Hi All.

I am looking for a source for foam cores for fly rod grips, to be covered in a carbon fiber mesh. I need them for a 1/4" mandrel.

I have made a couple of these grips and really like them. One of them finished in an automotive urethane, and the other finished in an automotive 'soft touch' clear.

This is for my own personal building, not for commercial use.


Cheers!

Pacific Bay Ready Foam Grips material can be bought unfinished or shaped. Any dealer that carries Pac Bay to the left.

Batson also sells foam cores ID .315" [www.getbitoutdoors.com]
Noticed that Riley rods is no longer a sponsor and his website is not functioning. Do not know what happened.
Norm

Norm, Have you used these? they are listed in the description as {Material: 18# Foam Core} 18 lb foam core has to be like wood ?? Just curious thanks!! Jaa

Jay, no I have not.used these, but was thinking about buying some to try. I can't believe they actually mean they are made with 18 lb foam, they would be very heavy and denser than wood, but that is what is also shown in their catalog. That 18# number must mean something else. I think I read somewhere that they are about 6lb foam, but would not swear to it. I guess one has to contact Batson to find out the actual type of foam used. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Norm

Hopefully Riley Rods is still in business. Looks like they are updating their website. Thier prices are more reasonable than the Batson cores.
Norm

I used the Baston Core.
Easy to turn (a dream).

Make really nice grip (a little on the heavy side for weight, weight of the core is same weight as if you have used cork).
Take less epoxy to seal (first layer) than lighter foam.

Very good product but not as light as 6 ot 8lb foam.

As you use less epoxy for the first coat the final product (Fly Grip) is only 3 to 4 grams heavier than similar with lighter foam (18grams vs 15grams in my case).

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Eric
[www.emfishing.fr]

Hello Eric.

Thanks for the info!

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Sounds like the Batson cores may be too heavy to use for fly rod grips. The PacBay ready foam grips might be a better option. Can also try Riley Rods foam cores.
Norm

==>

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Eric
[www.emfishing.fr]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/30/2017 03:48PM by Eric MONTACLAIR.

May be or not.
For me only the real world count,, and I only test the Batson (as I have no acess to PB core) .

And 18gr is acceptable (only 4gr heavier than cork), But each is own ;-)

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Eric
[www.emfishing.fr]

None of these are made with a 1/4" bore, that I can see. I was hoping for a nice fit with the blank. Should I just shim it and use the larger bore foam?

And for this rod, I want a light grip.

Is there no one here making cores like this?

If you can't find 1/4" bore foam cores, use dry wall tape as shim. It is extremely light and the mesh allows the epoxy to contact both the blank and handle/seat. Gives a very strong and reliable bond that will not fail.
Norm

What 2 part foam are they using?