I realise that manufacturers have to do there best to please the masses, but I'm finding that with my big paws it doesn't feel that easy to grip the handle of my rod. At work, I need to use size 9 gloves !

Had a similar problem when playing cricket, remedied by putting a couple of more grips on the handle, and the thicker handle provided better and more comfortable grip for me.

Am I able to increase the diameter of my cork rod handle, whilst maintaining the aesthetics of my rod ?

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The reason I keep smiling is to keep everyone wondering what I've been up to

There is one way, find a good rodbuilder and let him fit you a costum grip. There are two big rod companies who also give you that option..

Also i know some american guys who put ratan on top of the cork, not my taste but you might fancy it. It only increases the grip diameter by a couple of mm..

Best of luck.
Jerry

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When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Duct tape can fix any problem you are experiencing. Wrap until you feel it's done the trick. BTW, could it be that you are not holding the grip correctly? Are you spreading/fanning your fingers, rather than a handshake type grip of the rod?

Have similar problem!
not so bad when using full wells or double handed rods, but lighter rods with half wells feel uncomfortable in hand.
solved the problem by turning rod in hand so that i could place my first finger up the blank in the line of travel, ie the cast direction, which automatically makes you curl thumb round and spley rest of fingers.
makes you punch cast, and induce stop in forward stroke too!
bit strange for an hour or so, but is second nature now.
try it out on butt before you go out just to make you familiar with it.
regards
bert

custom rods or having a custom rod builder make you a grip are the best options. My dad is in the same boat. So when i built his 8'6" 5 wt an 9'6" 6 wt rods I turned the grips to the same general shape, but to a larger diameter. Same with a few of my own rods. I only use full wells grips anymore, regardless of the length of the rod. Its just what feels best for me.

Alternatively, you could use some tennis racquet tape (or golf grip tape) and wrap over what you have now. That will build up a 1/4" or even 3/8" in diameter which should really do it.

Thanks
rick

I was shown the hand-shake grip to start with, and it felt ok initially, but kept wrist-breaking a lot.

Something made me have a go with the index finger on top, and a somewhat partially splayed grip.

The issue I'm trying to understand is what parts of my hand provide the grip, and what parts provide the 'feel' of the rod ??

That's why I was thinking down the lines of having a 'fatter' handle.
Speaking of which, is there an organisation overseeing/accrediting/collecting decent rod-builders so I can locate one ?

Had a similar problem when I played cricket, only felt comfortable with a bat that had a really thick handle, but that was easily done, as you just put extra grips on the handle, which didn't make the bat look different.

casts_by_fly - how did you size/measure your dad's hand-grip ?

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The reason I keep smiling is to keep everyone wondering what I've been up to

I apologize for having said handshake grip. I meant a hammer grip where the fingers are squeezed tightly together. You don't want that kind of action. You want loose but firm and I'm not talking about stool sample here.

Hello There

Sexy Loops site has a detailed piece relating to Aenoon's suggestion.It does work well just have to persevere.

Steve Parton is one person who will sort out your grip dilema if you send him the rod.Google him up.I suggest Steve because he built up a custom blank/rod for a very good friend of mine who has big paws and it is perfect.

Best JP

Hi JP

Thanks for the info.

Have had a look at their website, but can't find the piece, probably looking under the wrong decriptive

Do you have the web page addy to hand ?

Thanks

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The reason I keep smiling is to keep everyone wondering what I've been up to

You can buy sticky backed cork tape for fattening spinning rod handles

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