Do a "google search" for "Rod Building Parts and Supplies" I'm sure many dealers for parts and supplies will come up. Plus, there's many sponsors on this forum that could help you find your lightweight materials that you're interested in.

For catfish, St. Croix is still the way to go. And a foam core/graphite handle is one way for a light handle.
But a graphite tube coupled with a matching reel seat is probably a better route.

Several firms make light weight guides in just about any clor combo.

Try MUD HOLE.

I've used the FA-30 arbors to make split grips that were then flocked. Good hard stuff, but not for fishing from a rodholder.
[www.mudhole.com]

Being a woodworker you can use about any material you wish. If weight is a big factor bore it out and use an arbor for an insert then ream it to size.

Tinting the finish will also give you many colors

Bill - willierods.com

Okay everyone tell me what you think about this...

My idea is to use a carbon fiber tube for the handle and fill it with some sort of foam or graphite core... Now that I think about it the process should be pretty simple. Assemble the tube with some sort of end cap on one end. Slide it onto the rod blank then insert the foam core which would make everything center. Then assemble the rear end cap which would finish the foam encasement.

Sorry this may be old news to you all but its new to me....

Now another question I have is regarding the carbon fiber tubes. Are people making these themselves or buying them. I have seen the tobes sold but they were strictly a straight tube. I would like to be able to build this next rod with a rear grip that has a nice swooping style. Almost like a large bass rod but slightly bigger...

Well never mind I answered my own question. I saw where they make the foam cores and carbon sleeves... Looks like this might be right up my alley...

now its time to research reel seats... Any ideas on light weight reel seats???

Thanks

Another vote for the batson RCLB's, top notch!!

I ready through most of the thread but didnt' see Texalium tubing mentioned. It is a woven graphite that is super light, looks great, and can be filled with foam or premade arbors. Batson has made some great kits with this handle system and we have them instock. Here is a link, feel free to give us a call, we are more than happy to help. [www.getbitoutdoors.com]

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
407-542-7840
www.GetBitOutdoors.com
www.facebook.com/GetBitOutdoors

check the sponsors on the left They give the weights and if not Call Them

Do some research

Bill - willierods.com

If it is going to be a spinning rod american tackle sells the aero seat with a carbon tube and all the required parts. It makes the job easy. I suggest you buy some extra arbor material.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Get Bit Outdoors.Com Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Another vote for the batson RCLB's, top notch!!
>
> I ready through most of the thread but didnt' see
> Texalium tubing mentioned. It is a woven graphite
> that is super light, looks great, and can be
> filled with foam or premade arbors. Batson has
> made some great kits with this handle system and
> we have them instock. Here is a link, feel free
> to give us a call, we are more than happy to help.
> [www.getbitoutdoors.com]

Is the texalium a pre-made tube or a flexible sock kinda product. I really like the idea of the "sock" style as I can then form the handle to my preferance.

thanks for the help

Has anyone used the MHX line of blanks.... I was looking through the sponsors and found their site. Looks like they have a 9' steel head rod that may match my needs well

Thanks