Having the right fishing gear can make a big difference in your fishing success. One piece of equipment that is often overlooked but can significantly improve your fishing power and performance is a power handle for your fishing reel. Power handles, also known as crank handles or star drag handles, help you retrieve your line much faster and with less effort.
What is a Power Handle?
A power handle replaces the standard handle on a fishing reel. It is larger and contains internal gears that provide leverage and reduce the effort needed to turn the handle. This allows you to retrieve your lure or bait much faster with less winding motion. Power handles are commonly found on baitcasting reels but are also available for spinning reels.
The added leverage of a power handle gives you increased cranking power and torque. With each turn of the handle, you'll retrieve more line and at a faster rate. Power handles allow you to work your lures aggressively and cover more water. For techniques like crankbait fishing, they are a major advantage.
Power handles are sometimes called “star drag” handles because of their star-shaped grip and drag adjustment. They incorporate a drag system within the handle itself, giving you immediate control over the drag right from the handle. This makes it easy to adjust tension while fighting a fish.
Benefits of Using a Power Handle
Upgrading to a power handle provides several key benefits:
- Increased Cranking Power – The internal gears provide leverage to retrieve line faster
- Reduced Fatigue – Requires less effort so your arms don't tire as quickly
- Improved Technique Control – Allows you to work baits more aggressively and at the right speed
- Faster Retrieve – Quickly take up slack line, work structure, and cover water more efficiently
- Drag Control – Star drag allows immediate adjustment while fighting fish
- Comfort – Larger grip circumference reduces hand strain
Having a power handle can take your fishing to the next level by allowing you to make more casts and cover water effectively. The added leverage helps you work baits with the proper technique to trigger more strikes. You'll tire less quickly so you can fish longer. And when you hook a fish, the smooth drag control helps you land it.
Buying Considerations for Power Handles
When shopping for a power handle, keep these factors in mind:
- Reel Compatibility - Power handles are made for specific reel sizes and brands. Make sure to get one designed for your reel.
- Handle Size - Standard handle size is 5.5”. Larger handles around 6.5” provide even more leverage and comfort.
- Gear Ratio - Match the gear ratio to the techniques you use. Low gear for cranking, high gear for burning baits.
- Drag Control - Star drag handles are more convenient for adjusting drag while fighting fish.
- Grip Shape - Contoured grips provide comfortable cranking while cork or EVA foam add warmth and traction.
- Weight - Heavier handles have more gears and cranking power. But excess weight can cause imbalance.
- Retrieve - Right or left handed models available for your reeling preference.
- Price - Power handles range widely in price from $20 into the $100s. More gears and features cost more.
Finding the right power handle involves balancing power, smoothness, and control for your fishing needs. Evaluating these factors will ensure maximum performance.
Top 9 Power Handle Options
Now let’s look at some of the top-rated power handle options on the market to upgrade your fishing reels.
1. BDH-A27
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- TPE Knob
- Handle length:100mm；120mm
- 4 Colors
- Easy to install
- Sufficient Accessories
BDH handle plate is designed thick at the center in order to offer solid cranking, you can choose from a variety of sizes. The TPE surface offers more comfortable grips even when your hand is wet. It feels as buttery smooth as the stock one.
2. BDH-TPE30
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- TPE 30mm Knob
- Handle length:120mm
- 1 Colors
- More Grip
BDH is made of 7075 aluminum alloy material, and the handle plate is quite thick at the center to offer solid cranking. It is equipped with two 30mm knobs, non-slip and lightweight, which is a free combination of fashion and comfort to experience a pleasant fishing experience.
3. BDH-TPE35
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- TPE 35mm Knob
- Handle length:110mm
- 1 Colors
- Excellent in damp weather
Gomexus BDH-TPE35 adds comfort and grip to your existing reel handles. Because they are made of a soft rubber composite, they easily slide over your existing bait cast reel handles.
4. BDH-A27
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- TPE 27mm Knob
- Handle length:100mm
- 4 Colors
- Quality-crafted
BDH handle plate is designed thick at the center in order to offer solid cranking, you can choose from a variety of sizes. The TPE surface offers more comfortable grips even when your hand is wet. It feels as buttery smooth as the stock one.
5. BDH-CA27
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- Cork 27mm Knob
- Handle length:100mm、120mm
- 2 Colors
Made from premium materials, the BDH-CA27 Aluminum handle for Baitcasting Reel with two cork knobs is removable for easy cleaning and servicing. This Gomexus power knob is made of top-level Portuguese natural cork material which has a comfortable grip, whether wet or dry, hot or cold.
6. BDH-TA30
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- Titanium 30mm Knob
- Handle length:120mm
- 2 Colors
Made from premium materials, the BDH-TA30 has two grips that are removable for easy cleaning and servicing. This Gomexus power knob is made of ultra-thin titanium which is durable. As the lightest metal knob in the world, you can instantly feel a slight hit.
7. BDH-A20
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- Aluminum 20mm Knob
- Handle length:100mm
- 5 Colors
- Prerium Material
BDH handle plate is designed thick at the center in order to offer solid cranking, you can choose from a variety of sizes. High precision integrated CNC machining; Maintain high strength while using a cutout design to minimize weight.
8. BDH-T22
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- Titanium 22mm Knob
- Handle length:85mm
- 5 Colors
- Ultra-lightweight
BDH handle plate is designed thick at the center in order to offer solid cranking, you can choose from a variety of sizes. This Gomexus power knob is made of ultra-thin titanium which is durable and weighs only 6.8g. As the lightest metal knob in the world, you can instantly feel a slight hit.
9. BDH-TA27
- 7075 Aluminum Handle
- Titanium 27mm Knob
- Handle length:120mm
- 1 Colors
- ANTI-CORROSION
BDH-TA27 is made of aluminum alloy material and feels solid and great. It is equipped with a 27mm titanium knob which is a free combination of fashion and comfort to experience a pleasant fishing experience. As the lightest metal knob in the world, you can instantly feel a slight hit.
Get More Power at the Handle
Installing a power handle is one of the best upgrades you can make to boost your reel's cranking power and leverage. The added torque helps you work baits properly, tire less quickly, and manage fish of all sizes.
Evaluate your fishing techniques and needs to select the optimal gear ratio, grip shape, and drag control for your power handle. Models from Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Abu Garcia, Lew’s, and thirteen Fishing offer exceptional performance and reliability. Upgrade your fishing today with a high-quality power handle!
