Upgrading aftermarket parts can be intimidating for those that are unfamiliar with reel maintenance, but Gomexus does a good job making it easy for anglers to tackle this project. I found the entire process very straightforward and just about everything that you need to switch out the handles comes in the box including the already assembled handle, mini tool for both tightening the main nut and removing the knob ends, and even optional washers. The only other tool that anglers will need is a small wrench and screwdriver to remove the original handle.

It is important to note that the Gomexus handles are designed for specific reels/brands, so those anglers looking to mod their reels will need to make sure they order the right handle kit to match. There are 7x4mm and 8x5mm handle openings that are designed specifically for a variety of Shimano, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, and 13 Fishing reels.

Removing the end cap on the TPE knobs enables anglers to slide off the knobs

Changing out knob colors literally takes seconds as the bearings supported shaft remains on the handle

The TPE knobs on the handles are also easily interchangeable and are held on the bearing supported shaft simply by using the bundled wrench tool and removing the end cap. This gives anglers the flexibility to change their knobs out easily to match the look of their setups. The cork handle, while similar in design, is glued to the shaft and needs to be swapped out as one unit.

The benefits of larger handles includes extra winding leverage, improved ergonomics, and they add some extra personality to your customized setups at the same time

There are three main handle options that Gomexus offers which include the original machined aluminum handle, a lightweight titanium handle, and a carbon fiber handle. We were able to source both the aluminum and titanium handles. The titanium handles are often paired with the cork knobs for the lightest setups. Styling wise I like the clean look of the titanium handles but the aluminum ported handle does have a lot more character, and is the handle that looks distinctly “Gomexus” in design.  

Though the titanium handle looks clean the aluminum machined handle is my choice as it is more robust and rigid

The entire process of switching out a Gomexus handle takes only a few minutes, and even those that are not familiar with disassembling a reel will feel comfortable performing this upgrade. One of the great things about the Gomexus offering is that the handle and knob kits come with all the components you need and virtually eliminate the guesswork. The Gomexus handles really are the definition of a “bolt on” upgrade.

The larger handles look right at home on larger swimbait setups

The Gomexus Power Knob bears a similar resemblance to some existing competing offerings and features a barrel knob design that is very comfortable to both pinch and palm. Round knobs are hard to get right, and I personally find the vast majority of OEM round knobs to be more uncomfortable than flat paddle knobs.

The knobs felt comfortable when pinched or palmed

The larger handle provides a solid and comfortable platform for winding in big baits and when fighting fish

The Gomexus Power Knob strikes a nice balance and provides a very comfortable hold when gripping the knob in a fist. I like both the TPE and cork options and found the cork to be better in cold weather and when it was rainy out, and they are 30% lighter in weight. The TPE knobs are more modern looking and come in a variety of colors that allow anglers to match their setups, or give their reels a contemporary makeover.

Gomexus handles help modernize reels and make them much more swimbait capable as seen here replacing the tiny stock handle on a classic Shimano Calais DC

The Gomexus handle and knob combos can immediately modernize a reel in styling and give the reels the added effect of making them more suitable for fishing big baits where that extra leverage is very welcome. Even reels from many years ago, like the classic Shimano Calais and Metanium reels look and feel ready for big-bait duty once souped up with a Gomexus power knob.

Gomexus also offers cork handles which are lighter and give reels a more classic look

The Gomexus handles also add a very fluid handle feel as each knob comes loaded with one support bushing and two stainless steel Japanese NMB bearings. The knobs spin very smoothly, and much more so than most OEM knobs which typically feature either lower quality bearings or just bushings.

I fished with both the Gomexus machined aluminum power handle and the new “Kage” titanium handle using a variety of reels. The machined aluminum handle looks more robust and the 120mm handle and knobs weighs 1.5 ounces. In comparison the Kage Titanium handle is thinner and cleaner looking and weighs 30% less but doesn’t feel as rigid under load.

The Kage titanium handle comes with extra bolts and a locking cover for a clean overall look

Under each knob is a set of Japanese NMB bearings, these knobs spin very easily and for a long time adding to the smooth feel

Titanium is a light and durable material but is flexible, and much like titanium guides which feel very sensitive this handle does flex under pressure. I found this a bit distracting when cranking aggressively on big glides and wakes, or when fighting larger fish.

Loaded with the Gomexus Power Handle and cork knobs the classic Metanium looks right at home for swimbait duty

Paired with cork knobs the Kage titanium handle is good for lighter applications, and setups where an overall lighter reel or combo is desired, like BFS for example. For swimbait applications the traditional machined aluminum handle offers the best balance of weight and durability for winding the larger more water displacing baits and fighting fish that explode on them.

One of the applications I really liked the longer handles for is fishing wakebaits and topwater where that extra pickup and leverage help work lures at the right cadence

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