I am starting to build a Rainshadow ISB781 with a Forecast 16 reel seat and need to use arbors to fill the gap between the reel seat and the rod. What is the advantage of using either polyurethane or graphite arbors?

Thanks,

rhr

I've never seen a graphite arbor. Wouldn't that be really, really heavy??? The yellow or cream colored poly arbors from FC are strong and rigid. So are the brick foam type from Fuji and PacBay. I don't know that one woud be any better than the other.

I believe that the "brick foam" ones are the ones usually referred to as graphite. I don't know about the differences. I like the Flex Coat arbors.

Mike

The flex coat arbors are heavier than the brick foam (aka graphite) arbors. I prefer to work with the shorter lighter brick foam ones - your results may vary...
Chuck Ungs

I've used both and build mostly walleye rods; light as can be...

I still use the brick foam/graphite arbors. They are lighter and I don't have to cut them to use two shorter ones under the reel seat. I do use the self centering bits to drill them out with, though (thanks, Myles!).

Putter
Williston, ND

Thanks for the information guys, I think I'll use the lighter arbors on this rod. I will order some of both to play around with.

rhr

The difference in weight between the two is slight. Either is a good choice and you may find that a single longer arbor is easier to bore and fit to the blank.

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I like the FC arbors, they work great for fly reel seats. I just use one piece and glue it in the reel seat prior to reaming. They are very light and I can't imagine the you would be able to tell a difference in weight between the two when mounted to the rod.