd hire you .....

Avid, I don 't think Aaron is on the look for a $400+ rod.

No but he can look AT them  ;D

I HAVE A SPLIT GRIP ROD AND I DON'T REALLY LIKE IT.

split grips are the only things I'll be holding next year.  Loved my magnesium.