I normally suggest using tape to secure reels to tennessee cork grips. However, some of my friends prefer slip rings. A couple of questions:

1. Normally do you prefer any gaps between the slip rings and the cork grip? i.e. With a slip ring of 1.00" diameter, how large do you make your cork grip? I'd think .99" to make the gap as small as possible.

2. If that's not possible, how LARGE can the differential between grip OD and ring ID?

3. Finally, I prefer the 'graphite' type slip rings. How many types are there - and what do you prefer?

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Mo

Most handles already fit the rings. I prefer the graphite also because they do not get as cold as the metal ones and I figure there is a little more flex in them to hold a reel. I also put at least one thin coat of finish on my cork just to stiffen it up. There are graphite handles also. Try them.

Most suppliers give the ID for the rings and OD of the handle.

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2009 07:05AM by bill boettcher.

I prefer graphite rings that fit as snugly as possible while still being able to slide them on the grip as necessary. Any looser and they seem to move on me. One trick that has really worked well for me if the ring is too loose - wrap electrical tape on the cork underneath where the ring will sit (I even split my tape into half-width so there won't be any showing), then put the reel in place and slide the rings over the foot of the reel. The tape not only takes up space, but provides a bit more friction than the cork so it holds the slip ring in place. I love TN on UL up to ML power rods.

Also scoffing the inside of the graphite rings helps to give them a little more bite.

Bill - willierods.com

I have had terrible results with the graphite slip rings in terms of holding the reel. Each time I have tried them I have ended up cutting the handle apart and using something else. I have had better luck with the Al rings for light rods. for rods that get some heavy use I will not do the slip ring thing again. I love the idea of slip rings and putting the reel where you want it, but hate it when the reel falls off in in the middle of playing a large fish because of the flexing of theblank under the reel seat loosening the rings.

I too have had my fair share of reels becoming dislodged from those slip rings. I tried electrical tape, but it just left a sticky mess, especially during the summer heat, not to mention that it takes the filler out of your cork if you ever try to remove it. Instead, I use a short 1/2"-3/4" section of bicycle tubing with an I.D. just smaller than the cork. Just stretch it over the butt of the handle and wedge it just over or up against the ring or rings ...works great.