so my first tuna build will be with a seeker ts-55xh 40-100 butt size .980 i would like to use muddhole's xgrips but the biggest i.d is .500 if i ream them out will i be taking too much matt out also what size reel seat should i look for i like the aftco but not sure what sz any help would be great tx

I always let the reel and the blank size determine the reel seat. It has to be big enough to accept the feet of the reel . Reaming out the x flock will be fine .

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

The EVA and Hypalon grip material will stretch to twice it's ID so you don't need to ream them.

Not sure what "X-Grips" your talking about though. X-Flock is a rubber "heat shrink" to fit covering.
I found the "Cross-Cut" EVA grips with finger cut-outs and they max out at .500in ID.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Wherever you are ordering your blank from, tell them that you are going to use "XYZ" rear grip and fir to match the blank. It will either be a 24 or 26 reelseat. 26 probably.

Hey thanks guys Raymond yeah i was looking at the cross-cut eva i would really love to use them also let me know if my guide choice is a good one i would like to use the BZBTR by atc its black with the blue ring im building it for a friend and he did not want roller guides so i thought this was a good looking guide not sure if it will work he wants to use the rod for offshore troling for yellow fin in the Pacific north west any other tips or tricks would be help full again thanks for all the help you guys

I've used the TSF55XXH, which has a .995 butt with 24mm reel seats and a 10" slick butt and aluminum gimbal IIRC. Some of the latest batch of cross cut EVA is MUCH harder/firmer than the previous batch. I would take one of the reverse spade type speed bits and use that to open up the foregrip ID rather than relying on the stretch. I was worried it may rip because of the extra firmness. I've used the GZBTR guides a lot on Calstar Boomer Jr's with no complaints; they seem to hold up well.