I will be building a couple of rods in the next few weeks and would like to try flocked handles on both of them. I don't build enough rods to "invest" in the equipment necessary to do a really good job. Is there anyone out there that will flock handles sent to them using the process outlined in the Rodmaker magazine a while back? Thanks for your input.

Jim Smith

Invest? You'd be talking about something like $25 in order to get a really good job yourself. I bought a kit for that and got the miniflock gun, the adhesive and some grey flock and the results I got were beyond great. I don't think they could have been any better. I did about 4 grips from that one kit and still have plenty of adhesive left over and enough to flock to maybe do one more grip.

I think the Rodmaker article did list an individual that would also do these for you and probably some people here on the board will too. But you can do it yourself. If you closely follow the directions you'll get good results and the grips will look great. It's not expensive and the miniflock gun which is only about $6 or something to begin with, works just great.

I thought the article also mentioned a gentleman that flocks grips commercially.

Ron Holmes in Knoxville, TN. does this commercially and the end result is fantastic work. His phone number to contact him is 865-922-2350. I do not have an e-mail address for him. You will not be disappointed with his work.

Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply

For what it would cost you to have someone flock two grips for you, you can buy a kit and do them and more all by yourself. The mini flocker gun will not wear out for many years so it is a one time expense. It is included in the kit from Binghams. About $25 I think for the gun, one can of adhesive and pretty good sized bag of flock. If you think you will be doing more in the future why not get a kit and learn how? It will only add another option you can offer to your customers or yourself down the road.

i had two handles flocked by Ron. the fibers are twice as long and are nylon. he has lots of different colors and they look ten times better then due it yuorself flocking.if you want a really good flocked handle give ron a call. cost a little more but well worth it. stan lothamer

The do it yourself method will produce grips that look about 95% or better, as those done commercially by Ron or Biscayne. If you do not feel you have the time or just don't want to do it, then Ron or Biscayne can provide you with great looking flocked grips. If you choose to do it yourself, it doesn't cost much and you can produce very, very nice grips. Although I've been doing it a bit longer than most, I can produce flocked grips that I believe are flawless with not very much effort or trouble. You can do the same, although I'd say it might take you a few practice runs before you get a really perfect flocking job.

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