Doing my first surf rod, and want to do underwraps - like the look, seems like it would be easier than faux-underwraps. When I took a local course 10 years ago, the instructor recommended one use A underneath, and D on top so it didn't slip between the threads of the underwrap. Is this necessary? Can I use A throughout (I prefer the finer thread)? After doing a search, I see that many put a coat of epoxy or color preserver over the underwrap prior to overwrapping. This seemed like a good idea that could allow me to use all the same size thread. What are the cons (if any) of doing this?

I do underwraps on virtually all the surf rods I build, and I almost always use metallic A for the underwrap, nylon D for the overwrap (usually black), and no color preserver or finish on the underwraps: I do the underwrap, wrap the guide, and finish everything together. It's faster and easier this way for me. I can tell you that if you do this, you will not have a problem with durability: the lack of finish on the underwrap will not result in a fragile rod.

Surf rods, with very few exceptions, are big, heavy rods, and underwraps are not out of place on them (the extra weight they impart will probably not be noticed on something this heavy). A corollary to this is that Size D is not out of place here, either: if you can't use D on a surf rod, where can you? It is because of this, and because D-over-A is so much easier to wrap, that this is how I configure surf rods. When you use a good metallic underwrap with a nylon overwrap, and you finish with a good finish, the result is really pretty good: the finish is hard and clear, and the metallic wrap really makes the wrap's appearance pretty sharp.

I would probably try to talk you into Size D for the overwrap, especially if you've not tried A-over-A before, but if you're dead set on A, then apply either a coat of CP to the overwrap, or a light coat of finish, and then do the A overwrap over that. If you try to do A-over-A, dry, you'll probably end up frustrated -- at least that's what happened to me -- as the overwrap, because it's same size as the underwrap, tends to get caught in the grooves of the underwrap, and it's consequently hard to get an even wrap on top. Going to D for the top threads eliminates this, and makes the job a lot easier. And it looks pretty good on the finished rod too.

Hi Bob,
I've been using Madeira, which is slightly smaller than "a", for all my wraps for a number of years now, both beach rods and heavy game rods, and haven't had any problems. I use a coat of cp on the underbind and don't have any problem packing the overbind.You could put a coat of finish on the underbind but I don't think it's necessary unless your doing a double overbind. I think it gives a more uniform look than using two different sizes but both methods work equally well. There is another post further down the page and that may help you make a decision.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/27/2011 11:41PM by Col Chaseling.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will go D over A.

Do some test wraps with A over A. It might not be that difficult once you try it. I rarely have an issue with it. A over D, however, gives zero problems and you don't even have to think about it.

I also finish with epoxy after all my wrapping is done...except I feel I get total penetration and don't leave any "dry" thread behind.