Spilt Grip Conversion

[lexbassbuzzin]

Just looking for opinions:

I hated the handle on this rod and decided to split the grip on it a couple of years ago. I really like the feel of it now, so last winter I added the fish net design on it.



John

[RAYZCT]

Nice, did you do it with paint over netting?

[lexbassbuzzin]

Nice, did you do it with paint over netting?

Thanks Ray.

Gold is size A thread (burnished), Maroon (net and end wraps) is size D thread, Black tag wrap is siza A, color preserve (twice) and flex coat rod finish.

Pretty much in this order: Gold underwrap, Maroon net (was done strand by strand), Black tag wrap (actually wrapped from where you see to cork handle like an underwrap), Maroon end wraps over black, color preserve, epoxy rod finish.

John

[RAYZCT]

You have more patience than I when it comes to "weaving" style thread wrap and I wish I had the time to give it a try, maybe when I retire.  Keep up the good work.  Have you ever tried NCP thread? Saves at least a day in drying time.

[Curt - RI]

Looks awesome John!

[lexbassbuzzin]

You have more patience than I when it comes to "weaving" style thread wrap and I wish I had the time to give it a try, maybe when I retire.  Keep up the good work.  Have you ever tried NCP thread? Saves at least a day in drying time.

To be honest, I've never tried NCP thread for some reason. Does it really work, especially with lighter colors?

Believe it or not the net isn't woven. The 2 steps that took the most time was preparing the handle - cutting the cork out, and removing most of the old epoxy - and the black underwrap which secures the net. The wraps stretches the net material (which is good), but it also shifts it around a bit. I found that you wrap the black a little looser than normal so that you can adjust the 3 or 4 strands (usually on the first wrap turn) of netting that got shifted, back into place.

[Jerryinct]

Nice looking rod. I have been leaning torwards that style handle myself lately for my flipping and drop shot rods so far.

[lexbassbuzzin]

Thanks Jerry, I really appreciate that. 

[RAYZCT]

NCP thread does work, I use it all the time.  You will get a "flat" looking finish where the threads hardly show, looks more like a tape job.  With regular nylon, you see the threads and sometimes even the guide foot but the color is more brilliant.  I bling up some of my NCP wraps with glitter mixed in the thread epoxy.

[lexbassbuzzin]

I will be building a new rod at the end of the season, I'll give the NCP a shot. With NCP, would you have to burnish the thread before epoxy like regular thread, or can this step be skipped?

Thanks Ray.

[RAYZCT]

I burnish all types of thread while I'm wrapping, then look for gaps after also.  NCP simply requires no color preserver thus saving a day of drying time.  It's good for light colors and you can even add a coat of CP if you wished for extra protection.  It does not protect from UV fading, not much of anything does.

[lexbassbuzzin]

Sounds good. I'm building the rod for my 5 yr old son, now that he's into fishing. I'm hoping to get enough time away from him while building it so I can put it under the Christmas tree.

Thanks again for the recommendation.