Price and Applications: Aftermarket handles provide functional and ergonomic benefits and some added personality and fun-factor to reels. Prior to Gomexus entering the scene most of these upgrades have been quite an investment, and in some cases premium offerings have even rivaled the cost of the reels they are bolted onto. One of the major reasons why Gomexus is so popular overseas and has burst onto the swimbait scene here in America is because of their sheer affordability.

Gomexus offers the handled in a variety of finishes including silver and black

The cork knobs match up well with rods that feature cork handles

Gomexus kits take the guess work out of buying handles, knobs, and nuts separately and provide everything to users at a fraction of the cost. Some anglers will call the Gomexus handles and knobs “knock-offs” due to their similarities with competing offerings. The machined aluminum handles and knobs are comparable but also unique enough that they have their own design.

The Kage Titanium handles with the Flat Knobs. These look too similar to the DRT X WCZ offering and we do not recommend them

The same cannot be said for the more recently introduced “One-Piece Flat Knobs” which are virtually identical in form factor to the DRT X WCZ Flat Knobs which were designed by Mike Gilbert (WCZ) and Tamoya Shirakawa (DRT). In this case the Gomexus flat knobs are too similar and do fall in that “knock off” category, and we simply do not recommend them. If Gomexus wants to be taken seriously in the U.S. market it needs to find ways to innovate and add value on their own by making distinct products available to anglers. If they can do this with the aggressive prices that they have thus far shown they will find many fans, and the overall competition will only benefit consumers.

Once outfitted with Gomexus handles the originals look and feel dated. These handles are staying on there. Notice the light clear tint on these handles...

While we find that the DRT handles are more refined and built for enthusiasts the Gomexus offering is significantly more affordable and targets the mainstream market very well. An entire handle kit which includes the aluminum handle, bearing supported TPE knobs, extra washers, and even an installation wrench retails for only $59.95, which is roughly 25% of many competing setups. This is an exceptional value for an aftermarket upgrade that improves performance and ergonomics while cranking up the style points. Want to go a step further in making the handle really your own? Gomexus even offers engraving on the side of the aluminum handles for free.

...the same light handled under low light look bright purple in sunlight. Aftermarket handles should be fun and Gomexus has a range of knob colors to enable anglers to customize and match their favorite rods

How well do the handles hold up? Over the course of the season I have found the Gomexus handles to remain smooth with absolutely zero maintenance, and the TPE knobs in particular have held up well to abuse. I continue to use both the aluminum and titanium handles but recommend swimbait anglers stick with the reinforced aluminum handle unless you’re willing to sacrifice some strength to minimize weight.

Not just for hard bodied baits, the handles provide a comfortable grip for slow winding softbodied swimbaits too

Given their ability to manufacture metal products in-house, and their appetite to expand product lines, we likely will see Gomexus increase their reel tuning offerings to include more handle and knobs for a larger range of brands, and possibly the introduction of spool upgrades for both swimbait and BFS applications.

Gomexus manufactures most of their products in-house so it is very likely we will be seeing them diversify. More handles for different applications and spool upgrades are a no-brainer but the company is also looking to expand into the rod market

We also wouldn’t be surprised to see aftermarket spinning reel spools and there is also the likelihood of the brand expanding completely out from reel upgrades to other categories. As an example, Gomexus gave us a preview of a new rod line they are developing for the overseas market, and we wouldn’t rule out lures in the future either.

Fishing rats and other topwater baits with the Gomexus Power Handles. It is hard to go back to a stock handle after enjoying the extra leverage these bolt-on upgrades provide

Conclusion: Some anglers, and especially the enthusiasts, may prefer to stick with handles from companies like DRT, and there is nothing wrong with that. DRT makes some of the most refined and high-quality handles and knobs in the game and should be recognized as a pioneer in the industry, but there is also a large population of anglers that simply are not interested in spending hundreds of dollars for a handle setup. Gomexus makes upgrading reel handles and knobs easy, and accessible to all anglers.

I think my favorite setup is the aluminum Power Handle with TPE knobs on the Shimano Tranx. This has become one of my go-to glide setups

Of all the handles we were able to fish with the one Gomexus offering that really shines in terms of overall features, quality, and sheer value is the aluminum Power Handle outfitted with either the round TPE or cork knobs. This handle and knob combination is ideal for power cranking and big bait setups where the extra leverage and enhanced ergonomics definitely factor into the enjoyment of fishing a big glide, wake, or topwater all day long.

Gomexus makes souping up your reel handles both easy and accessible to all anglers

I also like the titanium Kage handle but still prefer the robust and flex-free feel of the reinforced aluminum power handle. The option to switch out knobs in seconds adds some additional flexibility to put your own personal signature on your reel and matching your rod setup perfectly. At only $59.95 the Gomexus Power Handle is not only a very compelling product it is also an exceptional value for any angler that is looking for a quick performance enhancing bolt-on upgrade. Souping up that dedicated big -bait slinger has never been easier, or more affordable.   

Looking for Gomexus Power Handles and Knobs? Try Amazon or the Gomexus site for customized handles and other options