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Reply With QuoteYeah, I'm in the same boat. While I love the rod overall, that handle could stand to have a good 6-8" trimmed off. I wonder why they designed it with such a long handle in the first place?Originally Posted by gillchaser999
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Crappie.com 3K Star General
I own a TCB rod . I was one of the unfortunate ones that had the tip break right off . IIRC , it broke when I pulled on the line after stringing it up , to check the bend in the rod . As I do with with all of my rods . I didn’t over stress , it was definitely a defect .
The tip was replaced under warranty without any issues . I purchased an extra tip at the time so I could have it shipped with the replacement.
I don’t fish it a lot . I find the handle too long for my liking .
I’m primarily a bank fisherman and don’t have the need for a rod to fit in a rod holder , I’m usually carrying only one rod in hand , a few others in my car .
I had thought of cutting a few inches off the handle and adding another butt cap .
I need to get mine out and fish it one day ,it’s been sitting too long.
“ The bigger the Bend , the Wider the Grin ! “
Slabmaster
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. While I love the rod overall, that handle could stand to have a good 6-8" trimmed off. I wonder why they designed it with such a long handle in the first place?
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My opinion on the handle length. I feel it’s all about balance. Mine balances perfect and while I find it a few inches too long I can’t bring myself to change the rod. Removing the butt of the rod any would tend to make it nose heavy. I could probably find a way to rebalance it but after I use it a while I adjust and it doesn’t bother me.
Creativity is just intelligence fooling around
Crappie.com 3K Star General
It’s already nose heavy unless you put a reel over six ounces on it .
That’s why I never did anything to mine.
“ The bigger the Bend , the Wider the Grin ! “skeetbum LIKED above post
Slabmaster
OK, that makes sense. So far I've been laboring under the "lighter is better" philosophy for reels, especially when matching to the super lightweight XUL rods. Pairing the heavier Legalis LT2000s-p (at 6.2oz., vs 5-5.5 for most of my others) on the TCB makes for a decent balance...despite the long handle.
With that said, I'm not sure how much difference 1-1.5oz would even make balance-wise? And I'm not motivated enough at the moment to cut line and switch out reels...
Slabmaster
OK, that makes sense. So far I've been laboring under the "lighter is better" philosophy for reels, especially when matching to the super lightweight XUL rods. Pairing the heavier Legalis LT2000s-p (at 6.2oz., vs 5-5.5 for most of my others) on the TCB makes for a decent balance...despite the long handle.
With that said, I'm not sure how much difference 1-1.5oz would even make balance-wise? And I'm not motivated enough at the moment to cut line and switch out reels...
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one way, in my opinion, to shorten the rod yet keep the balance would be to weigh the part you are cutting off, the add that much weight to the inside the rod right at the butt cap, secured in place with some epoxy. replace your butt cap in place...Just a suggestion. Hope you get it figured out for your piece of mind and enjoyment of a fine rod.
Proud to have served with and supported the Units I was in: 1st IDF, 9th INF, 558th USAAG (Greece), 7th Transportation Brigade, 6th MEDSOM (Korea), III Corp, 8th IDF, 3rd Armor Div.
1980 Ebbtide Dyna-Trak 160 Evinrude 65 Triumph
Crappie Wall Hanger II
Actually, he would have to add MORE weight than what he cut off due to the leverage difference. Weight further out from the fulcrum has more effect.
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Just use a heavier reel . Not all reels made today are super lightweights .
We’re talking about a sub $100 rod . A lot of nice reels available in the 6-7oz range .
I’ve read the longer butt end is to support the rod with the butt against the arm .
Some people hold a rod this way others don’t .
It’s a personal preference thing . I like short butts on rods , some like long ones .
I like short rods , under 6’ , others won’t fish with a rod under 6’ .
“ The bigger the Bend , the Wider the Grin ! “
Crappie Wall Hanger II
I agree using a heavier reel is the easiest, and also a good way to get a feel before permanent modification. I was just mentioning the physics so that someone didn't add the exact weight they took off, and then be disappointed after epoxying it in, and not balancing the same.
And while I don't like that long handle on my TCB rod, it did help the other day (braced against forearm) while fighting a snakehead I hooked on my roadrunner. I was able to get him to net, and he was the next evenings dinner. I know not a lot of you guys have snakeheads, but if you do know they are delicious.
