Looking to build a casting rod and am looking at the carbon fiber grips as something different then cork and EVA. Having never seen or held a carbon fiber grip, I am wondering if they are something that is slippery when its wet and or slimy from fish?seems like it almost looks like plastic in the pictures and plastic would definitely get slippery.

Thank you

They are fine, look at the NFC grips, link on the left.

I like carbon fiber grips, most of my personal rods are equipped with them. I find them to be extremely durable, and quite comfortable, plus they look good. I’ve never found them to be slippery. NFC has a large selection of carbon fiber grips at a good price. The CFX and Batson CF grips are almost identical to the regular NFC CF grips. The NFC soft touch grips are similar to the American Tackle G2 grips.
Norm

I haven't used them myself yet, but plan too. I'm pretty sure I saw somewhere the density of the foam core is higher in the NFC grip. How different do the soft grip feel vs regular?

The rods I built for my use have a carbon fiber fore grip and a cork rear grip.

I applied two coats of U-40 Perma-gloss on the fore grip and U-40 cork seal on the rear grip before I installed them.

The fore grip is comfortable, never feels slippery, sheds water, cleans easily and seems indestructible..

Works for me.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/26/2022 07:51PM by John DeMartini.

Do most of you fish the carbon fiber grips as they come, or do you clear coat them? I usually have clear coated them but thinking about trying some as they come from NFC and CFX.

For the regular CF grips I’ve done it both ways, uncoated or clear coated with a coat or two of Permagloss. Basically the only difference is appearance, Permagloss gives a little more sheen. The soft touch grips I don’t clear coat, they are smoother but still not slick or slippery. I like both types and have not had problems with either.
Norm

They're not slippery. Smooth and slippery are two different things. Shape plays a major role. Ever used a smooth, highly varnished hammer handle? Not slippery, even when wet.

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I love carbon fiber grips, and much prefer them to cork or foam. The texture makes it so they are not slippery, even when wet or when a good day's fishing leaves a bit of slime on them from your hands.

I've used the regular carbon fiber grips from Northfork and their soft-touch grips. I wouldn't recommend coating either of them. Having used both, I'm very fond of the soft-touch version.

Used carbon grips on my last build . They are definitely not slippery . I used the standard NFC grips because the soft touch was not available for the seat I wanted to use . I love the standard grips . Did I mention they are not slippery :)
Ron