Terry's photo has me thinking a little - my mind is wandering.
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Is there really a need to have a carbon, kevlar, fiberglass, etc skin over a poured foam handle?

Outside of aesthetics, what purpose does the skin hold?

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It forms a hard skin over the foam which would otherwise be prone to digs and dents, like cork, but because the foam is rigid even the small dings and dents won't come out. Once there, they're permanent.

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Trust me one this one. They need something. I've try a few different ways without some skin and they all got beat up pretty bad.

Riley Rods-Hard Core Grips to Go!-----Carbon Fiber - Composite Grip Store-----Capt Mike's Blog-----No Excuses Fishing Charters

I made a few fly rod grips with just marbeled epoxy and they're holding up but these don't sit in rod holders.

The epoxy will give the foam a type of "skin." It won't be as hard or durable as the carbon fiber, but it will be better than bare foam.

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What about flock over the bare foam?? Is that enough??

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Yes, it creates a pretty tough grip because minor dents and dings won't show, although traditional flocked grips were done over cork.

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I should have been a little more clear... I didn't mean just plain foam, but foam with just the epoxy over it. Loose the fibers. Sounds like you answered that too.

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I have not done it but why not paint then a good clear coat, thread wrap, clear ?

Bill - willierods.com