Reel Talk #3: Does a Longer Baitcasting Reel Handle Really Give You More Power?

When it comes to upgrading a baitcasting reel, handle length is one of those details that can make a bigger difference than you might expect.

You’ll often hear anglers say that a longer handle gives you more power. But is that actually true?

Yes—but there’s a little more to it.

Handle length changes the amount of leverage you have when turning the reel, which can make a noticeable difference when you're working a lure, retrieving resistance-heavy baits, or fighting a strong fish.

Why Does Handle Length Matter?

The easiest way to understand it is to think about leverage.

A longer handle places the knob farther away from the center of the reel. That increased distance gives you more leverage when you turn the handle.

Think about using a wrench. A longer wrench generally makes it easier to turn something that requires more force. A baitcasting reel handle works on the same basic principle.

With a longer handle, you can apply more turning force without necessarily having to increase the amount of effort you're putting into each rotation.

That can be especially noticeable when you're dealing with high-resistance presentations such as:

• Deep-diving crankbaits

• Large spinnerbaits

• Chatterbaits

• Alabama rigs

• Large glidebaits

• Oversized swimbaits

Longer handles can also be beneficial for flipping and pitching. In these situations, the advantage isn't necessarily about lure resistance. Added leverage and a larger handle can provide better control and make it easier to quickly pick up line when a fish takes the bait and heads toward cover.

Does a Longer Handle Actually Make a Reel More Powerful?

Not exactly.

A longer handle doesn't increase the gear strength or change the reel's internal gearing. What it does is give you more mechanical advantage.

For example, imagine two handles attached to the same reel. One is 90mm and the other is 110mm.

The 110mm handle gives you a longer lever arm. Because the knob is positioned farther from the center of the reel, you can generate more torque at the reel's handle shaft.

That's why a longer handle can feel substantially more powerful even though the reel itself hasn't changed internally.

Longer Doesn't Always Mean Better

This is where personal preference comes into play.

While longer handles can provide additional leverage, they also change the way the reel feels in your hand.

A longer handle generally produces a wider arc as you turn it. Some anglers prefer this because it creates a more substantial, controlled feel. Others may prefer a shorter handle for a lighter and more compact setup.

The ideal length depends on what you're fishing, how you retrieve a bait, and what feels comfortable to you.

There's no single handle length that's perfect for every application.

What About 110mm and 120mm Handles?

The 110mm handle has become a popular upgrade for anglers who want additional leverage without going to an extreme size.

Compared with many factory handles, a 110mm handle can provide a noticeable change in feel. For anglers throwing larger baits or fishing techniques that put more resistance on the reel, that extra leverage can make a long day of fishing more comfortable.

For even heavier applications, 120mm handles take that concept another step further. The additional length provides even more leverage and can be particularly useful when working large glidebaits, oversized swimbaits, Alabama rigs, or other big presentations that require more effort to retrieve.

A 120mm handle isn't necessarily something every angler needs. For many everyday applications, it may feel larger than necessary. But for anglers specifically looking for maximum leverage and a more substantial setup, it can be an excellent option.

Don't Forget About the Knobs

Handle length isn't the only thing that affects how a reel feels.

The size and shape of the knobs can also have a significant impact.

A larger knob gives you more surface area to grip, which can make it easier to maintain control when you're applying pressure. The material and shape can also change how securely the knob sits in your hand.

This is why two handles with the same length can still feel completely different while fishing.

Handle length determines leverage. Knob design influences how that leverage feels in your hand.

Together, they can dramatically change the overall feel of a reel.

Which Handle Length Should You Choose?

There's no universal answer, but here's a simple way to think about it:

Shorter handles:
Great for anglers who prefer a compact, quick-feeling setup and don't need as much leverage.

Medium-length handles:
A versatile choice for many everyday baitcasting applications.

110mm handles:
A strong option when you want additional leverage, a more substantial feel, or you're regularly fishing techniques that create more resistance.

120mm handles:
Best suited for anglers who want maximum leverage or regularly fish larger presentations such as big glidebaits, oversized swimbaits, and Alabama rigs.

Your reel's intended use should ultimately determine the size you choose.

The Bottom Line

So, does a longer baitcasting reel handle give you more power?

Yes—but technically, it gives you more leverage rather than making the reel itself more powerful.

Moving the knob farther from the center of the reel allows you to generate more torque at the handle, which can make demanding retrieves feel easier and more controlled.

For many anglers, upgrading handle length is one of the simplest ways to change the way a familiar reel feels.

Whether you choose a 110mm handle for additional versatility or step up to a 120mm handle for maximum leverage, the right size comes down to matching your setup to the way you fish.

And sometimes, a relatively small change can make a surprisingly big difference in how a familiar reel feels on the water.

That's what Reel Talk is all about: understanding the small details that can make a big difference on the water.