A couple Carbon Fiber Handle rods I am building.

[Rich G]

Hi, I thought I would post a photo of a couple carbon fiber handle rods I am building. The spinning rod is almost done, just need to apply the rod and line specs between the grips. I just have the handle glued on the casting rod. Spinning rod is a Rainshadow ISB822.5 , 6'10", 6'11" now, MXF drop shot rod. Casting rod is a St. Croix old Avid 3C68MXF , it is a inch longer also with the added balance chamber in the rear grip piece. I think these rods may be my best results yet. Light weight handles and the use of micro guides. They make my previous rods seem like dinosaurs. Have a great day, Rich.

[carySE406]

Awesome!!!   I would have a hard time fishing with it though, its so beautiful... :-*

[Rich G]

Hi J-FOWL, thank you for your compliment. They should stand up to wear and tear pretty well, carbon fiber is some pretty tough stuff. The handles are cleared with outdoor spar urethane and should hold up well outdoors with a little care. Thanks again for your compliment, have a great day, Rich.

[JayW]

Looks good!

[flechero]

Very nice!

[bhorlings]

Those are awesome! How did you make them?

[Rich G]

  Hi ls1jay, flechero, and Bucketmouth Fishing. Thank you for your compliments.

  Bucketmouth Fishing, You had asked how they are made. They start out as expanding foam poured into core and turned to shape on a lath. Then the foam shapes are routed to fit the reel seat and trigger piece. They are then laminated over with a carbon fiber sleeve and cleared with spar urethane. This type grip is a cooperative endeavor that Tom Kirkman of RodMaker Magizine, rodbuilding.org , and Andy Dear at Lamar Fishing came up with. Tom and Andy had written a  article in his rod building magazine about making Carbon Fiber Grips. I am a happy RodMaker Magazine subscriber and decided to give this type of grip a try. Rod building is as addictive as fishing and more fun in the winter. Have a great day, Rich.

[bhorlings]

Thanks. I guess I will have to pick up a rodbuilder mag or two now.

[Rayraff]

The second one looks great, you did a nice job.  I love the look of carbon fiber on just about anything.

[Rich G]

Hi Rayraff, Thank you for your compliment. I agree I like the second grip the best also. When I set the Carbon Fiber sleeve over the foam core it is a pretty much a one shot deal. I decided to paint and clear the grips that the carbon weave did not go on the way I wanted it to. Thank you again for your compliment, have a great day, Rich.

[harshman]

Great looking work...I admire you guys that make rods. It takes a lot more patience than this jig maker has.

Harshman

[islandbass]

Wow. They are way beyond 10 on the coolness scale.  Are the spilt grip carbon fiber pieces purchased that way and where can one get such bad boys.

I too like the look of carbon fiber. Well done, Rich!

[Rich G]

  Hi harshman and islandbass, thank you for your compliments.

  islandbass, I think for the time being you would have to make those grips yourself like I did. I do not know of anyone at the moment that makes them for sale retail. You could check in at rodbuilding.org from time to time and see if anyone there has them for sale. I expect a lot of good things ahead for custom rod builders with the new materials being used and the rod building components that are just becoming available in the USA. Have a great day, Rich.

[islandbass]

Much appreciated, Rich.  If things work out right soon, I am going to delve into this rod building thing, knowing full well, I am probably going to get hooked onto it really bad.  ;D Thanks.

-ib

[ghost]

Very, very nice!  I dont' think the big mfg's could do a rod like those.

Now, do you build rods & sell them?  If so, please PM.

[Rich G]

 Hi ghost and islandbass, thank you for your compliments.

 ghost, I do not make them for sale at the moment. I have seen and been reading that ReelMech hear at this site builds custom fishing rods and I think you would have one heck of a rod if he built one for you. Or you could try rodbuilding.org. Custom rod builders from all over the united states and world for that matter, visit that web site regularly.

  islandbass, I think you will really enjoy making your own fishing rod and learning first hand what works great and does not work so well. The fun part is building, testing and trying to build better and better tools. Have a great day, Rich.