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Handle design 1:  This is my favorite spinning rod handle.  For a detailed description of this handle and how I came to settle on this design, please read this article.

Handle design 2:  I have experimented with several handle designs in an attempt to increase sensitivity and comfort.  This handle has been designed with those traits in mind.  The rear handle is a split grip design and the reel seat is a Fuji Deluxe Graphite 18mm spinning seat.  The graphite will remain warm to touch in the cold weather.  The larger diameter reel seat will remain more comfortable, resulting in less cramping.  In front of the reel seat is a single cork ring, which I refer to as a "Comfort Button".  A fellow rod builder, Dan Corbett, shared that tip with me.  It does two things: 1) the short length allows the angler to place the index finger on the blank to increase sensitivity.  2) the rounded cork ring makes grasping the handle more comfortable.  Without it, the finger lays across the edge of the reel seat, which becomes uncomfortable after a long day of fishing.  Overall, it is the most comfortable and sensitive spinning reel handle that I have used.

Handle design 3: This is a split rear grip on a spinning rod with a foregrip. This also aids in two-handed casting when called for. When fishing the rod, you won't miss the cork in the center, as the butt section is the only area that comes in contact with your forearm.

Handle design 4: Split Tennessee handle, for easier two-handed casting. The larger diameter of the handle helps to prevent cramping after a long day of fishing. Don't like a Tenn. handle? Consider using a larger diameter reel seat for a comfortable fit and which will hold your reel securely.

Handle design 5: This is a conventional Tennessee handle. This allows greater movement of the reel to obtain the balance point that you desire.

Handle design 6: This is a split rear grip, which improves the ease of two-handed casting. This works well with rods casting heavier baits. The reel seat is a Fuji with an exposed reel seat for added sensitivity. When palming the reel, your forefinger may be placed on the blank, as there is no foregrip.  The butt section is typically 2.5" and the section behind the reel seat is also 2.5". These dimensions may vary depending on hand size.  This split rear grip handle has the extra threads removed from the front of the reel seat. This helps to reduce the overall weight of the rod, as well as making it easier to touch the blank when palming the reel. Before cutting the reel seat threads, it is suggested that you KNOW what reel you'll use on this rod.

Handle design 7: This is a conventional casting handle with a solid rear grip and foregrip. Reel seat is a Fuji exposed graphite.

Handle design 8: Just for you anglers that foster a nostalgic love for a pistol grip rod, here you go.  Short rods have been fitted with this style of handle in the past for casting spinnerbaits, topwaters and jerkbaits.  The short handle aids in casting, especially the roll cast, as the handle doesn't hit your forearm.  This is a preformed handle (the only handle I DON'T make) and it will mate with the Fuji ECSM reel seats, which have the exposed blank in front of the trigger.  Heck, Hank loves 'um!

RF Lite Modification: This reel seat design was described by Rich Forhan in RodMaker magazine.  By removing the bottom of the reel seat, the blank is exposed, thus maximizing sensitivity.  This modification seems to be most comfortable when used with the larger diameter blanks.  By retaining the top portion of the reel seat, there is more surface area for the reel seat to bond to the blank.  It would also maintain structural rigidity, decreasing the possibility of the blank breaking, as can occur with a split reel seat, as seen below.