Composite envisions has decent prices on braided sleeve, also. Thanks for the link.
I am not really bothered by the price of the foam core sold by CFX, it is the fact that they do not have a small diameter core for fly rods, nor do they have 1.5" diameter for bigger rods. 1.15" is kinda 'limp'.
For the fly rod grips, I do not like the larger 3/8" i.d. for smaller trout sized rods, as I like a nice tapered fit directly to the blank. I like CF grips for fly rods. Also, I like to be careful in how the braided sleeve lays out where it meets the rod in front. I like a minimal size winding check, and do not want to have to cover up any gaps that do not need to be there. A 3/8 grip i.d does not work for me on a 3 wt. rod. Before wetting the cloth, I make sure that the lay of the cloth is in line and looks good. Then I use a couple of zip ties close to the grip, and finish the tensioning with some smaller waxed string, wrapping right up to very close to where the grip starts.
I like the CF grips finished out smooth, 3 coats of epoxy after wetting the cloth, sanded out completely flat. For a finish, I have been using this 'Soft Touch urethane made by Alsa Corp. It is super expensive, but I already have it in my finishing materials. Also, it is definitely a professional product, needing heat to cure, a bopna fide spray booth with clean air, an air supply respirator to work with, and top quality spray equipment with a professional paint compressed air system with clean, dry air.. The feeling of this finish is almost like cork, it has a nice velvety sheen, and it is extremely tough. It is used on some custom finishes on 'super cars'. Cool stuff. I have also finished grips in 2k gloss urethane, color sanded. I like that, too. What I do not like, especially for a fly rod, are cork grips that has any larger imperfections that my fingers notice, distracting my mind. With the difficulty in finding nice cork, CF foam grips are a great solution. I have not yet made any grips which retain the full texture of wetted cloth with no excess resin. Will have to try that sometime. I just imagine that eventually the dried fish slime buildup would become difficult to clean.
I really appreciate being shown how to make these grips. Super cool.
The investment in mandrels, molds, foam and such, plus the time in learning, the cost is real, not too bad, but the creative possibilities are opened right up.
[
alsacorp.com]
