I know that polyurethane is used as the core for carbon fiber grips, but Pac Bay has molded PU grips (no carbon fiber on them) that they say can just be coated with paint, rod finish, etc.

How durable are plain PU grips when painted or coated with epoxy, etc?

Any suggestions for a "soft touch" coating?

Thanks.

Dan

I have shaped, painted, and then rod finish coated 6 lb. and up density foam grips used for in your hand freshwater applications and have had no real durability problems for these types of use.

hi Dan..sounds like a good flocking project too.

I have successfully used rigid polyurethane foam for ramps off the front and back of spin reel seats since about 2011, have many rods in service, one failure due to my screwup. This is an untapped idea that would allow custom rod makers to offer something that no big box store or big rodmaker company has recognized. But unfortunately, the custom makers also don't seem to recognize the opportunity. Utilizing rigid foam for ramps has proven to me to work very well. Same for the grips that Ross has done. It should work for butt knobs, too. But for some reason there has been no recognition of the opportunity this idea presents. Come on, builders, open your minds to a new idea with much opportunity.

The Pac Bay grips are 18 lb foam, more than durable enough. Soft grip? Flock it. Super durable, easy to do, not expensive.

Thanks for the replies. I was concerned about the material and finish chipping, but that doesn't sound like a problem.

Being "lighter and harder than cork" (and less expensive) this seems like an interesting option.