I am looking to do a cord wrap butt grip on a 12'6" surf rod. I have done cord wraps over drywall tape/epoxy base before but now I am wondering if I can do it over a urethane foam core. The thickness of the foam core layer would be appr. 3mm. The cord is Atwood Rope 1/16" diameter micro cord. I apply two or three coats of Perma Gloss over the cord wrap.

Any thoughts on whether the foam core will have the rigidity needed not to indent under the cord wrap? These rods get handled rough in pvc tube rod racks on the back of ATV's.

I don't want to use carbon fiber wraps simply for cosmetic reasons. The blank itself (American Tackle Atrex 3.5 lb, 2-4 oz) has a very visible carbon fiber pattern and I don't like how they look together.

I suppose I could do the carbon fiber and then the cord wrap over that, but that seems tedious.

And I don't want to use shrink wrap.

Anyone have any experience with these issues?

I've done it and it works fine. You will want to use at least 8lb density foam.

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I had great results with finished cord. My first attempt with CFX foam core and seiners twine suffered some denting and shifted a bit on the steeper tapers, but that was from serious jetty and wading staff abuse. Higher density foam and porous cord soaked in PG has survived almost 3 years now. Personally, I love the feel.

How do you know what density the foam is? The common sources don't seem to list that detail.

If you make your own the product will list the density. We specified 8lb for all around best use.

If you buy pre-made foam you'll have to ask the maker what they used.

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