I am preparing to build a rod and plan to use graphite tubing for part of the handle. The standard arbor used seems to be graphite. Has anyone used or can comment on polyurethane arbors (e.g. Flex Coat Reel Seat Arbors)? I am concerned about both strength and sensitivity.

Also, if anyone wants to chime in on the best tubing size and style, I'd more than happy for the input.

Thanks, Meriwether.

I'd use the Flex Coat type if you can find an OD that suits the tube size ID you're using.

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I'm a long time user of graphite arbors and swear by them. Recently I've been playing with the FC arbors and I'm almost ready to convert to them. They are much easier to work with, and based on my own very un-scientific tests, they are at least as durable as graphite, if not a hair stronger and as far as sensitivity, I don't think you'll feel much of a difference no matter what you use, even wood.

The 1.1 inch tubing will match a casting reelseat well. It all looks pretty much the same, at least the stuff I've been around. Haven't seen a graphite foregrip I liked yet.

One more option is to use a cork ring near each end and one in the center under the graphite tubing. Ralph

go with the flex coat arbors $.02

all of the tubing I've used has been about 25mm inside diameter. The Flex Coat arbors only come to size 24mm. I use the 26 mm graphite arbors from Pac Bay and ten sand them down so the tube fits over. One word of caution, make sure you get a good size match and epoxy well or the tube may start to loosen up after a couple years of hard use. I learned this the hard way. Also if you have a lathe, get a piece of round plastic, I order some from a local plastics shop, and turn it to the dia. of the tube. Drill a hole for the front , next to the realseat, and a solid one for the rear and you have a very nice looking handle. I also use the same thng for my foregrip.
Good luck.
Steve