Hey All -

I posted some quick (and dirty, sorry - not a photographer) pics of my first attempts at urethane foam cored composite skinned grips. I put up one fly grip and one casting split grip. This stuff is easy and a lot of fun. Thanks very much to Andy, Tom and RM for another priceless article on a technique I never would have been aware of or been able to execute if not for the magazine and the awesome contributors. In my very first attempt I got 5 grips that turned out and one that didn't (my fault for not reaming the core first). I still can't believe how many people are willing to share their innovative techniques with the rest of us for nothing but a thank you. So THANK YOU!

I also posted a pic of some awesome foam / graphite core material that should interest you if you want light, strong composite skinned or flocked grips but don't want to mess with pouring your own. Or if you want a more 'high tech' (or forgiving under flocking or carbon skin) color for your grip material. To me, this stuff is particularly useful when you want to flock most but not all of your grip for cosmetic reasons.

Bob McKamey at Custom Tackle Supply recommended these graphite foam arbor 'sticks' a little over a year ago and they are awesome. About 5" in length, they are available in different OD's and bore diameters and are easily reamed and turned. It is about like working with Andy's exotic burl cork. Light as the pour foam but much, much harder. In fact, I use them quite a bit with no focking or skin - they are that tough. You will occasionally get a hole / pit like you will with the Fuji graphite arbors, but they are easily filled and don't happen often. They are sort of like cork sticks - you just buy a bunch and turn them into whatever you want. I don't use anything else for any of my arbors any more. No more sloppy / inconsistent fit of Fuji arbors and no more compromise on what length and OD you can get based on bore diameter...a great idea long overdue.

Thanks again to RM for the awesome information. Hope to see all of you in High Point in February.

Bill

Bill Falconer,

I went to Custom Tackle Supply and I can not find the foam grip blanks you described in your photo posting. I tried everything possible to no avail.

The "Search Function" at that website does not work either. It gives the following error message for everything, including Items listed on the left side of the page, e.g. "Cork" or "Guides" --- etc.


Sorry, No Pages Were Found With Your Keyword(s).



I would appreciate you posting a link that would direct all interested parties to the foam grip blanks you described in your photo posting.

Thanks,

Rena

Call Bob. The Custom Tackle web site is token, once you start talking to Bob he can hook you up with anything that you need. Just have plenty of time available when you call…

Hey Rena-

Just call them - their number is (931) 684-6164. They have literally everything in stock but the website is very out of date.

You could also try to email them at customtackle@united.net but in my experience calling is better. Good luck!

Bill

That's a good tip about reaming the core to fit the blank before you skin it.

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