Please disregard the other post. I just could not figure out how to change my profile to reflect my full name.

I want to build a 5 1/2 to 6ft long heavy duty rod (Calstar or Seeker) that will be used exclusively for stand up and not trolling.

Is it possible or advisable to use just hypalon or EVA with a reel seat and gimbal instead of an aluminum butt/handle combination? What would be the disadvantage of such a set up?
Thanks.

Terry

Check Calstar's website. Your desired configuration is pretty much their standard set-up. We sell lots of both Calstar & Seeker stand-up blanks and 90% of them ship with hypalon & aluminum seats.

Mark,
Thanks for the response. Is there then any advantage to cutting the blank down and install a grip/butt combination such as the AFTCO unibutt?
Terry

Terry,
You can absolutely build a stand-up rod with the combinations you mentioned. I do it all the time. I like to use Hypalon but that is strictly my own preference. Hypalon (or EVA if you prefer) with an aluminum reel seat such as an Aftco with a matching gimbal makes for a great rod in not only looks but performance as well. I think most people that prefer an aluminum butt assembly are using rod holders which makes getting the rod out of the holder much easier. With foam it tends to get hung up which results in lost fish and damaged grips. Randy.

It seems to be more popular on the East Coast than it is here in the West. The last few uni-butts we've sold in fact have "gone East'. In a stand-up application (where getting it out of the rod holder isn't an issue) the only advantage IMO is storage. Big with the private boaters, but a "non-issue" with the long range guys out here.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your kind responses and patience if you could bear with me regarding the grip.
If the issue is getting the rod out of the holder quickly, why don't people just shave the foam down to a smaller diameter?
Or is the damage from the grip also from compression with a fish strike during trolling?
Thanks.

Terry

Terry,Its not so much the size but the friction that is created from the pressure the fish puts on the rod grip.The EVA /Hypalon has a fairly good tooth to hold onto whereas the slick butt can slide right out.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Thanks.
Terry