I have never tried a split grip rod, but they seem to be the hottest thing going right now. Anyone have experience with them?

I'm like you, I'm curious about them. Seems like a few posts a while back were saying that the import American Rodsmith model that sells at academy for under $50 was a good one. Other posts warned folks against the carrot stiks that Cabela's has been selling because of breakage.

Recs anyone?

i fish with both split grip and full grip rods, both work just fine for me, but i like fishing with my split grip rods more often, fit more comfortably in my hand and are lighter. I do own one of those American Rodsmiths from academy and they are pretty sweet rods for the price. if you are wanting to try out the split grips that would be a good one to buy, its cheap and i've never had a problem with it, and i use mine every weekend.

...now my favorite ones are the Dobyn's rods with the split grip they fit great in your hands and there is no weight to those rods, all around the best fishing rods i own...but they arent cheap. 200-300$.

I'm thinking about St Croix. But maybe trying the American Rodsmith from Academy would be wise, before spending big bucks on the St Croix. I fish for catfish and crappie a lot, so sometimes use rod holders that mount to the boat. Will split grip rods work ok with rodholders? Boy, the more I think about this, the more questions pop up.

They are more balanced and you can get some sensitivity through it touching your arm. I don't like it as much on Crankbait and Spinnerbait rods.

The 50 dollar American Rodsmith Apex Titanium from Academy was the first split grip I had ever purchased several months back. Been very happy with it, great rod for the price. Also picked up one of those new Berkley Lightning Shock Rods, very happy with it also. It was made specifically for braid applications, and I gotta say its worked out for me. Both rods go for $50 or so. I definitely prefer the feel of a split grip over a fully corked handle.

i love the split grip rods, there work great for some applications, the eva foam split grips are even better, i did experience some cork issues with the apex titanium from academy

I've got both split grip and full handle rods and use the split grips more due to balance, they just seem lighter. St. Croix Mojo rods are pretty nice for under $100 rods, I've also got Dobyns, Airrus, Diawa and my favorite for value would have to Powell. Try a 704 for texas rig worms or spinnerbaits and I think you will be a convert. Just my opinion. Good luck, it will be fun figuring out what works best for you.

American Rodsmith i have one and it is my go to rod. LOVE it!!! i would recomend it to anyone. i have 2 gloomis rods and my american rodsmith is still my go to. for $50 you cant beat it