The new split style grips. At first glance they kind of looked funny and thought they were just some new fad. A "fashion" kind of thing. That is until I tried one. What a difference! I have always had a hard time getting a grip and reel setup that fit my hand right. My hands are smallish and it always seemed that my hand and thumb were in the wrong position when casting overhead, which would cause casts to go to unintended areas and backlash could be a problem as well.

I cant wait to get out there and try this new rod and reel!

It is a gimmick. The feel of the rod at your hand, when palming shouldn't matter split grip or not.

With that said, it could only make the rod lighter and more sensitive-even if ever so slightly....So what does it hurt.