Rod handle help

Look at this handle and give me ideas to help fix it. It is on a custom Loomis graphite rod from a few years ago. I want to try to level out the cork above the reel so there is not the big drop off. I figure if I can findsomething I can put there maybe wrap it with reel tape to hold it in place but what.

I was http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/mad.gif when I got the rod and it was already messed up and the builder never offered to change it. I was stuck as the rod was paid for already.


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I don't think it would be much of a problem to have the handle redone. Russ or Tyson should be by shortly.

There are some good rod builders around (Russ and Tyson on here alone) that not only do complete customs but I'm sure they do repair work and redo things as well. That sucks that the builder left you hangin'.

My deal is it worth the price to ship and get shipped back and then add labor and price of handle. It is just a loomis graphite rod from most likely 1995 or there about so it is not a IMX or even close. It is a nice rod blank but would not be worth it to go that far unless I did it myself (not happening)

Scott,
incoming email with a couple of thoughts and questions!! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/USA1.gif

From the looks of the reelseat it must be as comfortable as a wedgie on a 95* 100% humidity day......... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eek.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

It is so uncomfortable I do not even take the rod with me anymore, What a waste of a loomis blank http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/mad.gif

first off that's a POS reelseat.... if you like the blank why spend the money to buy a new rod.. send it to a builder and have it torn down and rebuilt how you want it... :)

The blank is OK a bit stiff as it is med heavy but is like a broom stick almost. These is little to none in tip flex as it is so stiff. I just don't feel the blank is worth the money to send out and have redone as I can get a great used one for a little more than it would cost me to pay shipping twice 40.00 total new handle 30.00 and then labor ?. I would be looking at 100.00 or more for a repair on a stiff blank. I will use the rod if I get it to wear it is semi comfortable to me.

try the rod wrap that alot of people use for tennessee handles. wrap it around your reel and seat to build up the low area. i think bass pro has them.

Scott...If Russ has some ideas, listen to him http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif I've got an idea....sell the rod and have someone build you another one http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/glasses.gif

Well you could sand that lip down pretty easily. Remove the reel and tape with masking tape over the parts you dont want sanded. Then start with the 800 grip sand paper and work it over the lip stretched between your hands. If you go slowly you should be able to make the hump flow smoothly into the barrel portion of the seat. Once you get the shape you want finish it with some fine grit sand paper. Oh, be careful of the the part of the gripi that the reelfoot goes into, there probably isnt much cork over that, you mainly want to remove the edge along the top and sides.

Personally I would cut off the cork and replace the grips, but if you dont want to do that just sand it to shape.

hey tyson that might work

if you think you might want to try the wrap go out to wal-mart back in the tennis area and git you some tennis handle wraps $2.49 for three might be worth a try

you could actually replace the grip yourself really easily..we could walk you through it...i can get you the supplies cheap as well....that would be the best bet

I think I am going to try the wrap first. I then if no luck I will sand the handle down a little bit and see if I can take some of the harsh edge of of it.

Guys you have given me some good pointers and Tyson I may just have to take you up on the replacing the handle myself idea and get with you for some advice

Russell (RedneckfromRI) thank you for your offer in your IM. I have responed to the e-mail this morning.


What type of sandpaper would I use wood paper or wet dry paint paper?

Saw an article in Rod Maker about using braided cord to wrap for a handle. In the article, they purposely turned the handle down in a step down like that to allow for the height of the cord. Looked pretty good and comfortable. The trick was pulling the tag ends back under. If you could find some cord of the right size and color to accent your rod, you might be able to make lemonade out of that lemon.

Wannabe...

Russ,
I got the cork tape today and the wrap. It will work perfect as if you double the cork it is the exact height I needed. I will post some photo's as soon I get it finished maybe tonight.
Thank you so much.

I am having a heck of a time with getting the cork tape to stick http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/ohwell.gif . It keeps curling off. I am trying to glue it down with seal all a contact cement that is wicket on contact but even that is rolling back http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/embarassed.gif . I now have them glued and wrapped with strapping tape tight to hold them in place tight until maybe the contact sets up better. Either way it will work fine even if I have to contact tape the cork to the rod then rap the handle with the rod wrap

Thank you again Russ

replacing handles suck and you should pull the guides off to do it right

buy yourself some rod wraps and tape up the handle and you will be fine