General rod questions on grips & reel seats

[achja]

Rarely do I see grips other than reversed half wells on rods. I know the grip is a question of feel, but who out there uses a (insert any other type, i.e., cigar) grip?

Is there a significant wieght difference by using a cork reel seat on short, light trout rods? Anyone have experience with cork reel seats?

[The Professor]

Generally, the grips used pretty much match the weight and use of the rod. Fine, lightweight rods usually use the cigar grip, medium (4-7) have the reversed wells. Larger weights normally have the full wells style of grip. Generally with a fighting butt installed. Longer, heavy rods also often have a fore grip a few inches above the main grip to help lever a heavy fish up from the depths.
The main thing is to use a grip that is comfortable and allows the optimum control. A fine cigar grip works well on a 7' 2wt, but would be too small and unmanageable for a 9'9wt.

I beleive the cork seat is used for limiting the overall weight of a rod. Since it would be used only for smaller rods, durability and solidness would not be a significant feature.

[WDN FLY]

Many of the higher end rod companies offer a choice of grips. I prefer a superfine on all my rods. The Professor is right, the cork and sliding band reel seat is normally used on light weight rods. I have one on my 7'9" 1wt and it's about 1.25oz. If you buy a grip to build a rod don't go cheap. Better grips are made from tighter cork and therefore look better and last longer. Struble has some nice grips.