hi, how does the construction process for a split grip differ from a regular rear grip? will any type of blank work or is there a certain type with a special butt diameter? also, how do you finish off a rod with a reel seat that does not have a foregrip above it? thanks alot, mark

I install my split grips just like my regular grips gluing up both pieces behind the seat at once, then gluing the seat and any front grip at the same time. No special butt diameter to do split grips on, but you probably don't want to put a split grip on anything that will spend time in a rod holder. I build bass rods and 99% of my grips are split.

I also rarely use a fore grip. I typically use a winding check in front of the seat or build an epoxy ramp with finishing epoxy after it thickens.

I glue to butt and rear portion of the grip on just like a full rear grip.
I build inshore light saltwater, so they'll spend a little time in the rod holders running between spots.
The no fore grip rods are actually pretty easy. Just take a big glob of epoxy and make a ramp from the reel seat to the blank. EZPZ

Mark,
Tom Kirkman had posted a special winding check a few months ago which does a beautiful job of finishing off the front of a non fore grip rod.

Perhaps Tom will chime in and repost the picture and source.

Take care
Roger

Roger,
I know Mudhole has some neoprene and foam butt cap plugs that came be drilled or reamed out to fit the end of the reel seat.

Take a look -

Everything needed for a split grip assembly EVA, Cork and Premium Burl Accented Cork

[www.swamplandtackle.com]



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/14/2009 09:18AM by Bill Stevens.

thanks for the info guys. great help. one more thing. can i cut off the tenon that some of these split grip kits come with? i want just a flush end so that i can pick whatever reel seat i want. thanks, mark

Although I haven't used the ones Bill refernced, I don't see any reason that you couldn't.

sure - it's just cork. Then you can use the left over pieces for floats on Carolina Rigs!

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If you have not made split grips before , let me caution you about an easy error-speaking from experience here. If you use winding checks against the grips, don't forget to put them on the blank before gluing both grip parts on. If you forget, you can carefully cut a neoprene check and install it after, carefully gluing it into place, then building a little epoxy over the check so the slit doesn't show.

I've been turning reel seat foam arbors into ramps-they are very attractive, light, and show a feather inlay or a decal very nicely. very easy to work.