Guide: Which Baitcaster Reel Handle Suits You?

Which crank fits your setup?

Choosing the right baitcaster crank (handle) affects torque, speed, comfort, and control. Length, handle material, and knob size directly influence the fishing feel – especially during longer sessions or with lures that have a lot of resistance. This guide helps you understand the differences and find a suitable combination.

1. The right length – understanding leverage

The length of the crank determines the torque: the longer the crank, the more leverage.

70–85 mm – Compact & direct

Suitable for:

  • BFS & Finesse
  • Light lures
  • Technical lure control (twitching, topwater)

Features:

  • Quick response
  • Direct feedback
  • Ideal for smaller baitcaster reels

90–100 mm – The allround range

Suitable for:

  • Jigging
  • Crankbaits
  • Spinnerbaits
  • Universal applications

Features:

  • Good balance of power & speed
  • Pleasant handling
  • Fits most setups

105–120 mm – More leverage, more control

Suitable for:

  • Big Baits
  • Large hardbaits with strong action
  • Pike setups
  • 300 size reels and larger

Features:

  • Higher torque
  • Less effort when reeling in
  • Noticeable relief with heavy lures

2. Handle material – weight & stability

Carbon Handle

  • Very light
  • High stiffness
  • Supports a balanced balance

Ideal for weight-optimized or finesse-oriented setups.

Aluminum Handle

  • Stable and durable
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Precisely CNC machined

Aluminum is the versatile standard in baitcaster tuning.

3. Knob size – The contact point to the reel

Knob size is usually given by the diameter at the thickest point.

18–22 mm – Small Knobs

  • Very direct feel
  • High control with light lures
  • Ideal for smaller reels

22–27 mm – Medium Knobs

  • Good mix of comfort & control
  • For allround applications
  • Comfortable for longer sessions

Over 27 mm – Large Knobs

  • More grip area
  • More control under strong resistance
  • Relieves strain in big bait setups

4. Knob material – differences in grip feel

EVA

  • Very light
  • Non-slip
  • Weather resistant

Rubber

  • High grip
  • Very controllable when wet
  • Comfortable during the fight

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

  • Soft, pleasant surface
  • Good damping
  • High comfort

Cork

  • Natural feeling
  • Very light
  • Warm in the hand

Wood

  • Individual look
  • Natural feeling
  • Slightly firmer than EVA or TPE

Carbon

  • Very light
  • Modern design
  • Direct, firm feedback

Aluminum

  • Very robust
  • Precisely manufactured
  • Cool, direct grip feel
  • Especially durable

5. Check compatibility

Before deciding on length or knobs, check the axle bore of your reel:

  • Shimano → mostly 7×4 mm
  • Daiwa & Abu Garcia → mostly 8×5 mm

If your reel is not listed, you can measure the axle bore yourself with a caliper.

Brief summary

Use Recommendation
Finesse 70–85 mm + 18–22 mm Knobs + Carbon
Allround 90–100 mm + 22–27 mm Knobs + Aluminum
Big Baits 105–120 mm + large Knobs
Save weight Carbon Handle
Durability Aluminum Handle + larger Knobs