Basscatman:
I have an old burgundy & black Team Daiwa 6′ topwater rod with the black foam in a pistol grip that I bought about 20 years ago and still use to this day. It’s from the exact same PowerMesh line as the Tony Bean smallmouth rod I mentioned above, though it was cork handled. If that’s the same ones you’re talking you’re right, they were some awesome rods.
You might try using a handle wrap to achieve the same effect.
Deke