Grip Question??

silverbullet · Mar-16-2007, 07:56 PM

Ive been noticing that many of the custom rods are now using the "x pattern shrink tube" for grips. I was at my tackle shop yesterday and some of the rods had sort of a spiral under the shrink tube. I was wondering how the wrappers are doing this cause I would like to do it on some of my rods.
Thanks
matt

**fishnfool** · Mar-16-2007, 08:07 PM

I think it is tuna cord wrapped over the cork before applying the shrink tube.

vilters · Mar-16-2007, 08:14 PM

i have a couple rods with x-tube over tuna cord handle, works well, great grip. i have had my reel turn on the handle while fighting fish on a couple rods i have that i put x-tube over cork tape.

mogambosquid · Mar-16-2007, 08:58 PM

That x tube is good stuff, I was told by the shop I get mine at to wrap the cork tape with a spiral of friction tape to keep the x tube from slipping. This might be what you are seeing because it shows through as a faint 1/2" wide spiral going up the grip. Use the edge of the cork tape as a guide to get a clean, even spiral.

silverbullet · Mar-16-2007, 09:17 PM

Re: Grip Question??
<HR style="COLOR: #990000" SIZE=1>That x tube is good stuff, I was told by the shop I get mine at to wrap the cork tape with a spiral of friction tape to keep the x tube from slipping. This might be what you are seeing because it shows through as a faint 1/2" wide spiral going up the grip. Use the edge of the cork tape as a guide to get a clean, even spiral.
Yeah I think that is what it probably was.... thanks for the quick replies guys!!
Matt

1:11 · Mar-16-2007, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverbullet

Re: Grip Question??
<HR style="COLOR: #990000" SIZE=1>That x tube is good stuff, I was told by the shop I get mine at to wrap the cork tape with a spiral of friction tape to keep the x tube from slipping. This might be what you are seeing because it shows through as a faint 1/2" wide spiral going up the grip. Use the edge of the cork tape as a guide to get a clean, even spiral.
Yeah I think that is what it probably was.... thanks for the quick replies guys!!
Matt

Yes but you leave a gap in the cork tape. Put a couple 2-3 strands of tuna cord on the bottom edge of your cork, this way your gap is uniform all the way down the handle. Once the cork tape is on, remove the tunacord leaving a little channel. Make sure to use contact cement or stabond with a cheap .59cent paint brush from depot before installing and heating the xtube. If you dont use contact cement, the xflocked may (and on heavier rods) will slip and move which kind of blows.

Good luck if you try this grip system. Even without the channel groove it is very comfy.