Just received my first Carbon Fiber grips by CFX. I have never used this material before, only EVA and cork. Are they supposed to be coated with some type of resin or used as is?

Thanks

Either, it's up to you. Durability isn't an issue either way.

Either way.

A smooth coated finish actually improves the tactile function of the grip by putting more surface in contact with your hand. And no ,this does not make the grip "slippery. Just opposite in fact. Consider playing basketball on a non-finished wood floor versus one with a coat of varnish or urethane. The latter are more "sticky" for lack of a better word.

But, It's entirely up to you. Many use them as is and prefer them that way. Do what you like in this regard. They do not require a top coat for any sort of protection or longevity, if that is your concern.

.............

I left mine raw and they work great. I built a split grip on a point blank 7'6 MH. They aren't slippery at all when wet or slimey which is a plus for me.

I posed this question directly to CFX and was told the grips are designed and manufactured to be used raw.

I have done them both ways, and don't find them to be uncomfortable to fish with, either way. Below is a link to a picture of the butt of my drop shot rod. It is a stock CFX fighting butt that I top coated with the lay up epoxy that comes with the CFX kit that Mud Hole offers. After top coating it with the lay up epoxy, I sanded it so that the surface was smooth and even, then did a final top coat with Permagloss.

I really love the way it looks, and other than being slippery if your have fish slime or other oily substances, like sun screen on your hands, it is not slippery at all.

[www.rodbuilding.org]