Rooted in Tradition. Built for the Water.
Rattan fly rod grips are a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional cork grips, offering increased sensitivity and a classic look. Silk thread is used to define and dress the wraps and varnish is used to seal the grip. The wood seat under the rattan transmits feel much better than cork which makes it great nymphing and streamers
What is Rattan
- Cane – Rattan is a natural, climbing palm from tropical Asia, Africa, and Australia, prized for its strong, flexible stems. It is denser and stronger than bamboo, with inherent resistance to humidity, temperature changes, and insects.
- Cane was used before cork to make grips
Pros & Cons
- Durability: Rattan grips are highly durable and hard-wearing, long outlasting standard cork grips.
- Feel and Sensitivity: Exceptional wet and dry grip. Wound over a wood base, they are light, responsive, and provide increased sensitivity, which is beneficial for contact fishing such as streamers and wet fly fishing.
- Aesthetics: Distinctive appearance—no two grips are alike. Rattan offers a unique a very distinctive classic, and elegant old worldly look with options for different finishes like flaming and various accent thread colors.
- Maintenance: Sealed with varnish, they do not soak up water and are not slippery when wet.
- Shape – Grips that have minimal grade changes are best. Stay away from designs with too wide a flair. Narrower width rattan accommodates grade changes better.
- Cost – Rattan grips cost more due to the extra labor involved in the construction
Rattan offers a firm yet forgiving grip, staying secure whether your hands are wet, cold, or sun-warmed from a long day on the river. Unlike synthetic handles, rattan breathes, reducing slip and fatigue while delivering unmatched control during delicate presentations and hard-fought runs.
Each grip tells a story. Subtle variations in weave and color give every rod a one-of-a-kind character—earned, not manufactured. As seasons pass, rattan develops a rich patina, marking memories of early mornings, rising trout, and miles walked along wild water. What was old is new again.
On your next rod build consider a rattan grip and feel the difference of rattan.
If you haven’t fished with a bamboo fly rod, then you may be wondering what all the buzz is about. Isn’t bamboo old technology, something to hang on the wall and admire but they certainly can’t complete with today’s modern graphite rods, can they? Don’t you need special lines with bamboo? Aren’t they made for fly fishing snobs to impress their buddies? Besides aren’t bamboo rods too delicate, too heavy, too expensive, too slow, too, too, too… 
Fly rod handles also called grips play an important role in fly rod design. Other than the rod taper, grips greatly determine your ability to control the fly rod in your casting stroke. In addition, having the right grip for your fly rod can mean the difference between a comfortable day of fly fishing, or a day of fly fishing where your hands and arms ache with fatigue by the end of the day.
Bamboo rods are very resilient instruments, capable of withstanding years of use and even some abuse. After all rods are being fished today that were made 100 years ago.
A fine bamboo fly rod should last for generations, as is evidenced by those we have inherited from our grandparents. Use care and common sense and this rod will last a lifetime. Finally, use this rod. It's not a toy, and not a museum piece, but a fishing rod. Catch lots of fish, and let most of them go. Here are some suggestions to help care for your rod to provide you a lifetime companion for the years to come.