I thought I would find this in the archives but I must not be picking the right search wording. When wrapping underneath tip top, is it just for decoration or does it strengthen the tip section at all? Seems to me for it to strengthen the tip section then the wrap would need to wind onto the tip top sleeve a bit as well. I tried this long ago and that looked terrible. If it's only for decoration then I might consider leaving it off entirely to minimze weight at the tip. Just wondering what the majority of builders do . . . . ?

It can be both a stiffener and a decoration,it can also be a filler if the tip-top tube is to large. I do some tips in flourcent colors occasionally , it makes the tip more visible in low light conditions . As for running the wrap over the tube/sleeve that adds a bit more strength and safety to the tip-top.

Larry

Tim, It is a decoration to add symmetry to the rest of the rod wraps, and to create a smooth transition from rod blank to tip guide. I highly doubt it adds any strengthening benefit. I also highly doubt it affects even the most softest rod, but I do think it is important to the finished-look of the rod. You can shorten the wrap to 4 or 5 wraps, or even less, but I wouldn’t recommend leaving it off entirely.
Patrick Vernacchio

On larger rods, where weight at the rod tip is less of an issue, a full underwrap that goes all the way under the tip-top tube can allow you to use a larger tube tip-top. A front thread wrap can be used to form a hosel-like ramp that tapers the tube to the rod diameter. And the last layer can be wrapped up over the tube to hold the tube from twisting. Admittedly, this is an uncommon and unusual application, but it can be useful when a smaller tube size in a style you prefer is not readily available. -Cliff Hall-

I definitely feel that the wrap at the base of the tip top is functional. Even if the correct match is made between tip diameter and tip top tube, there is an edge exposed that your line may rub against. So the wrap and epoxy coating provide a transition from blank level to tube level.

Jeff Shafer

I sometimes wrap my tip-tops, sometimes not. When I do, I make several turns on top of the sleeve because I believe it helps keep the tip from twisting loose, as has happened to me often enough. Question: how much weight is actually added by a small epoxy-covered wrap? My workshop scale is not sensitive enough to measure that, but I wish I knew.