I'm wondering if there is a better option for an insert for the SKM reel seats.

I already have the typical cork insert for the seat, but I don't REALLY like it as much as I should. I'm wondering if there are any "premade" inserts out there. here's what I'm looking for.....

I wanted an insert that more closely matches the OD of the hood. I don't like the fact that the typical insert is so thin, matching the OD of the SKM tube, making it recessed compared to the overall handle design. it's like this -------_________------ instead of ------ --------------- ------ on the BACK side where your palm contacts the seat.

I would like something that fits it better - but can't seem to find anything premade.

Am i out of luck, and need to make it myself? (I don't have many rod building tools as I'm a simple amateur - at best - so I'd rather not HAVE to make it.)

You could use the SBSS as outlined in issue 12-3(i think) of Rodmaker or modify it to use both the front and rear pieces of a skeleton seat instead of the Tennessee ring.

I don't own a lathe and I've turned many grips on a hand-me-down drill press that I converted into a vertical lathe for about $5.00. Email me if you would like some help doing it yourself for cheap.

Steve

The SBSS is very similar to what I'm looking for. I would want to continue using the SKM components though. I like the design.

If you turn the insert large enough so that it sits flush on the outside of the hardware, the insert will block the reel foot from entering the hood openings on the opposite side. This is easily remedied by sanding or cutting a flat on the hood side. If you study the photos in JP's article, you can see him doing this exact thing on his SBSS seat insert.

.............

The 'ergo-skeleton" I use most commonly is is exactly the same as the SBSS. I use skeleton hardware or just cut down a DPSM/DPSD seat. Installed downlocking, the insert is the same diameter as the fixed hood, and at the other end curves smoothly to the diameter of the tube, allowing me to trim the threaded barrel down and use a insert sized to match the reel foot. Fully cinched down the moving hood just hops up onto the swell, with no gap.

Using a KDPS sleeve allows you to mount it uplocking as well, this way the heel of your hand does not sit on exposed threads. If you look around youll see IPS setups done like this, also VSS and on some Megabass spinning rods the aluminium seat is cut exactly the same way, with cork mounted over it.

On production seats like the VSS and the IPS, there is a gap when the seat is locked down, and this irritates my hand as the web between thumb and forefinger sits right there when I hold the oufit.