Me too. I find that the balance of the rod is disturbed....also less surface area should I need to maneuver during hookset. Never heard or read any pro opinion. Maybe bucks for cork makes the most sense as to why.

Cork and all other materials used cost money.  If a manufacturer saves only a few cents per rod, multiply that amount by the number sold.  It will add up, so the manufacturer saves money and somebody gets a bigger bonus.  Balance, appearance and weight are all just reasons to justify their cost cutting in manufacturing.  It’s all about the $$$$$.

On 4/28/2011 at 5:28 PM, OkobojiEagle said:

 I currently use whether spinning or bait casting have the full cork grip sanded to an elongated hour-glass shape much like a split-grip but with cork covering the entire length. 

oe

Do you do this yourself on a lathe?  Sounds like a good idea to me.

For excellent reasons 

The first time I saw it, it was weird. Then I realized it looked a lot better and made sense since you never grip the handle there.