Hi all, I've got a couple of graphite rod blanks, GUSA 85Mega Mag and a Shikari 909. Would there be a problem wrapping these rods without a reel seat? I am worried that clamping down with a reel clamp on one of these blanks might damage it? I was thinking of wrapping with corktape first then using either tuna cord or x-tube over the tape. Any problems with this or do I need to go with a reel seat?

Thanks, Ari

One consideration on this build is the thickness of the blank where you will mount the reel. Problem that I can see is that it would be very thin with a single wrap of corktape so you would have to go double thickness. Double thickness adds double the weight to the handle.

Hi Ari. I am sure if you dropped Roy an email at Graphite USA he could give you a definite answer to your question.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/2007 07:45PM by James(Doc) Labanowski.

The trouble with wrapping two layer so of cork may be that in order to really get the reel secure and stop if from rocking you'll have to use even more clamping pressure on the blank. Ovbiously that's not good.

You could break about any blank out there with a reel center clamp, if you use enough force. What you may want to do is oversleeve the reel foot area with another length of fiberglass or aluminum.

I assume you've considered the Fuji plate type seats.

...........

Ari...
Your "e" mail is hidden...if you are considering using the Fuji Plate Reel Seats give me a shout.
fred_schoenduby@sbcglobal.net

Tight Lines
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Fishin'Stix by Fred

Ive done a lot of the mega mags and shikari 909's with CT...no problems! You will need at least a double layer of CT anyways because of the small diametr of the GUSA's.

Great, thanks for the replies!