I am building a 2 pc surf rod using x flock for butt and foregrip- In what order should the component parts be placed? should I cut measure and install the shrink tube on the butt section first and install it before putting on the reel seat. Then after the reel seat install the foregrip? Or install the entire length of x flock then cut out the section where the reel seat will be placed?
I have never installed x flock so I don't really know how much to cut. I also want to shrink enough over the butt end before putting on the cap
Fore grip will be 6" and Butt will be 30"-seat is 5 " Fuji.DPSD
I would appreciate an opinion from someone who does this on a regular basis.
Thanks' Joe

here is a video to install it [www.mudhole.com]

Bill - willierods.com

Joe I build surf rods like this all the time. My method is to secure the reel seat in place first then do the X flock. I always leave extra so that I can trim it back to where I want it to be. Just a note on that is to not cut it exactly where you want it because when you cut the X flock it can sometimes shrink back a little too far. I like to leave just a little extra and tuck it under the ends of the reel seat and then put a light coat of finish to keep the salt water from penetrating under the X flock.

Are you wrapping cork under it 1st? I always do. And many times I also use a marine grade twine and wrap it over the cork in an X pattern and then use shrink tube. I find the shrink tube has a little better grip than the X flock...especially when wet

I also leave on plenty to go under the Butt Cap. I typically use a rubber crutch butt cap to withstand the wear and tear of a surf fisherman walking with his stick and using it to balance sometimes in or along the surf

Thanks Jim
Turned out perfect-only trouble I had was keeping the x pattern on the flock straight in line with the reel seat DTC
Joe

I know this is kind of an older thread but I have a question, Jim, so I understand that after you put the reel seat on you then put the flock on. But, do you shrink the loose ends that go under the reel seat at all or just leave them like they are and tuck them like that?