Hello everyone.

I just received components for a rod that I'll be building (first rod.) If anyone could help me, I would like to know if the grips that I got will fit on the blank OK.

I will be building around a Kencor BGP700MC - which is 7', and has a butt OD of 1.03".
I will be using a 12" straight hypalon with 11/16" ID and 1 3/8" OD and a 10" straight hyp. forehand grip with 11/16 ID , 1 3/8" OD. I'm using a size 26 bulb gimbal and a Fuji DPSD24 24mm reel seat.

I've measured the outer diameter of the blank at the points where the grips will be.

The OD where the rear hypalon meets the gimbal (point a) is 1". Where the hypalon meets the reel seat (b) is .875. OD where reel seat meets forehand hypalon (c) is .8125. And, where the 10" hypalon ends (d) is .71875.

|(1.03")<---gimbal--->|(a)<----12" hyp.------->|(b)<-----5" reel seat------>|(c)<-----10" hyp.----->|(d)


When I slide in the rear hypalon on the blank, without any force, it stops "gently" at 34 in. from the butt end.


Would the 11/16" be fine? Or is 7/8 or 1" recommended instead?

I have another question:

When building rods, are the grips, in general, installed in pairs? Meaning, if I use a rear Hypalon or EVA grip (7/8" ID and 1 3/8" OD) will the forehand grip be the same, 7/8" ID and 1 3/8" OD?

Thank you, in advance.

Joe Z.

if you can get the grip in place it should be fine. 3/4 might have worked better for the rear grip. but it would be too large for the for grip. you can order two diferent sizes for easier assembly. stan

Make sure you read the grip installation instructions on the FAQs page here. I think your grips will go into place if you install them correctly. Hypalon stretches a good bit.

The only thing that would concern me, is that with Hypalon, and to some degree, EVA, stretching one that far can enlarge the outer diameter and in some cases, actually split the outer surface - it's a weird thing with the surface suddenly displaying very minute cracks or checks all over. I would agree with Stan that the 3/4 would probably be a better all around choice for that blank diameter if you can acquire it easily. On the foregrip, however, you'd need to fall back on the 11/16th inch ID piece, or shim with cord or thread to fit the 3/4 inch ID grips.


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Joe it can be done. I just put grips on two rods approx. 1" od. It felt like I was going to blow the grip apart, but using Rod Bond it slid nice and incredibly snug on the blank. I think I should go back and read the grip article though. A larger ID Hypalon would be much easier.

Thank you all very much for the recommendations and comments, on this issue I had. Just to be on the safe side, I will go ahead and order a rear hypalon with 3/4 ID. I've also just read the articles, including the one on installing the grips, from this forum- they are very helpful!

One last thing, should the OD be smaller, something like 1.25" for the new rear grip? Or should I keep it the same, at 1 3/8?

Again, thanks.

Joe Z.

"No job, no money, no girls, NO PROBLEM."



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/11/2008 06:53PM by Joe Zavala.

The OD of the grip will swell slightly, how much depends on how much you stretch the ID of the grip. You may find that the 1.25 inch at the rear ends up equalling the 1-3/8th inch grips fore and aft of the reel seat.

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