I plan on building a downrigger rod, to be used on the saltwater, primarily for salmon up to 40+ lbs. I'll use a graphite lower grip, and thinking about using eva, with flocked shrink wrap (Mudhole) over it, for the upper grip.
Can anyone comment re: the durability of the shrink wrap in this application ? thanks

It's pretty good. Pretty tough stuff.

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Thanks...I just talked to a rodbuilder/supplier, who said the same. He uses it for heavy duty boat and halibut rods. He says it's very durable, easy to use, and, should it get worn/weathered over the years, easy to strip off and replace. Looks like I'll be going ahead with it.

I have used the non flocked shrink for years on my surf rods , i use cord to do an X pattern on the bare blank and when the cord is tight and stabilized i put shrink over it and that stuff takes a brutal beating with no problems so you should be very pleased. I did recently replace one surf rod grip to try out the Winn overwrap but i haven't had a chance to see how that will hold up yet .


I have also used Plasti Dip instead of shrink to create a durable and sticky feeling rear grip in the past and that also works very very well . You just slowly rotate the butt of the rod with a low rpm finishing type motor and spray light coats of the Plasti Dip length wise in light coats and let dry until you obtain the thickness you prefer .

When that stuff dries it's as durable a grip as you will find and it's still very easy to remove by very lightly scoring the rubber grip ( Not the blank) and peeling right off . The rubber is very tough and stretchable and comes in many different colors . Make sure you do it outside on a very low humidity day .

I've used it on many surfcasting and bottom fishing rods. Holds up very well. Tight lines!

I have coated a few cork handles with thread master lite while wrapping guides and to my surprise they are very grippy not slippery at all when wet . Tough stuff and you can actually see your wraps , patterns or whatever you put on the handle .



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/18/2018 03:45PM by ron zimmerman.

ron zimmerman Wrote:
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> I have coated a few cork handles with thread
> master lite while wrapping guides and to my
> surprise they are very grippy not slippery at all
> when wet . Tough stuff and you can actually see
> your wraps , patterns or whatever you put on the
> handle .

Good to know..I'll have to give it a try on some of my custom cork grips. I've been using Tru-Oil or spar varnish...This may be simpler and faster (fewer coats)
Thanks for the idea!