Old guy, old school here. All of my rods are at least 12 years old, some a good bit older than that. I fish mostly spinning tackle and most of that ultra light. As I read these threads and look at pictures and of course look at catalogs I scratch my head about one aspect of newer rods. What is the reason for the exposed rod blank between the reel seat/handle and the butt of the rod. Why do most people seem to like it or prefer it? Why did a full length cork handle seem to go away?

Is it supposed to be a weight savings? Is it a cosmetic thing? If that's it then in my opinion it is ugh-lee. Does nobody ever grip that area for any reason? Do people just not like cork any more? Is it to fight climate change? Is it a JDM thing? I don't think so.

Just a curiosity. Feel free to roast the olde pharte.