I'm new to rod building and was wondering how to select the
right type and size of grip for various blanks.

Thanks,

Dave

David

What type rod, fly or spin or bait cast, and what weight, length, etc.? Hard to help you without rod specifics.

Thing thing about grips is they are like shoes and gloves. If the grip does not fit the user's hand it is going to be an uncomfortable experience.

Well I'd like to build a 5'6" UL spinning rod for trout.

David,
Being old-school, I like cork especially for a trout rod. Mud Hole has a large selection of premade cork and foam, solid and split grips to avoid the need to stack and glue cork rings together. You will need to ream the inside of the grip to match the blank. Reamers are also available at Mud Hole or you can spiral wrap 3/8in wide strips of 80 grit on the blank itself. For your first attempt at rod building consider purchasing a complete rod building kit from them rather than frustrating yourself trying to get all the matching pieces individually.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I much prefer carbon grips, for their weight, sensitivity, and unique looks

Tom

For a 5'6" ul trout rod, I would put a cork tennessee grip on the rod that is 8 inches long. II would make the grip a constant .8 inches in diameter

Keep in mind the grip size should conform to the hand, not the rod.

..................

Thanks for feedback, guys.

Best bet for a new builder would be to buy a kit, and I recommend longer than 5' 6" for longer casts and better hook sets. My experiences with the shorter ulta-lights were a series of frustrations with lost fish. My best experience with an ultralight is the 7 1/2 foot 2 wt fly blank build into a spin rod. But you cannot find that kind of kit.

[www.mudhole.com] 6' 6"

Better to start with a kit for someone with little or no experience and grow from there.

Mudhole has a lot of kits, check them out at Mudhole.com.

Keep in mind that my recommendation and all the others are opinions, not absolutes, and reflect our individual judgments and preferences based on our experiences.

I'd have to agree with Michael on several points. 5'6" is pretty short and could limit you with some presentations. Of course, if casting room is limited 5'6" could be just the ticket.

Myself personally, and I've never used a rod with a Tennessee handle, but that's because of the way the reel is attached to the handle. If I want to detach the reel from the rod, I simply want to unscrew the reel seat nut and hood. As was said earlier, grip type, the material it's made of, and the size of it are pretty much open to what you like. For me personally I'd go with EVA foam as a grip material over cork. But again, as Michael mentioned, its a matter of personal preference.

And, while I understand the suggestions to start with a kit, it isn't the route I went when I started building. This web site, along with several of the links to the left as well as the library portion of the site have more than enough information for you to be able to put together everything you need. Kits, although some of them allow the buyer a few options, still limit you to certain items. I started building so I could choose the parts I wanted.

As you can see, the members of this site are very helpful, if you have questions about some of the things you may want to get or something about guide trains or reel seats or anything ........ they're going to help you out. The members here are some of the most unselfish people I have ever encountered on a web site. If you need help, they're going to help you.

I know they helped me a ton!

The streams here in western Pa. are mostly narrow and brushy.
That's why I always have used a shorter rod, and I use spinners, not bait.

I actually want to design my own rod. I guess as a challenge to myself.
The kits are great, but I want learn how to select and build,
not just assemble

I appreciate all the feedback and will gather in all the info and ideas.

Thanks

Dave

To complicate matters, some people with large hands prefer small grips, while some people with small hands prefer large grips. Finding exactly what the user prefers (if, indeed, he knows?) and providing it is the main justification for having a custom rod built - and paying for it.

To complicate matters, some people with large hands prefer small grips, while some people with small hands prefer large grips. Finding exactly what the user prefers (if, indeed, he knows?) and providing it is the main justification for having a custom rod built - and paying for it.

Boy , if you could get a hold of an Lew's SpeedStick Grip screw lock handle that hides the reel feet from one of their UL rods, that would be the ticket to a small stream rod. I think the whole handle was about 9" Model #LSH. One of the most comfortable handles ever made.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

I used to have a couple Lew's Speed Sticks.
Your right they were awesome grips. Probably the nicest rods I
ever fished with. Great idea. I'll look around.

Thanks

Dave

Yes I agree those old Lew's LSH spin handles were great. Used up the last of my stash a few years back on several spin rods I made for a friend. Almost regret doing that. Wish they were still being made using modern materials; they would be awesome. Maybe some manufacturer will get the idea to reintroduce a lightweight modern version of them.
Norm

Norm, I would like to see one of a 24"-28" model for surf rods.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Good reply, David, especially,”The kits are great, but I want to learn how to select and build, not just assemble”. I am a newbie and have never considered a kit nor intend to. I enjoy over-thinking just about everything, which the members of this site are painfully aware of. While the kits certainly serve their purpose, they are obviously not for everyone. So, my hat is off to you and go-for-it!
I have no idea what you guys are talking about concerning the Lew’s LSH spin handle, but you certainly have my attention and interest. I would like to learn more, but a personal email might be more courteous to David and this post.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Thanks Mark.