Any built TN handles using mix of natural and burl, or all burl cork, and graphite slip rings? If so, does it hold any better than plain cork with graphite slip rings.
Thanks,

Marc

Marc,
I build a lot of TN handles, but never use any slip rings. I don't like the feel or the possiblity of slipping rings. So, I use tape on all of the handles to hold the reels in place.

Take care
Roger

Hi Marc,
Yes, over the years we have added a few "rubberized" (burl) cork rings to the middle of the grip, in the approximate area where the reel might go.
Usually 2 or 3 on each side of the center, with a 3" rgular cork seperating, and then regular again on the ends.
They seem to help a lot in gripping the reel foot.
Also gives you a chance to add "sparkle" to the plain cork grip.
I have also personally use the graphite rings until I was settled on where the reel would live, then use sports tape over to make sure it stays there and make it more comfortable.
A bulkier grip on a spin rod feels better to me.
In the earlier days with metal rings, the tape was the best way to go.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

I do a lot of split grip TN handles on walleye rods for clients. Some of these guys are tourney fishermen and just love them. Some use tape, some use rings, and some even tape over the rings. They did that for years on factory rods and just got used to it.

For the reel seat area I use two natural burl, then two regular cork, then two natural burl. It does help keep the cork from deforming when they really push the rings on hard, but I can't say it keeps the rings in place better. I just don't know. I have used one wrap of electrical tape on the ends of the reel foot, then push the rings on and it seems to hold pretty well.

I like the method Rich Forhan uses - one wrap of filament strapping tape on each end of the foot to secure the reel, then wrap with good electrical tape under low tension to cover the reel foot.

Chuck

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

One thing to consider - I always build customer TN handles so that they can slide the rings off the tip end of the handle and cut them off with side cutter. That way a new TN user can try the rings, and discard them if they don't like it. Best of both worlds for the builder.

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

I sand the - inside - of my graphite slip rings to give them more - grip - 100 - 150

Bill - willierods.com