I have tried a 12wt with the material wrapped over the grip when tuna fishing, but not enough to come to a conclusion as to whether I liked it or not. The grip definitely feels different and seemed more comfortable for a long battle. I was able to keep a more solid grip with sweaty hands, but not as solid compared to hypalon grips that are typically used on conventional big game rods and used by many builders of custom bluewater flyrods.