Whats everyones experience with premade grips. I know that good cork is getting scarce! What companies out there offer nice grips at reasonable $$.

Ive only purchased 3 grips so far, 2 for $28.00 each plus shipping from one company and one for $17.95plus shipping from another . Apples to apples the more expensive grips were not $10.00 (64% more expensive) nicer than the less pricey grips. The better grips had less fill but the holes were much larger than the thin straight grooves on the $17.95 grip.

Short of hand selecting rings and turning ones own grips is it hit and miss with pre formed stuff ?, or are there mfgs that offer fairly consistant product quality for reasonable $$ Ive noticed most grips retail from $15.00-$20.00. $35.00 including shipping seems a bit much for what you get!


Just want to get a Grip on things ! Many Thanks "John"

i use premade tn handle spinning grips from janns. they are exactly the same as the tn handles loomis used to use. they cost $8.50 each, and are great quality (in my opinion)

I have been using the same vendor in Portugal for the past ten years. The reason being is his consistency from shipment to shipment, delivery schedules, and the competitive pricing. We supply many of the sponsors of this board with their pre-shaped cork handles. Please feel free to conatct us, and we will forward a list of suppliers that we have experienced, that do offer consistency, as well as fair pricing.
Bob Batson
Rainshadow Rod Blanks
Forecast Rod Components

John,
We offer St. Croix handle kits with preformed cork grips with reel seat, arbors, winding checks included. These are good consistent quality. I find the fly cork is of better grade and priced accordingly. Since all is included in kit form they are convenient and work well for custom rod building.

As you mention the highest grades of cork are the most expensive.
Good A quality preformed cork we also get through Pac Bay and/or Batson (Forecast). It's very competetively priced and eliminates the hassles of the cork rings. It's really a preference of what you'll tolerate as a picky or not-so-picky rodbuilder. The highest grade rings and time in gluing and shaping may be the only way some will do it, but many custom rods are also built and look fine with preformed corks.
If price and time are a consideration, the preformed handles or kits are the best alternative. 'Get a grip'. I like that, John.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel.

Rich just started going over your new catalog, looks great and very competive pricing.

Ditto on the St Croix grips and handle kits. Very good quality, plenty of sizes and shapes and not bad $$$.

Thanks for the information everyone! I am only building rods for myself right now. I am learning through trial and error and on this forum what seems to work.

As for the grips cost is not a real concern just that the,quote "premium select" cork was not that much nicer than the struble standard grips.

I guess I was expecting , not perfect but cleaner than I received. I had to fill some deep holes in the $30.00 grips.

Im not opposed to turning my own grips its a time issue.

happy wrapping "John"