Afternoon
Right i have a question for the builders/experienced rods out there, I like the cigar/half wells shaped handle available on most 9ft fly rods!(See redington RS4 photo) I have recently purchased a 9ft 6 inch sage rod which has a full wells type handle (see sage RPL handle) Is the handle design like this for a particular reason???
could i get the handle changed from a full wells to a half wells/cigar type handle, would this affect the rod?? would it be out of balance???
who would be the best option if i did get this done???
please excuse my inexperience, ignorance!
Redington

Sage

The longer more powerful rods often have a full wells,its supposed to aid distance casting! The half wells/cigar favoured for more delicate casts with feel!
This isn't always the case though,i had a 10ft #6 loomis which had a half wells,i liked it very much!
It won't affect the rod,if it had a cigar grip IMHO its just a personal thing really!

[QUOTE=canefly;1151293]The longer more powerful rods often have a full wells,its supposed to aid distance casting! The half wells/cigar favoured for more delicate casts with feel!

I would agree with canefly, to me a cigar handle is different from a half wells handle, but I get your point.
I am no rod builder, but I also prefer a half wells, and have altered a few handles in my time, simply by using sandpaper.
I always heavily mask the blanks with tape, then get 12" strips of 120 grit sandpaper, approx 1" wide.
Make sure the rod is held firmly, and slowly and evenly work around the end you want to reduce, take your time and keep it even.
When you reach the shape you desire finish off with a finer grade paper.
If you are not confident doing it, then don't.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

I wish manufacturers would give us handle options. Why should we be forced into using skinny little handles because a manufacturer wants to say that a 7.5 ft 3 weight rod weighs a mere 2oz. Personally I'd rather have a comfortable handle thanks!

The answer is build one yourself or get someone to build one for you with the handle spec etc... that you want. I guess this is one of the difference between custom built rods and "factory" produced ones. The custom ones are built to your requirements and the "factory" ones to their specifications.

I'd be happy to build whatever someone was after.

Pete

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