Today I picked up a Lews Speed Stick spinning rod. It has one broken guide so I gave $5 for it. The other problem is the lower part of the grip has no "skin" on it. I read the article on RMM and thought it would be neat someday to make a split grip with it like in the pics. My question regards the missing outer layer on the bottom half, could I get some of the heat shrinkable butt grip material and use that or did I just throw away $5 ? I almost hate to do that and "ruin" such a classic rod and wonder if I should I get a new guide and fix it? :-)

Thanks for any tips
Joe

If you're talking about the LSH/USH with the Gator Grip on it, then you'll have to try and patch that end with shrink tubing, but it won't be quite the same. I doubt you can get another GG covering to match. But surely you can salvage it with something.

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

Sounds like a candidate for flocking.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Flocking ? I will have to look that up, I am just getting started so it will be a while before I tackle this project, trying to get my facts straight then makes plans and figure out what blank to use etc.

Joe

Joe

Maybe post some photos of the handle so we can see what the damage looks like. Seeing the damage is easier than trying to visualize it from a description. Someone will have suggestions to put the rod back into service.

Since the covering is what secures the reel foot whatever you choose will have to be thick enough to do that without stretching or tearing.