Hello, I am need of some knowledge from experienced rod builders that know more than I on the purchase of a used surf rod.

This particular rod has cork tape wrapped for the grip material and over the cork tape is what appears that the builder has done is wrapped a X pattern of thread OVER the cork tape on the fore grip section of the handle. If my memory is correct I think that I have seen some custom rods done like this before but my question is I wonder how well will the thread over the cork tape grip will hold up? I was told that the rod is probably 8-10 years old and that the blank, guides, and wraps are in "fine" condition. The pictures shown do appear correct as well. I might add that the I think 1/4" wide pattern of thread work pattern does not look like it has any finish on it as it looks flat to me.

Is this a common thing to do in building custom rods? Last, the cork tape has seen better days as it has shrunk or the wraps of cork on the rear portion of the handle appears dried out and cracking and needs replacing but the cork fore grip where the thread work is looks fine. I am worrying that the thread X pattern would come loose.

Thoughts or is the areas I mentioned not to big of a job to replace?

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Sorry, I was just grousing a bit with the sub zero weather that we are having.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/06/2017 08:47PM by roger wilson.

Thanks Roger for putting things in perspective for me.

The rod is a All Star Breakaway 1418 or 11-9" rated 3-6 oz. A light heaver for drum fishing.

I suppose the amount of type of use the rod gets will determine how well such a thing holds up. In any case, it should be easy to repair, replace or simply remove if you don't like it.

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