Slippery Cork Grip

[doublest]

Is there such a thing as a preferred method to remedy slippery cork grip on a pistol grip baitcast rod? I have had a few strokes and have a weak grip in my casting hand and would like to restore some of the tackiness to the grip without destroying the integrity of it. I ask for a reason; a couple of years ago while fishing in a drizzle, I made a cast and my grip was relaxed just enough to where the rod flew out of my hand and is still lying in the bottom of the lake. 

[J Francho]

Tennis racket grip tape?

[doublest]

Thanks, I'll pick some up and give it a go. One question, is this stuff tacky?

[FishTank]

Clean it with either a Magic Eraser or Go Jo Orange Hand Cleaner, sand it lightly (real lightly), and if you want use some cork sealer on it. 

[Penguino]

Or winn grips/

[Crestliner2008]

BPS offers rod handle tape that I've tried. Very effective. Probably the same stuff as JFranco suggested for tennis rackets.

 

If you want to keep your handles cork though, I'd recommend deep cleaning with the Magic Eraser, dry thoroughly, and apply a coating of U-40 Cork Sealant (Netcraft). I do this with all my cork rods and have never experienced them being slippery. But I don't have any with a pistol-type grip either, so I'm not so sure about that design. Two good suggestions here regardless; one will work for you I'm sure.

[Tywithay]

You can buy heat shrink tube and cover a good section of it. When you heat it it will form to the handle.

[KDW96]

Is there such a thing as a preferred method to remedy slippery cork grip on a pistol grip baitcast rod? I have had a few strokes and have a weak grip in my casting hand and would like to restore some of the tackiness to the grip without destroying the integrity of it. I ask for a reason; a couple of years ago while fishing in a drizzle, I made a cast and my grip was relaxed just enough to where the rod flew out of my hand and is still lying in the bottom of the lake. 

 

Thanks, I'll pick some up and give it a go. One question, is this stuff tacky?

 

I myself have lost 50% of my grip do to 2 strokes,and like yourself,ive lost a rod or two. Your grip will work better if the handle is a bit larger in diameter on a straight handle rod. On a pistol grp,it was a real struggl for me as the grip was so skinniy up front. All straight handl rods are to skinny also for me. My fix was taking some 1 an quarter pvc pipe and sliding over the handle. i had to shave a bit in the rod handle first,so it would fit. I then rapped the pipe with a rod wrap. it has worked really well,and i have caught many fish with it. I also capped the rod butt. It doesnt add that much weight eithre. You have to squeeze a skinner handle more than a fatter one. I still have to think about it on each cast,but it is workin for now. I also have a bunch of wrapps,and i can send you some free. just pm me sir.

[KDW96]

If you would like sir, i also have some 6foot rod and 6ft6inch rods extra. I would gladly make you one like the ones i have and send it to you free of charge !

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Beefing up the grip diameter will do more for you ergomically than treating the surface of the cork. The pistol grip is a little more challenging due to the irregular shape. Layers of rod/racket tape are probably your best bet. 

[doublest]

Many thanks to all for the abundance of suggestions. I have several older  rods lying around so I'll give the many suggestions the old trial and error treatment. I'm sure one will work out.

Thanks again

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

 

On the top:

 

 

I wrapped the cork handle with the rubberized handle replacement for tennis rackets, then wrapped that up with some grippy, non-tacky tape they sold beside it.

 

It's my favorite feel now, and that's saying a lot.

 

Thanks to those who recommended this in another thread!  I did this mostly to beef up the grip as I have large hands, but it's much more comfortable and slip-resistant.

 

Josh

[doublest]

Looks good I've got small hands with short fingers (I wore a medium cadet golf glove before my strokes and was still playing golf). I'll definitely give it a try, asi mentioned, I've got several older rods that I can experiment with and try to find the best fit.

Thanks again.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I am a fanatic with having my cork handles wrapped. I have tried XPS handle wrap and Mountain Bike handle grip tape. Neither I found very satifactory. I have used tennis raquet overgrip, which works well, but they only come in short runs and there is only enough to cover a short grip, like a fly rod grip (and I would suspect that there would be enough for a pistol grip). However, if you have longer handles to cover, I would highly recommend Rod Wrap. Great product and I have it on every one of my rod handles (besides the few of the shorter ones that I experimented with tennis raquet overgrip). Below is a picture on my G Loomis SBR 661 (the closest rod I own to having a pistol grip) with Rod Wrap...

[EvanT123]

You could try a product called tommy tape also know as self fusing tape. They sell it at walmart. It bonds to itself. I use it to attach my reels to my Tennessee grips but it could work for your purpose.

[MickD]

Winn Grip is now offering a tape for restoring rod grips.  Remember that Winn has done golf club grips for a long time and understands tacky very well, either warm or cold, dry or wet.  They have it right.  Give the Winn tape a try.  It's called Winn Grips Superior Rod Wrap.

 

Second best would be a name brand tennis grip wrap, like Wilson or Prince, others may be good, but  I have not used other than the two mentioned so cannot testify.

[*Hootie]

I use U40 cork seal on all my rods. Very tacky when wet. Not sticky,...tacky.

Hootie