I am building an 11 ft float rod for myself on a matte black CTS FF1104-2 blank.
The reel I plan to put on it is a custom crafted centerpin reel that is anodized matte black and copper .

My question is... where can I buy black cork (natural or burl)?
If I can't buy it; can I dye some for myself?
I thought of tossing some tings in RIT clothes dye, but figured the dye would run out, or fade with use.

Any thoughts or experiences?

Thanks!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2009 05:06PM by Brian Morrow.

Brian do a search on the board and select all dates you will get lots of reading.

I would go with a black flocked grip over a foam core. Warm and comfortable for cold weather fishing and IMO much better looking than any homedyed cork. Cork doesnt take dye well and Im sure your results will be less than adequate.

Cork is vary dense and will only surface dye. Try one of the sponsors to the left. I know Anglers WorkShop has dark cork

Good Wraps Bob

Lots of people sell black cork. Try Mudhole, Netcraft is only a few of the many that sell black cork. Natural cork alongside of black cork makes a nice contrast.

Edwin Kime

Cork is a closed cell material (that's why it floats in the ocean for years) and dye will only be on the surface and can soon wear off. There is dark "burnt" cork that may fit your needs, or there is black rubberized cork. Both are not real solid black like foam or rubber.

Thanks for the replies fellas!

I'll most likey use Extra Select natural cork and some burnt and brown burl accent rings. I was hoping to get black so my rod and reel match perfectly... but who's perfect? LoL

Scott:
This rod will be used for Steelhead in NE Ohio during the dead of winter (now until March); will these cold temps affect the feel, or durabilty of the flocking?

Edwin:
I've shopped at Mudhole, Anglers Workshop, Bingham, FishSticks4U, and a few others... and I have never seen black cork.
I know that several places sell burnt cork and several color variations, but I've never seen black. Am I over looking something?

Phil:
I was hoping to keep the weight to a minimum in the handle area because my reel weighs about 11.5 ounces, and after having numerous hand surgeries the extra kills me.

Thanks again!

Not long ago I got some almost black Burl at AWS Hear is a thought, I have never tried it. Put cork in hot boiling Ritz black dye. Let it boil for abut 4 minutes, Once dry set it with Whit Vinegar. After that dries wipe it with cork sealer. Sealer has to be redone about once a year after heavy use

Good Wraps Bob

Bryan, how about trying a carbon fiber grip? It is black and very light. Also a lot of fun to work with the new materials!

Bob:
I have an email into Dave at AW. Hopefully he has "just the thing" I need.

Phil:
What would I be looking at cost-wise to do the carbon handles??
What materials would I need to build one?

Thanks fellas!

Good luck Brian the guys at AW are great to work with

Good Wraps Bob

Riley rods a sponsor on the left can set you up and walk you through the carbon fiber process, or I can also help with instructions.

Take a look at my black carbon fiber grip in the photos section under grips and handles, page 9 I think. They turn out to be really nice.

Cost wise you can get started for about $50.00 which will make a few grips.