I have some Mooseskin EVA that I am thinking of trying on a blank (Calstar 6460XH) that would possibly be used for stand-up tuna fishing on a long range boat. I know that most rods of this type use Hypalon. Would the EVA be an acceptable alternative? Chances are it could see a lot of contact with the rail during a fight and I would like it to last more than a couple of trips. I also heard a stray comment on a recent trip I just completed that sunscreen damages EVA. Would anyone care to offer me any any advice? Thanks a lot!

EVA comes in varying degrees of hardness. Some of the very firm stuff (the old Lew's speed grips come to mind) will last for years and years in that capacity. Softer grades aren't likely to provide good service in the more demanding application you're asking about.

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I would not use EVA on any rod meant to be fished on a party boat or off a rail.

Don't be cheap The rod will get beat up

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks very much for the advice. I guess it's say hello to hypalon, unless somebody has another suggestion.

Hi,

I do not like Hypalon as it is heavy and porous. The open pores attract bait juices and eventually stink.

For the fore grip you can use butt wind or a slick butt . I think I used rubberized cork or something like it in the past. Some one help me out on this.

Capt Neil Faulkner

You could make a wood grip Bore it out for reel seat arbors to lessen the weight Then several coats of Permagloss or LumiSeal

Bill - willierods.com

THere are probably a billion rods that use HYpalon for rail rods in CAlifornia. They do make rail rod composite grips, I don't know who sells them though. Just go look at Seeker's factory rods, the Rail Boss series and see what they use on them. Since you never did this before don't invent a new wheel, after you've done the fishing you can tinker around with other materials. Cord is probably OK, uni butt and wood on a foregrip is.....not. The weight is obviously NO CONCERN since you have a heavy blank which will have a heavy reel and catch heavy fish and it will be rested on the rail. THink about it.

Why not wood ???

Bill - willierods.com

THink about it

As fare as I am concerned it is hard Will not flex as much with the blank as eva will But when laid on the rail will hold up better
A hard eva or whatever is cheaper Just glue it on and done
Even some section of slick butt with some added eva or hard cork on the ends can work

Do it simple and use a hard eva or hypalon

You sell the hard stuff -- Don't you

Bill - willierods.com

Hard and slick surfaces do NOT make a good rail rod fore grip. They are hard to control on the rail, could damage the rail when sliding and need to give/bend with the rod. Rail rod fore grips are typically 14" to 16" in length. As Billy said, Think about it. XTube over Hypalon is OK but cold shrink over Hypalon is better and tougher.

Great explanation, Mr. Jim.