Handle Length Question

[Warsaw]

You guys that have upgraded the handles on your reel to 100mm, 110mm and 120mm, which do you prefer and why.

Do you prefer a smaller one for "lighter rods" with smaller baits say under 3oz and longer for bigger baits? or does it matter? Just a thought

Any comments you can think of? I've been fishing mainly stock handles on my Tranx and other reels and I am intrigued by the bigger handles like Gomexus and others.

On my smaller baits I am throwing them on stock HG model Bantam's and I feel like the handle length is a little too compact.

BTW, I am talking all swimtbaits such as 6-8" paddletail swimbaits and glidebaits in the whole range of sizes from 2-8 oz.

 

Thanks for any input!

[chefchris]

110 for all my 200/300 size reels 

120 for all my 400 size reels 

I also have large hands so the bigger handles make it easier/feels better than the stock handless 

 

[PKNNH]

100mm is my size for everything. I'm a smaller guy so everything above 100mm feels wonky and feels like it just gets in the way.

[BASS_SWINGER]

110 in on everything love my hawgtechs they have the greatest customer service too

[swimbaitrookie]

I have 100 and 110 on various reels and honestly can't tell a difference in them.  But I can instantly tell when a reel has a 95mm handle - go figure...

[AsaProch]

I have 100mm on all my reels. I’ve tried 110s and feel like I have more control over small reel inputs with the 100. Could be different for everyone else though 

[brootalititties]

I used to go 100 mm on everything and for a lot of reels that probably is the move but lately I’ve been matching my handle length the retrieve rate or ipt (inches per turn) of the reel. Using 100 mm handle on anything lower than say 26 ipt can feel like your bailing a boat with a spoon so to speak, it can be hard to keep up with the fish if they run on you or if you need to take slack out of the line quickly, i run a 95 for those lower gear ratios. I also go 110 if it is over 30 ipt because it gives a little extra leverage so you still have that smooth and steady feel when wenching on it under load, for general swimbaiting use my favorite setup is a reel around 28 ipt w/ 100 mm handle

Edited October 4, 2023 by brootalititties

[B_larkin3]

I have a 120 on my Tatula 300 and I love it. Makes working glides much easier and gives me more area to grip. The stock paddles are too small for my hands 

[Bakerlounge]

I go 110 and 120, 100mm feels too small for me, I am also a big guy and have big hands so larger handles feel more natural and comfortable while reeling. I tend to lean towards the 1110 size on reels and setups that I will be throwing baits that take rod twitches as the 120 size can feel mechanically awkward and cumbersome while working a bait but 120 size for straight retrieves feels and works great. 

[David R]

Hawgtech 110 handle for my 200/300. Upgraded knob with WCZ flat Knob mod. 

[Morph808]

100mm for almost all my reels but my 400-size ones I like the 110mm, or I should say I'm OKAY with it because I'm crawling baits like Hudds on my big reel. I don't need to do much twitching or manipulation with that reel, so the longer handle is fine.

[Morgan Y]

I’ve got a 120mm gomexus flat on my scorpion md and the stock handle on my tranx. Considering the gear ratio of my tranx being 5.8-1 I don’t feel like I need any more than the stock handle which has got to be close to 100mm. Interestingly enough I use a 120mm on my frog reel (metanium) since I couldn’t find a 100mm with the grips I liked and boy is the torque crazy with that thing. I have skied 5 pounders in at full speed without even a second thought. 

Edited October 5, 2023 by Morgan Y