I pick up this rod from a friend. Damage to the cork handle is from the very butt end, up 1 1/2". Apperently it was smashed in the trunk lid of his car. My thoughts before seeing the rod, but talking to him about it on the phone, was to repair the cork rings. Now that I have the rod physically in my hands. First thing I notice, is the cork handle and foregrip are the ugliest cork handles, compared to any of the rods I own. I must say, other than one G Loomis fly rod. The rest are low budget Shimano's, a few Quantum, a fleuger or two. Even one very low budget, older glass Zebco rod with cork fingergrip reel seat is "much" more pleasing to the eye. Than what exists on the Lami rod with damaged cork handle.

Secondly, for the most part, the damaged area of cork is not attached to the rod blanc. The cork rings are connected to each other. But are floating on the rod blank. Due to a void that exists, between cork and rod blank. To me, and I am not a rod instpector or have a quality control background. But it appeas when the handle was installed originally. There was a void or air space, between cork and rod blank. Plus, where some of the damaged cork is missing, and the rod blank exposed. I would expect a high percentage of cork residue, to be stuck to the rod blank. The rod blank has no cork stuck to it on 98% of it. There appears to be something on the rod blank, making the surface rough. Must be glue.

I can only describe what I am seeing. Since, I have only built one rod, and have no idea how a rod blank looks when cork is removed from it. Eather because of damage, or a replacement. Can any of you specialist help with this? Does this sound like a workmanship issue?

Being that this model is shiped over seas. Is it possible the handle is installed as single unit? Or for the cork rings to have a air space/void in it when installed?

My delemma is. Do I fix the damaged cork rings (which is (3) 1/2" and (1) 1/4" rings? Or, replace the handle, reel seat, and forgrip because it is ugly? There is more filler on the cork handle and forgrip. Than any of the less expensive, much older rods I own.

This is a one piece, 7ft rod. With 9 eyelets plus tip top. If I am understanding the order of operation here. The rear cork grip could be replaced from the rear, once removed ? But, replacingt the reel seat and forgrip would require removing all guide's? This rod has a small area of exposed rod blank, just behind the trigger. Which looks like the reel seat has no build up, but is snugly fit on the rod blank? Therefore must go on and off from the tip end?

If I repair the cork damage. Is there a skin option ot some kind? To cover up the ugly step child of a cork handle and foregrip?

Hi Wayne,
You can replace both grips and the seat from the rear if you don't want to cut off all the guides if the wraps are good. Remove everything, spiral cut the seat carefully and prise open with a screwdriver and just cut the grips off and sand lightly to get an even surface. Both grips and the seat need to have a bore just big enough to go over the butt of the blank. If there isn't a lot of taper on the blank it will be easy. If you have a lot of taper the you will need to bind the blank with thread so that you get uniform diameter over the length of the grip. Once you have a snug fit then glue it on with epoxy then get a full length arbor glued in the seat then ream it out to fit the blank and glue on. Put the rear grip on the same way as the foregrip, you may or may not have to bind again to match the diameters.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

X10 on Col's comments.
Cut off the old components.
Use a razor held perpendicular to remove any residual glue.
Build up the blank as needed with masking tape, so that it is a constant diameter from the butt of the rod, to the front of the new fore grip.

Then, slip on a fore grip, reel seat and butt grip - gluing with epoxy as you go.

It should only take an hour or so to complete the repair.

Be safe
Roger