I am trying to put X Wrap over 2 layers of cork tape. How do you guys get it too look nice where the cork meet the reel seat and gimbal? It almost looks like in some pics that the x wrap is nicely curled under the cork. You cant even notice that there is cork

Hi Al,

I am not sure which pics your talking about but I extend the tubing over the end and shrink it down as much as possible. I will then trim it either at the bottom of the cork tape edge or even out onto the blank. I will wrap the up to it and then coat with epoxy over the tubing or up to the edge for a clean look. Sometimes I'll do some sort of turk's head at the edge as well. Not sure if any of this is what you were looking for but I just did a handle like this last weekend.

Best Regards,

Darrin Heim
American Tackle Company

Darrin:
E-mail the posters of the photos and ask them. You can find there e-mails on the photo page.

Bill - willierods.com

I have used a winding check, at the ends before but not at the reel seat or gimbal, and that has come out very nice.

What I do is put the cork tape on first before my reel seat. then I do the shrink tube extending over the ends. When you put on the reel seat you get a nice clean look and fit. I sometimes have to sand the cork tape slightly for a neat fit...

Some folks put a short section of EVA grip on, especially for surf rods. Might measure about 1-2 inches, depending on desired optics. I am not overly impressed with that look as it reminds me of someone's shi-shi poodle with the new haircut.

Lately, after installing the shrink tube I tape up the ends where they meet the edge of the reel seat with electrical tape, then put on a couple layers of epoxy at the same time I do the guides.

This also solves the problem of shrink tubing coming loose, which it will do in a fishing situation - usually at the wrong time. And it actually looks good.

Whit