Good afternoon all! I had someone build a rod for me with Carbon grips.3-5 years ago. CFX was the grip brand I believe. Long story short the core of the grip was coming apart almost like it’ was dissolving. Does anyone have a clue to possibly why? The builder says the maker of the grip has or had issues. Which all brings me to today. Was there a core issue or a carbon interface issue. I’m new to rod building however I have been tackle crafting for 10 yrs so my basic skill set is solid. I’m a detail type person and don’t want to repeat the issue as the rod was built with quality components .

Thanks in advance
Tight lines

Could it have been crushed?
Pretty sure the core is urethane foam.

For the most part, the carbon skin is just paint, the core is the strength. Years ago, I saw a 160 lb. fellow at CFX here in Oregon step on a bare grip without damaging it and my 130 lb. wife has done it also. About the only way I could think of that isn't pretty drastic is if the core had an air bubble in it before the skin was installed. I had some of my own hand pours do that, but not a commercial foam that is done in controlled conditions.

Wallace coulter Wrote:
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> Good afternoon all! I had someone build a rod for
> me with Carbon grips.3-5 years ago. CFX was the
> grip brand I believe. Long story short the core of
> the grip was coming apart almost like it’ was
> dissolving. Does anyone have a clue to possibly
> why? The builder says the maker of the grip has or
> had issues. Which all brings me to today. Was
> there a core issue or a carbon interface issue.
> I’m new to rod building however I have been
> tackle crafting for 10 yrs so my basic skill set
> is solid. I’m a detail type person and don’t
> want to repeat the issue as the rod was built with
> quality components .
>
> Thanks in advance
> Tight lines


Made the way that Andy and I originated them, there was no problem with any sort of "interface" issue. I still have the very first foam-core, carbon-skin grips ever made and they're pushing 17 years old now and appear, function and are as sound as they were when I made them.

I cannot speak to the methods used by subsequent makers. Quality of foam, process, etc., have been subject to small changes based on what any manufacturers may have required to mass produce them.

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The outer carbon sleeve was still intact just the backer was falling apart. Now that I know it was an”carbon interface” issue. (Installer) that puts my fear to rest. I kinda thought I smelled @#$%& when he gave me the excuse.

I wonder if he used a solvent when cleaning up during the build that affected the foam core? I know acetone will eat certain foams. Maybe it was that?

As for a problem with CFX grips of that era. I suppose it's possible, but I have CFX grips from that era on a couple of my rods and they are just fine. I also built a grip using their grip making kit and it too is as strong as when I built it.

I think David may have the answer with the solvent suggestion. As has been stated many times on this forum there is no need to apply any solvent to a blank to "clean it up." The surface prep procedure in the library is best.

I have another rod he did same material different style and have had no issues. He very well may have used acetone. The core reminded me of the old floral foam for fake flowers. I could push my finger in it and it would collapse. I like the grips but was concerned about it.. Thanks for the knowledge and help.

I would say either a bad foam pour, or, as David said, solvent got it. Never had an issue with CFX grips.

Using solvent on the blank would not affect the foam core. You'd have to pour it onto/into the core and keep it there for awhile to cause damage. Somebody just did a bad job on the foam construction.

I specified what type and density foam should be used for the core. I cannot control what others actually use or how they do it, but they are not all the same.

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