Bait-casting reel handle style: single vs. double knob

Heya,

I'm new to using a baitcasting reel (currently trying to decide what to get). Some models have a single handle-knob (like the spinning reels I'm used to) and some have a double knob (like the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 I am seriously coveting). Pros and cons for a bait-caster?

To a noob like me with minimum baitcasting experience, it would seem like you'd only ever use one knob and the other would be in the way, but then I'm a noob so I might be missing something. Maybe you can put your hand/fingers across both knobs somehow to get more torque to pull out of a snag or something? Please enlighten this noob.

Thanks,

James

The double paddles are preferred if you’re gonna be doing a lot of casting and reeling.  It’s just the convenience of being able to engage the handle without thinking, missing or otherwise fumbling with the handle.  The counterbalanced or “power handles” usually come with a fat knob, can sometimes feel a bit longer and tend to resemble a more winch like reeling than the double paddle. 

Fwiw, I have both and use them for specific applications.  The double paddles make it easy to establish a cadence or work a lure with the reel.  I find it easier to go through the spinning motion with them, almost like bicycle spin class, focus on the easy rotations.  I use the power handles for vertical jigging, muscling fish. That’s like standing on a bike and powering up a hill with longer strokes. It’s just a different motion.

And then I get really off the wall and use a power handle for throwing certain baits, the choppier reel strokes can impart a lot of erratic action on a lure.....but that’s not really applicable in most people’s list of needs lol.     

Nailed it!

-Allen

The double paddles are preferred if you’re gonna be doing a lot of casting and reeling.  It’s just the convenience of being able to engage the handle without thinking, missing or otherwise fumbling with the handle.  The counterbalanced or “power handles” usually come with a fat knob, can sometimes feel a bit longer and tend to resemble a more winch like reeling than the double paddle. 

Fwiw, I have both and use them for specific applications.  The double paddles make it easy to establish a cadence or work a lure with the reel.  I find it easier to go through the spinning motion with them, almost like bicycle spin class, focus on the easy rotations.  I use the power handles for vertical jigging, muscling fish. That’s like standing on a bike and powering up a hill with longer strokes. It’s just a different motion.

And then I get really off the wall and use a power handle for throwing certain baits, the choppier reel strokes can impart a lot of erratic action on a lure.....but that’s not really applicable in most people’s list of needs lol.     

I suck at casting conventional reels, and prefer spinning reels for casting.  That said I switched all of my Abu 55o1's and 6501's to single paddle power handles.  All of my old Penn's are switched to a power handle of some sort. My go to salt water rig (Shimano TR100G/Trevela M/L rod has an Alan Tani 3/0 handle on it, looks goofy, but hell I love it).  Does it slow your retrieve down, slightly, but for me it is a whole lot more comfortable, and easier to grab when your hands are wet and or slimly.