Hi all,

I have a CTS Affinity X 9' 7wt 4pc fly blank that I am considering fitting out with a carbon sleeved foam core grip. I have never seen one of these grips in person, but intrigued by the good press the type gets in terms of lightness and sensitivity.

I am considering ordering the grip from Mudhole, the CFX 7.5" with cut out. My questions to those who have experience with these grips are as follows:

I want to try to order a winding check that will work simultaneously with the mentioned grip and the relatively thin butt section of the rod. Looking for advice on the type of check that will give a satisfying transition (in other words, how thick does the check need to be to conceal any potential issues where the woven sleeve is taken down to minimum diameter?).

I am also looking for advice as to what to order in order to make a matching fighting butt from to match the grip.

Thank you kindly.

Get the Batson carbon fiber grip and get the matching fighting butt while you're at it.

The CTS affinity fly rod blanks are fantastic. Recently built a CTS 8 wgt for a fiend and used the carbon fiber grip, but did not use a winding check. Just did a thread wrap and it looked great. I have use the rubber/vinyl winding with several other CFX fly rod grips. They are very light, will stretch to fit snuggly, blend in with the grip very nicely, and are inexpensive. I have gotten to the point where I would rather not use a winding check, if I don’t have to. [www.mudhole.com]
Norm

I also like the Batson carbon fiber fighting butt very much, it also matches the CFX grips. The Batson carbon fiber grips are also very nice, but are slightly heavier than the CFX grips because they use a denser foam core. I like to coat carbon fiber grips with a coat of Permagloss, to give them a little more sheen.
Norm

The FAWC swooped Aluminum checks pair nicely, its an elegant option for a fly rod: [www.mudhole.com]. The CFX Fighting butts can be used as a fighting butt for a fly rod as well: [www.mudhole.com] if you prefer a bit more carbon, use a foregrip and plug the end with a rubber butt plug.

Kind Regards,

Brook Oliva
Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc.
brook@mudhole.com
(866)-790-RODS