I am looking for a good rod finish (low build). I used the last bit of my Crystal Coat and Dale has gone out of business. I have also not been able to find any good cork. The last purchased was disapointing. Thanks for any suggestions.

www.klasskote.com may be able to help you on a product very similar, if not better, than the old Crystal Coat. It's a thin 2-part epoxy, similar to Crystal Coat but a bit clearer. If you do a search of the name here on the board, you can turn up quite a few comments on it from builders that have used it.

If you have the Volume 8 #2 issue of RodMaker, you can use the rod maker's cork grade scale to inquire from your dealer exactly the grade cork you want - no surprises. You can use the photographic standard to know what it is you're asking for and what your dealer has in stock. If you do not have this issue, I'm pretty sure you'll want at least grade CG2. That's pretty good. CG1 is outstanding, but much harder to find. Anyway, consider using the new cork grade scale to prevent future surprises when ordering cork.

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Klass Kote is an interesting product. Thin as most paints but it's an epoxy. I like it better than the Crystal Coat once sold by Clemons and you can even tint it with color pigments to paint blanks. I have used it on wraps where I wanted a really tough but thin coating. It worked well. It's very clear and has good pot life.

CC is still available from candgtackle outlet. @#$%&