Are underwraps really necessary? I'm just getting into building and have made several builds now without them. If they really do serve a purpose, other than peace of mind, I would start using them.

Hello Curt

I build mostly saltwater rods, some small some big if the rod is for any thing real fast or real big I use underwraps but if it is small stuff I don't use them.
For 20# and up fast+big, yes for 20# and down not fast or big, no.
Small drum, trout, blues, spanish, small dalphin, small tarpon no.
Big cobia, real big drum, big kings, big dalphin, big tarpon, yes.
that aint the end but you get the idea, right?

Tight Wraps.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Curt all that is Necessary is make sure the guide foot is prepared properly that said I would use an underwrap on heavy off shore rods in addition if you should decide to sell at some point make sure to ask the buyer if he wants them as they are quite common and many expect to have them in addition they can offer a chance to how off some nice thread work which may increase sales
John

I should have added that all the builds so far have been bass rods. There might be a few light saltwater rods in the future, nothing heavy. I have taken the time to ensure my guides were properly prepped before putting them on. It sounds like I should be OK with what I have built so far. Maybe I'll consider adding them when I try some fancier wrapping in the future. Thanks.

On such rods you don't need them. Save the weight and keep performance/response high.

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

Bass, trout, redfish, cobia, etc...... don't get them but I'm doing any offshore stuff mostly definitely.

Curt,

As you can see the concensus is all the same. As John stated ask the customer or use your new found knowledge.

Tight lines,

John

With - WELL prepped guides the only time is if like said - customer wants them - or very heavy salt use.

Bill - willierods.com