OK....You have my attention here. As I am in the process of rebuilding a rather unique (at least for me) rod, I may as well consider some unique grips for it so I am considering flocking the existing grips. To repeat from an earlier thread. This is a give-away freebie so I want it too look nice but at minimal cost to me. The rod will be painted blue/copper flair, the guides will be Fuji hardaloy, guide wraps will be dark blue metallic with metallic copper trim, and I want black or dark blue grips, existing reel seat is black. This is a first for me in many ways. First color shift paint job, first metallic guide wraps, first "new concept" rod, etc.

I would love a more in-depth and detailed idea about the grip flocking procedure. Any other advice would be welcome as well.


Derek

I would refer you to the RodMaker Magazine article in the Volume 7 #4 issue. This was/is the only article ever done for rod builders on flocking fishing rod grips. It's very in-depth and covers everything you could need to know about the process. The Donjer grip flocking kits came about as a result of this article.

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In a nutshell the grip is sealed with color preserver, coated with special adhesive and then flocking fibers are blown onto the adhesive with the mini-flocker gun. Instructions to this effect come with the Donjer kits.

There are a lot of little tips, tricks and ideas that WON'T be in the Donjer kit instructions though and it would take far to long to run them all down for you. I'd get the Rodmaker article by means of a back issue. You won't regret it. Will save you from making the many simple mistakes that many who haven't read the article seem to be making.

I just did my first few - the article in Rodmaker is a must. Most of the text is also on the Donjer site. Read the article over and over before you start. If your intentions are to only do one or two then the option exists to have them professionally done for only about $ 1.50 per inch. This contact is also listed in the article.

Gon Fishn

What benifits does the flocking serve? I've seen some at a local store, and they seem like they would get dirty and hold it. How durable is it?


Jason

They won't get any dirtier than any other grip material and flocking is actually more durable than anything else. It can be scrubbed clean, over and over again.

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Thank you,


Jason