I have an ultra light blank coming and was wondering if anyone can recommend a handle set that comes in well under 2 ounces. I’ve used several of the cheapo sets off Ebay for $8 that are split grip cork with a plastic handle and weigh in at 2 ozs. They are fine but would like something lighter for this bfs build. Mudhole doesn’t list their weights. Suggestions?
I can't tell if you're asking about the reel seat or the grips, or the entire set. Spinning or baitcasting (I'm assuming baitcasting). 2oz. seems high for just the handle, I add only 1.5 to 2oz. to the blank weight for the entire build (includes guides, wraps, epoxy, handles. etc), but then again, stuff from Ebay or Ali Express can be that way (cheap or heavy). I have weights of what I've used, but its at home. I typically use VSS for spinning and ACSM for baitcasting (Fuji). Alps seats are high quality, but significantly heavier than these Fuji's. Skeleton seats may have the potential of being the lightest (doesn't always work out that way for me), but also the most uncomfortable. Carbon split grips (woven type) is the lightest grip option, cork (quality grade, without the use of any composites) is not far behind that. Smooth/hollow carbon isn't always lighter because the void needs to be filled with arbors and epoxy.
Another option may be something like this: https://northforkcomposites.com/prod...casting-black/ 30 grams is a HAIR above an ounce - that's for the entire assembly... and you get to cut off the portion of the blank extending past the reel seat thread barrel, saving another 1/4 - 1/2 oz. or so (depends on how thick/heavy the blank is). The locking nut weighs a little over a 1/4 oz. (going by memory).
Bfs…baitcasting. 2oz for entire handle assembly. Not spending $150 for a handle on a $100 blank. Put a fuji system on a buddy’s rod but wasn’t any lighter than the $8 cheapo.
I get it. You gotta pay to go that extra mile sometimes though. You got to get a high quality blank too. If your blank is too heavy, a light handle will only make it more tip heavy. A name brand reel seat is $8 alone, so if $8 is what you're trying to stay within (for everything), I've got nothing. Maybe really minimize how much grip is used (I think reel seats are about 1/2 oz. by themselves).
I built this rod many years ago, turned a chunk of cypress on the lathe and used a Fuji skeleton seat setup. You could easily do something similar and be in well under 2oz.
Just recently finished this one up, again with a cypress handle, Bushido SB6'-9" M-F blank, AT Titanium guides, and an old school TD SOL reel with a full spool of 14lb test, whole setup weighed in at 308 grams or 10.8 oz complete. I should weigh the rod separate, it is insanely light.
I should really weigh this rod, it was a BFS build, again with a Cypress handle and an Alphas SV105, AT Titanium guides. Everyone that has ever picked that rod up asks how it is so incredibly light weight.
Ecsm and split grips. 1.38oz. By the time you ream the handles and trim reel seat, it will be lighter.
IMG_2965.jpeg
Last edited by dv616; 05-15-2025 at 04:40 PM.
Depending on the blank, ecsm may not work. The p700 blank from NFC is too small for ecsm.
Well, it worked fine for me. I think I used the 9.5mm reel seat (p700 but diameter is .39 and 9.5mm is 0.374”).
IMG_2982.jpeg
IMG_2983.jpeg
Last edited by dv616; 05-19-2025 at 06:28 AM. Reason: Added size info
thank you….good to know. Ordered the P7000 C6o2.
QUOTE=dv616;13941122]Well, it worked fine for me. I think I used the 9.5mm reel seat (p700 but diameter is .39 and 9.5mm is 0.374”).
IMG_2982.jpeg
IMG_2983.jpeg[/QUOTE]
Originally Posted by dv616
Admittedly i should have been more specific - it may not work depending on the exact blank you receive ans how long of a handle you like.
I have built 4 now. 2 of them with an 8" rear grip that needed a 9.0mm forecast ecs reel seat and 2 that were too small even for that reel seat.
I would love to build them using fuji ecsm seats as the bulk of my builds use those, but that hasnt been my experience.
Reply With Quote
