How to Choose the Right Reel Handle for Your Baitcasting Reel
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How to Choose the Right Reel Handle for Your Baitcasting Reel
Upgrading the handle on a baitcasting reel can be one of the easiest ways to change the way a reel feels in your hand. A longer handle can provide more leverage, different knobs can improve comfort and grip, and a quality aftermarket handle can completely change the look of a reel.
But before choosing a handle based on length, color, material, or appearance, there is one question you need to answer first:
Will it actually fit your reel?
Not every baitcasting reel uses the same handle mounting hole size. And even when the correct mounting hole size is selected, the shape of the handle can sometimes create clearance problems with the reel's drag star.
In this guide, we'll cover what you need to know before ordering an aftermarket baitcasting reel handle, including 7×4mm vs. 8×5mm handle mounting hole sizes, common reel brands, straight vs. swept handles, drag-star clearance, and some of the most common mistakes anglers make when ordering.
If you're new to aftermarket reel handles, you may also want to start with our previous Reel Talk article, How to Choose the Right Reel Handle Length, where we explain how different handle lengths can affect leverage, retrieve feel, and overall performance.
Start With the Most Important Question: Will It Fit?
Before you worry about which handle looks best on your reel, you need to make sure it is compatible with the reel itself.
The two handle mounting hole sizes you'll encounter most often on baitcasting reels are:
7×4mm
8×5mm
These measurements describe the opening in the center of the handle where it fits over the reel's drive shaft.
Although the difference may seem small, these are two different handle mounting hole sizes. The handle must match the reel's drive shaft size in order to fit properly.
This is one of the easiest mistakes to make when ordering an aftermarket handle because many handles can look nearly identical from the outside. The center mounting hole may be the only thing separating a handle that fits perfectly from one that doesn't.
7×4mm vs. 8×5mm: Understanding Handle Mounting Hole Sizes
In general, 7×4mm is most commonly associated with Shimano baitcasting reels, while 8×5mm is extremely common on Daiwa and Abu Garcia reels and is also used by many other manufacturers.
Shimano is where things can get a little more complicated.
Many Shimano baitcasting reels use a 7×4mm handle mounting hole, while some of their larger reels use 8×5mm. This means the brand can give you a good starting point, but it should not be the only thing you use to determine which handle you need.
Daiwa and Abu Garcia use 8×5mm on the vast majority of their baitcasting reels, as do many other popular brands.
The best rule is simple: don't choose your handle based solely on the brand of your reel.
Your exact reel model is what matters.
For a detailed model-by-model breakdown, see our Reel Handle Fit Guide.
Handle Mounting Hole Size Isn't the Only Thing You Need to Check
Having the correct handle mounting hole size is the first step, but it isn't necessarily the last.
The physical shape of the handle also matters.
In particular, you need to consider the relationship between the handle and the reel's drag star.
Swept vs. Straight Handles
Aftermarket baitcasting reel handles generally fall into two basic design categories.
Straight/Flat Handles
A straight or flat handle extends outward from the mounting point without significantly bending or sweeping toward the front or back of the reel.
This style is common on many traditional and older baitcasting reels.
Swept/Offset Handles
A swept or offset handle curves or angles away from the center mounting point.
Swept handles have become extremely popular because of their appearance and the way they position the knobs relative to the reel.
But there's an important consideration:
A swept handle isn't automatically compatible with every reel just because the handle mounting hole size is correct.
The shape of the handle can affect the amount of clearance between the handle and the drag star.
Why the Drag Star Matters
The handle sits directly above the reel's drag star.
Depending on the reel's design, the drag star can have a straight or swept profile, and the shape of the handle needs to provide adequate clearance around it.
If a swept handle brings part of the handle frame too close to the drag star, the two can interfere with one another.
This can cause the handle to rub against the drag star or make the drag star difficult to turn.
This is particularly important when working with older Shimano reels.
Many older Shimano reels were designed around a straight handle and a straight-style drag star. Installing a modern swept aftermarket handle on one of these reels can create clearance problems even when the handle mounting hole size is correct. Aftermarket compatibility references specifically note that many older Shimano configurations use straight-frame handles and can have interference with swept handles.
Some examples anglers may encounter include older Curado, Chronarch, Core, and other classic Shimano baitcasting reel configurations. The exact configuration can vary by generation and model, so these examples should be used as a starting point rather than a universal rule.
If your older Shimano reel has a straight drag star, a flat or straight aftermarket handle may be the proper choice.
That's why it is important to look at both the reel's mounting hole size and the physical relationship between the handle and drag star.
What About Newer Reels?
For most modern baitcasting reels, a swept/offset handle is a safe and natural choice. Many newer reels are designed with swept drag stars that provide the clearance needed for a swept handle. Because of this, anglers with modern reels can generally choose between a straight/flat or swept/offset handle based on their personal preference and the look and feel they want.
The exception is when the specific reel has a drag-star design that limits clearance. If you're unsure, check the exact reel model before ordering.
For most anglers, the simple rule is:
Modern reel with a swept drag star → a straight/flat or swept/offset handle can generally be used.
Older reel with a straight drag star → choose a straight/flat handle unless the specific swept handle is confirmed to clear the drag star.
Common Mistakes When Ordering an Aftermarket Reel Handle
1. Assuming All Shimano Reels Use the Same Handle Size
Many Shimano baitcasting reels use a 7×4mm handle mounting hole, but there are exceptions, particularly among some of the larger and older models.
Don't assume based on the Shimano name alone. Check your exact reel model before ordering.
For a detailed breakdown of Shimano models and their corresponding handle sizes, see our Reel Handle Fit Guide.
2. Ignoring the Drag Star
Having the correct handle mounting hole size doesn't automatically mean the handle will have the proper clearance around the drag star.
This is especially important with older reels that use a straight drag star. A swept/offset handle can extend into the same space as the drag star and cause interference.
As a general rule:
Straight drag star → straight/flat handle is the safest choice.
Swept drag star → straight/flat or swept/offset handle can generally be used, depending on the reel and the handle design.
This is one of the most important things to check before choosing a handle, particularly when upgrading an older Shimano reel.
3. Not Checking the Exact Reel Model
The reel brand is a good starting point, but the exact model and generation are what you need to determine compatibility.
Manufacturers can use different handle configurations across different reel models and generations, so don't assume that two reels from the same brand will use the same handle.
Before ordering, make sure you have the exact reel model and verify that the handle you're considering is designed for it.
If you're unsure, Contact CCRH and we'll help you determine which handle is right for your reel.
Putting It All Together
By now, choosing the right handle should feel pretty straightforward. If you're shopping for an aftermarket handle, these are the steps I'd recommend going through before you place your order:
1. Identify Your Reel Model
Start with the brand, then identify the exact model and generation. This is especially important with older reels.
2. Check the Handle Mounting Hole Size
Determine whether your reel uses a 7×4mm or 8×5mm handle mounting hole.
3. Check the Drag Star
Look at whether your reel has a straight or swept drag star. A straight drag star generally calls for a straight/flat handle, while a swept drag star will generally give you the option of using either a straight/flat or swept/offset handle.
4. Choose Your Handle
Once you've confirmed compatibility, the rest comes down to personal preference. Choose the length, style, knobs, and finish that fit the way you fish and the look you want.
Still Not Sure? We're Here to Help.
If you're looking at an aftermarket handle and aren't completely certain whether it will fit your reel, don't guess.
Contact us with the exact reel make and model, and we'll help you determine which CCRH handle is right for your reel.
At CCRH, our goal is simple: make sure you get the right handle the first time.