I am going to be building a few rods with this blank. 7' Line Weight 12-40 Action Fast Butt OD .765 Tip Size 8 Product Description X-Fast Live Bait,
I plan on using an 8-9" eva rear grip and an 8" fore grip. What size ID grips should i use? 1/2? Also what size reel seat should i use? 22mm? I would really appreciate your help with this one! Thanks for your help!

Kevin Gross
Many men will spend their whole life wondering if they made a difference. Marines dont have that problem - Ronald Regan

Sounds like you have a decent list already going. I'd just ask the dealer your using to size the components to the blank. With the lengths already thought out it will only take them a few minutes.

I'm far from an expert so take what I say with a grain of (rock) salt...This past Saturday I started on my first attempt at using EVA for a grip. It was on a heavy salt water rod, 7 foot and I think the butt diameter was 0.875. The id of the 9 inch grip I was using was 0.75". I have heard thta EVA is supposed to expand to accomodate that diameter difference, but for whatever reason, I was unable to position the grip all the way down. Even using what I consider a LOT of force, I was unable to get the grip all the way down. I ended up having to cut off about 7" from the butt. (I know I threw out all relationship to the intended power/action/recommended guide spacing etc, but I had no option. The rod is a gift for my father in law, I think he'll still appreciate it.)

Long answer to sizing an EVA grip, if the butt was significantly different from my recollection of 0.875", I'll correct this when I get home and measure it. Realizing that this pairing (0.875 butt with a 0.75" grip id) should have worked, I think my problem was the result of using an epoxy mix (ProPaste I think) that was too cold, thus very viscous, and it didn't provide much in the way of lubrication.

John

I ream mine so when the eva is slid down it will stop about at least half the distance it will sit at
Makes life a lot easier
if you are unsure of the size you are ordering get two They are cheap

Bill - willierods.com

John,
No reason to really have to force on a grip, or expand a grip very much.

Just ream the grip, as Bill suggested so that the grip just come to a stop a 1/2 inch or so from its final position.

Apply epoxy to inside of grip, and blank and slip into place.

Good luck
Roger