Hey guys so I have always built my rods trying to use the least amount of finish and thread possible to keep the blank as sensitive as possible. However, I would like to try a diamond wrap on a rod simply because I have never done one before. What I am thinking though is, if I put the diamond wrap in the split grip, between the butt and rear grip section of the rod, should that hurt the sensitivity at all as I will be holding the rod above that place?

Any weight added will affect a rod, but the small amount of weight added in this location should have an imperceptible effect in the finished product.

You get a far more noticeable change from guide train selection (and the weight of thread and finish) out near the tip of a delicate rod. Don't worry about it, enjoy the experience and your results.

If you switch from nylon monofilament line, which stretches from 6% to 16%, to super braid line, which stretches about 3%, the "sensitivity" of the rod in your hand will increase by 100% to 500%. The rod can't "sense" what is not transmitted.

This rod is going to be a flipping stick. I will be fishing around a lot of wood and rocks, so I will be using fluorocarbon rather than mono or braid. I may end up using braid at some point, but it will be fc at first.

If you're buying quality blanks and using the smallest guides within reason chances are the rod's gonna be more sensitive than you are. If you really want to maintain sensitivity make sure to keep the DNA off your hands as much as possible. Lynn

Cameron;
Absolutely will loose some sensitivity.

But in this case, putting the wrap behind the reel seat will pull the balance point further to the rear of the rod, which in the case of a flipping stick, may increase bite detection, reduce fatigue, and aid in the pendulum effect of flipping your bait.

Thus improving your over all performance

Awesome thanks guys!

Cameron,
You can test for yourself.
Build the rod with no butt decorative wrapping.

Then, add the decorative wrapping and finish.

Go fishing.

I would doubt very much if you would detect any difference in the rod.

I agree with Steve that the rod will lose some sensitivity. But, I doubt that you as a user would notice the difference.

Give it a test and find out.

If you do it, let us know what you find.

Be safe