The Grip Joint System is a product of Hitotoki Works and is also its face.

All handlebars released by Hitotoki Works are also fitted with the grip joint system.

This time, we will introduce the appeal of Grip Joint System rods, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages.

The Grip Joint System is a system that allows the grip and rod to be detached.

First, let me explain the Grip Joint system.

The Grip Joint System is a detachable system that secures a rod equipped with a chuck part called a Champion Ferrule.

Also called Chucker.

There are many ferrule-equipped rods on sale from trout manufacturers other than Hitotoki Works.

Recently, there has been a rapid increase in the number of people fishing with this grip joint style rather than the typical blank-through rod where the rod and grip are integrated.

Advantages of Grip Joint Rod

We at Hitotoki Works will explain from our own perspective why this grip joint style has become so popular.

Advantage 1: There are many cool designs

A typical blank-through rod, in which the rod and grip are integrated, is mass-produced, so due to cost constraints and to appeal to everyone, it is simply not possible to make elaborate designs.

Also, when you change rods, the grip also changes, so even if you like the action of the rod, you may not like the design or performance of the grip.

In addition to Hitotoki Works, most manufacturers that use grip joints are also particular about design.

With the Grip Joint Rod, you can simply replace the rod with your favorite grip and enjoy fishing with your favorite grip that suits your design.

↓ Grips from our shop Hitotoki Works

Advantage 2: Economical in the long run

If you purchase a blank-through rod, where the rod and grip are integrated, then of course when you buy your next rod you will have to purchase the rod and grip as a set.

Because the rod and grip are separate, once you have purchased the grip you only need to purchase the rod part when purchasing your next rod.

Therefore, even if you have purchased the top-of-the-line model and have been spending around 50,000 yen each time, you will be able to save on the grip, which should make it more economical in the long run.

Advantage 3: The mechanical elements appeal to men

As a male being, mechanical things are bound to tickle the masculine instincts.

There's something addictive about the feeling of setting the rod in the grip when you start fishing.

When I'm getting ready to go fishing at home, I set up the rod while imagining the day I'll be fishing tomorrow...

After the fishing trip, I take down my rod and do some maintenance while reminiscing on the past.

I don't know why, but I think men are lucky creatures who can even enjoy times like this.

If you collect multiple ferrule rods and grip joint grips, you can have fun choosing which combination to use when you go fishing today.

Benefit 4: You can combine rods and grips from different manufacturers.

The ferrules in the chuck section are basically standardized to have a shaft outer diameter of around 9.0 mm in the chuck section.

These ferrules, which are standardized to around 9.0 mm, are also called champion ferrules.

Grips that can be fitted with Champion ferrules are collectively called "Champion Grips."

Another feature is that it is compatible even if the rod and grip are made by different manufacturers .

Hitotoki Works' grip joint system (chucker) can be installed without adjustment if the outer diameter is 9.0 to 9.3 mm.

If it is up to 9.5 mm, it can be used by widening the inside of the arbor built into the Grip Joint System with a file.

*Please be aware that there are a very small number of rods with ferrules that do not have an outer diameter of approximately 9.0 mm, so please be sure to check.

This means you can combine a rod from your favorite manufacturer with a grip from your favorite manufacturer.

This is one feature that is simply not possible with a blank-through rod.

Benefit 5: You can change the rod to suit your target and area.

With a blank-through rod, you need to change rods in order to fish stress-free even when your target or area changes.

Grip joint rods can accommodate a certain amount of change by simply changing the rod, so one of their advantages is that they can easily adapt to such changes in situations.

View the Grip Joint System product page

Are there any disadvantages?

I'll think about whether there are only advantages and no disadvantages.

Disadvantage 1: Weight

The Grip Joint System is a recessed joint system that is not needed on blank-through rods, and is made from metal for added strength.

As a result, the rod almost always ends up being heavier than a blank-through rod.

Hitotoki Works' grip joint system has been designed to be as lightweight as possible, finally reaching a weight of less than 30 grams, making it possible to produce grips that do not suffer any disadvantages.

Disadvantage #2: It's easy to develop a collecting habit

It seems that many people who purchase one set end up becoming addicted to this product.

This is good news for those who sell it, but I think that if you become addicted to it, the financial burden will increase.

Imagine an interior room decorated with multiple ferrule rods and grips.

Being surrounded by my favorite fishing gear is a great way to relax after a hard day's work, and I personally think it's a good thing.

It may seem a bit forced, but collecting things you like is one of the joys of it.

What is the strength?

In 2020, we have been producing and selling Grip Joint Systems at a rate of about 800 units per year, but fortunately we have not received any reports from customers of rods breaking at the ferrule part.

The Champion Grip, which originally allowed the rod and grip to be detached, was a mechanism developed for bass fishing and has a highly durable structure.

As anyone who has destroyed many rods may know, there are many rods that have a carbon pipe covering the blank inside the grip, which has a similar structure to when a ferrule is attached.

I don't think you need to worry about strength unless you hook a fish larger than the rod is suitable for and tighten the drag to force the fight.

Fastening strength

We have no concerns about its strength, but we have been told twice in the past that the rod tends to rotate.

Compared to chuckers from other manufacturers, our grip joint system is a chucker that achieves extremely high tightening strength and lightweight design.

This is not a concern with spinning reels, where the guides face downward, but it is a concern with bait-casting reels, where the guides face upward and lateral load is placed on the guide ring when casting.

When casting heavy lures weighing 20 grams or more, there is no need to worry if you are using a soft rod such as a glass rod, as the rod itself will absorb the load. However, if you are using a taut carbon rod, the casting load will be greater on the grip joint system, and continuing to cast with such a rod may cause the rod to gradually rotate.

In the first place, perhaps there are not many people who make such rods removable...

I have been fishing with a 45cm smallmouth bass with a strong pull and the current's force, but I have never experienced the rod spinning.

I have never caught a big trout of about 70 cm, so I don't know what will happen in that case...

I'd like to test its strength by actually fishing with it, but unfortunately, that opportunity doesn't seem to be forthcoming anytime soon. (laughs)

If anyone has caught a big trout, we look forward to hearing from you!