How do you remove knobs from baitcast reel handle?

[The Rooster]

Does anyone know how to remove the knobs from the current models of Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier or Extreme baitcast reel handles? In the past they've always just had little caps that popped out of the ends of the rubber knobs to reveal a screw below that held the knob on. Now the cap appears fastened to the shaft instead of free floating, however it still turns with the knob when it turns. It seems there should be a way to take the grips off to change them. I'm simply trying to add extra bearings into the handles to make them a little more slick. Just can't get the knob off to do it.

[The Rooster]

Replying to my own thread here. I find that the older I get, the less patience I have for things that frustrate me. I try to work on things, and if it doesn't go like I think it should then I often lose all regard for the thing I'm working on, and figure that I'll either make whatever it is work like I want it to, or I'll trash it in the process and then be done with it.

So in a fit of frustration on not being able to remove these reel knobs I finally just decided to pry it off no matter what it took to do it, and if it broke it then so be it. So once I didn't care anymore, I put the hoodoo on the metal pick I was using, and I was finally able to pop out the caps out from the ends of the reel knobs. The new version of this reel has caps that are more than double the depth of the old ones, and they don't come out easily. I even tore the rubber on one of the grips trying to get the cap out. Ask me if I care about that, LOL! I'll order another one.

Just wanted to share that info. It is possible to get these handles off. I have another thread going where I am asking about these reels not being smooth. I was trying to add bearings to them to help with that. But even though I was finally able to do that (just transplanted bearings from one reel into another) it didn't smooth it out. It might have amplified it, now that the handles are so smooth I'm feeling every gear tooth as I retrieve the bait.

[big g]

I have changed handles with new knobs, but never just knobs.  I'm sure there are some that have done it but it seems to be a lot of work for little reward.  I have reused a handle with the knobs from old unused reels.  You can get quality from a simple fit of the entire unit!  Good luck!