what type of top coat do I put on the carbon grips I could use FLEX COAT but it will turn color in time any help ??

William Sidney
AK

You can use epoxy if you like, although I don't find it to be the best product for top coating these grips. I like PermaGloss. It's thin, light and won't ever yellow. But, it can't be used as a sealer to fill depressions or holes - it's too thin and would take many, many coats for that. So you either need to sand your grip smooth at the outset, or use an epoxy as a sealer-filler and then top coat with something like PermaGloss.

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Have ordered, back issues of ROD MAKER on how to do the the fiber grips , THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP

William Sidney
AK

Bill,

I built a rod for a return client and he requested a carbon fiber split grip. Not having a lot of experience with making a carbon fiber split grip, I order one from a vendor and it was beautiful. Coated with epoxy and really pretty. A couple of months later he returned and ask me to cut it off and replace with a cork split greip, which I did. He explained that he had almost lost the rod in the water, while casting a large plastic worm the rod had slipped out of his hand. He said he had caught it in midair and almost had a heart attack!

I would suggest coating the carbon fiber grip with Perma Gloss and applying just enough coats to retain some gripping adhesion.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

I think a lot of grip slippage is from grip shape not the material. I myself and many others have had rod slippage from all materials. The old Lew's reverse taper spinning rod grip, and casting split grips with a slightly larger diameter swell, just behind the reel seat, that fits the depression in the center of my palm work well for me.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/12/2018 02:35PM by Spencer Phipps.

PermaGloss, two coats. It provides a nice sheen finish and plenty of friction for grip.

Right, smooth and slippery are not the same thing. Hammer handles have been finished with a smooth varnish or urethane coating for years but they are not slippery, even when wet. The shape is the key.

Surface for surface, you can easily slide your fingers on cork, but not on the carbon fiber grips coated with PermaGloss. These actually require you to loosen your grip and move your fingers into the new position.

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2 coats of urethane I hope that will do it or one of epoxy a one of urethane , not sure yet waiting for the back issues of rod maker to decide ,
got them on order as I type with one finger ,

William Sidney
AK

I use them for fly rod grips, and I always coat carbon fiber with epoxy. It makes a big difference. The grip becomes sticky with wet hands. Plus you can put your rod label on the grip. I haven't tried permagloss on the grips yet but I'm sure it work. Permagloss is a great product.