I'm hoping that some of you experienced builders will help line me out on the subject of when to use, and not to use underwraps.

I think I understand the stuff concerning the added weight and splinting effect, and why you wouldn't want to use them on every type of rod, but I've also heard that underwraps are an absolute must on unfinished graphite blanks. Is this true?

Thank you very much
Dave

The case for underwraps is greatly overestimated. Yes, they add weight (but no real splinting effect contrary to popular belief). The question is, what do they add to the rod that could be considered necessary.

In the case of very heavy boat and offshore rods, they can provide some measure of a no-slip surface for the guides to reside upon. They also create a bit of a cushion for the guide feet. I would never advise anyone not to use them in these applications, although even then I suspect their use may be somewhat overrated.

On most other type rods, they are simply not needed from any functional standpoint, provided you have done a good job with your guide foot prep. This is why some manufacturers of high end, high modulus rods have advised that you should use underwraps - if the guide feet are not carefully prepped and flattened, you will have very small, concentrated areas of contact which can, under your wrapping tension, crush or compromise the thin walls on some of today's high performance blanks. Manufacturers have no way of knowing how careful each rod builder will be in this regard, so some have presented a blanket statement that all of their rods in a particular series should be underwrapped.

If the guides are properly prepped (please read the Volume 4 #3 issue of RodMaker for the particulars on this subject) then underwraps are not needed for blank protection.

In the event you want to add a bit more color, which is what many use underwraps for, consider a false underwrap that runs only between the actual guide foot wraps.

..........................

Thank you for you time. I know it must get old answering the basic questions, but it is very, very appreciated.

Dave

I stopped using underwraps a few years ago and have not had any problems to date. I do make sure the undersides of my guide feet are free from burrs and as flat as I can make them. I also go easy on the thread tension.

All previous answers are correct in my experience. I determine wether I want or need an underwarp based on the size and diameter of the blank I am working on. Small diameter blanks look to busy and bulky with underwraps and so on. Look at the guides you are gonna use, consider the color and layout of the rod and make your decision based on that. But all in all, consider the guides you are using and how the feet will dress and mount. Be an artist and experiment - you will learn alot that way.