I'm in the process of assembling components to build my first stand up rod and am iintrigued with the " X flocked rubber shrink tube" as listed by some of our sponsers as a material to use on the fore grip.. If anyone has used it for this purpose I'm interested in your observations. As this is my first such rod any other recommendations in building the fore grip are welcome. I'm building on a 5' 6" 50-80# Lamiglas blank using All American Acid Roller Guides.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

On long range trips out of San Diego, you'll see many variations of foregrips the most common is straight hypalon. If their is potential for the hypalon to get beat up from the rail or continous pulling on big fish, some have used the shrink wrap you refer to with conflicting results. I've used that for years for various purposes such as you propose and on jig sticks or other rods where no reel seat was wanted or available. It's fairly thin, and will not hold up to hard use, not at all if the rod goes to the rail for any hard use.
A sponsor on the right, Swifty, has rectified the wear problem by introducing his version of the X tube shrink tube which is much thicker and durable. I believe it is shown on his website. Most guys put it over the hypalon which results in a nice comfortable grip but much more durable than straight hypalon. I plan on using this on a 760H I'm currently working on.
Another more costly alternative is using the McMasters-Carr cold shrink which many long rangers are using on their rail rods, its twice as thick as Swiftys and at least twice, if not more, expensive. I've put that on a 765H rail rod I'm also currently working on for my son.
Many discussions re this topic on Allcoast tackle board, a fishing website.

Jim,
Thanks for your advice. It's just what I need. The rod I'm building will be used for halibut on a very limited basis but I want to do it right. I've considered the hypalon and also considered turning a wooden fore grip as a base for flocking. I'll take a look at Allcoast as well. I'm open to suggestions.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

You have a lot of options here. A cord wrapped grip is terribly durable, provided it's done correctly. So too is a good flocked grip. Shrink tubing over cork or wood is good as well.

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i've also shrink tubed over cork that got beat up and cord, gives a much nicer feel than straight cord but is less grippy(less blisters though)

I like shrink tube OVER cord. This makes it a bit easier to grip but still retains a high degree of toughness. And you can replace the tubing if it ever does get cut or torn.