My latest rod build is a Hatteras heaver - about 13', carbon fiber, 22mm diameter at the butt. For the handle I want to do a solid length of shrink tubing (that 'x' pattern stuff from Mudhole) to keep the lower part of the blank protected and so that I can use coasters to mount a conventional reel wherever I want (high-reel, low-reel, etc.).

Being as paranoid as I am about a carbon fiber rod, I want to add extra support in areas where I want to potentially mount the reel. My first idea was to do a long wrap with thread (leaving it un-epoxied should I want to remove it some day) in these areas and put the shrink tubing over it. Turns out shrink tubing slides around and twists on the thread-wrapped surface so the reel doesn't stay put totally. Here are my questions...

1. Do I even need extra support aside from the naked carbon fiber blank with shrink tubing over it? My big fear is crushing the blank with the coasters.

2. If support is needed, is there an unobtrusive, level, sturdy material that I can put under the shrink tubing? This might be just as simple as putting electrical tape over the thread wrapping I described earlier. Would electrical tape stop the twisting/sliding problem?

Any other solution you guys can come up with would be appreciated too.

The best that shrink tubing, cord or cork tape will do is provide a slight cushion for the coasters to sit up thereby perhaps requiring less clamping pressure be used to prevent slippage. None of these handle items themselves will provide any additional crush resistance to the blank.

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Another option,is to build up the potential handle area with cork tape or cord,covering with the shrink tubing then using one of the adjustable graphite seats that Mudhole is clearing out. They adjust along the blank and tighten where desire. They fit between 28 and 30mm. Thus,the need to add something between the seat and blank. Not just for cushioning,but gap fitting as well.

Thanks! Are we thinking that coasters on a carbon fiber rod is a bad idea?

If those are what I believe they are,ie; fancy zip ties,then yes. Not a great idea without something acting as a barrier,or cushion between the reel and the blank.

There are fancy zip tie ones, and then also fancy hose clamp type ones.

"Not a great idea without something acting as a barrier, or cushion between the reel and the blank."

Would the shrink tubing I mentioned be enough?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/31/2018 11:35PM by Matthew Tuers.

I seriously doubt it.