hi, what type of arbors are normally used on mass produced spinning rods? masking tape, brick foam? im excited about using graphite arbors on my current project in hopes of adding sensitivity to the rod. i hope i can tell the difference when compared to a factory rod. btw, why are the polyurethane arbors called graphite arbors even though there made from foam not graphite? your thoughts would be appreciated. thanks, mark

I see lots of masking tape and cardboard tube arbors.

I have seen just about everything stuffed into production rods. The good ones, like St Croix, have polyurethane arbors. The cheap ones, have Chinese newspaper filling the area. One Florida production company completely fills the area will epoxy.

BTW, the polyurethane arbors are just that ... and they are off-white. The graphite arbors are foam as you indicated, but they are the dark gray ones. My personal choice are the polyurethane full length arbors. They do a great job - super light, super strong, highly durable and very easy to cut and ream.

The SC Premier I repaired (loose seat) had a cardboard tube.

Just did a rebuild on a Fenwick Legacy UL, it had a cardboard tube.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

I have seen more cardboard tube than anything else - the worst choice IMO.

i've seen a tissue paper.

I was shocked when I saw string... almost twine like under the seat of a Falcon Gunsmoke when I redid it.

Cardboard tubes are pretty common in there, second is paper tape soaked in glue of some sort. I use fiberglass drywall repair tape, it holds the epoxy up well and will not degrade in moist conditions. I think I got the Idea from a Tom Kirkman book, and it has served me well.

Cardboard tubes, polyurethane arbors, "graphite" arbors (polyurethane foam with graphite dust mixed in to make them look black), string, fiberglass tubing, tape.

Have not seen drywall mesh tape yet.