exw 30/2 handle

[sublime5991]

i purchased a power handle for my exw 30. i had planned on putting it on the night before a trip this past week but looking at avets schematic it seems the reel needs to be split to remove the factory handle so i opted to wait until after the trip. could anyone verify to me that it needs to be split or not, i currently do not have the reel on hand or i would have attempted to change the handle today. thanks!

[sublime5991]

[sublime5991]

[akfish]

Removing the stock handle is simple: Take off the two speed mechanism and the handle lifts strait off. There are two screws in the ring surrounding the two speed button. Then the two speed button screws out and the handle is free.