Larry Majkrzak Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "FACT: The closer you can keep types of materials
> in your build, the more sensitivity you will
> retain and feel what you retain. (Carbon graphite
> blanks, Carbon graphite grips, Carbon graphite
> seats)"
>
> Would this apply to the fighting butt as well? Or
> just the places of holding and touching the rod?
> The reason I asked is because I usually use EVA
> for the fighting butt just because it's very
> durable and I just like the way it looks. Also
> its about $10 cheaper than a carbon fiber butt.
> Maybe be a strange question but I want to make
> sure I am not missing anything.
>
> thanks,
> Larry

I might be speaking out of turn here but *I think* any time you add a material to the blank that will dampen vibration, that will alter the overall ability of the blank to transmit vibration, decreasing sensitivity. I don't know how much of a difference a small piece of EVA will make at the very end of the blank though, I hope Steve can chime in on that.

I can't wait to see your build! I do have a question about the guides though: Once you go with a size 6 stripper guide, could you not go straight to the runners, either 3's, 4's or 5's? Or is that transition too big a step down in overall size and guide height being so close to the reel?

I personally feel more comfortable with a slow step down in size transition. Others with more experience I'm sure will have more insight. Because the guides are already so small I'm not sure the difference is so dramatic but it's what I am comfortable with.

Also I went with the carbon butt to be safe :)

It has been my experience that you will get a further casting distance stepping down in guide size,

Yes anything you add to a blank dampens vibration and the more dissimilar the materials the greater the dampening.

Try this experiment: take a blank and hold it vertically about mid point suspended in air. Place a little piece of tape or pencil mark where you are holding.
Then with the other hand- thump it! (like you used to do to your friends on the top of the head when being mean)

pay attention to:
1. what you feel through the fingers of your hand holding blank.
2. strength of vibration
3. duration of vibration (how long you can feel them)
4. pitch or tone of vibration (what you hear)

Now add a piece of cork or EVA to the butt section of the blank. (About same amount you would use for a grip or split grip)
and hold in exact same place as before (reason for tape or pencil mark

Repeat the experiment . (can also repeat with each of the materials for a more thorough understanding)
Then do me a favor and post your results if any differences in what you feel, and what they are.

And let us know if either of those two materials effect sensitivity when applied to the butt.

Thanks for the clarification Steve, sounds like Larry's gut instinct of the step down is bang on. I'm happy to know that I understood what you said about the dissimilar materials. Thanks!

Where can i read more and how to use these carbon grips? I cant get the howto links to work on rileys site

Go to You Tube and search carbon fiber rod grips. They did a seminar about an hour and ten minutes long. Pretty informative stuff! Also Rod Builder Magazine wrote the article about it. Volume 10, issue 6 i think? Personally, I am going to buy some pre formed grips first, build with them, and fish with them. Then if I see a big improvement over cork and see a need for a lot more rod materials in my future, I'll cough up the dough to buy the molds, epoxy, and lathe. :) May your rods be bent and your lines be tight.