I picked up a Dan Craft Sig V 6wt at the show this weekend and I am looking for a specific type of grip for the rod but have had no luck. I have seen posts where people have used the rubberized cork rings for the first and last ring and was wondering if there were any vendors that sold that type of grip premade? I don't have the tools to make my own grips unfortunately so I'm hoping that someone sells something like that.

Not that I'm aware of. For a different look there are all wood, wood first and last/cork center, and rattan wrapped fly grips. Doesn't take much of a tool selection and parts to make your own though. If you own a drill your better than half way there.

Burton,
I build my own grips on the blank like you describe. The cork ends are really much less prone to damage that way. But they weigh a little more. Yours is such a light rod that you may want to stay with all cork. But if you really want to do it with a pre-formed grip I would cut the front and back of the preformed grip by 1/4" and glue and clamp one 1/4" rubberized cork ring to each end with rod building epoxy, after, or at the same time, that you glue the grip to the blank. You will have to devise a clamp so you do not get a prominent glue seam. Obviously you will have to use a hole saw to make a cut-out for the seat hood. I ground down the outer teeth of the hole saw slightly - don't overdo it - to decrease the kerf of the cut which effectively makes the hole cut by the saw slightly smaller. The rings fit the seat hood tighter.
After the glue cures you can easily sand the rings to blend with the grip.
Herb



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/25/2008 04:17PM by Herb Ladenheim.

Thanks guys. I really do like that look and might have to go the route that Herb has suggested. Another question I have. Struble seems to send a cork ring for their up-locking reel seats, will any precut cork handle be able to accept the struble seat or will I need to use the supplied ring?

Burton,
Go on shofftackle.com rod component site (grips) and you will see that if you purchase a Struble seat and preformed grip, they will cut the grip to accept the seat. All you have to do is trim both ends - carefully - and glue it all together.
Herb

i prefer to build my grips on a mandrel and not on a rod. materials and mistakes have a way of finding my projects that i dont leave room for error. i have made a few grips and will gladly help you if you wish to make your own or in selecting the type of material and style. there are many of the sponsors that should be able to fill your needs with preformed grips

Why not try somthing like this [www.rodbuilding.org]