Question for rod builders

[Koop]

Can cork grips be completely replaced?

For example, if I wanted to replace my cork grips with EVA Foam:

A) Could it be done?

Would it completely throw off the balance of the rod

C) What price range per rod for parts and labor would I be looking at?

Or even replacing it with new cork grips?

Reason I ask is, my father has a bunch of older BPS rods form when fished tournaments in college.  Some of them are a bit chipped up and cracked from the wear of time.  I thought it would be a nice gift to get them all replaced for him.

[.RM.]

A) Yes[br]

It will change to some degree (depends on the weight of the foam grip).[br]

C) That will depend on the shop/builder that does the job.[br]

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!

[RobE]

I'm not a rod builder but, I have an elderly neighbor across the street that used to build (and teaching me) and he pretty much echoed Reel Mech's answer with a few other tidbits offered...

A - don't forego cork for foam unless the cork is worn out and you prefer foam. Good cork transmits better.

B - agreed with RM.

C - He asked why you and your Dad don't do it together. It's easy to do, inexpensive, and ... you get the picture.

[flechero]

Koopa,

Nice idea to fix them up for Dad but by the time you figured time and labor, I'm afraid you'd be unhappy...  especially since you can buy new ones these days that are not too expensive and probably much nicer.   :-/

Why not build him a new one yourself?  That would be a super gift.  

[Koop]

Hm maybe be interesting to build one, I may give that a try.   I'll have to do quite a bit of reading as I have no idea where to even begin.