New Handle

[Bender]

I don't think I made a topic before about this but I'm sure I talked about how much I hated the Kistler rod I have since it was less sensitive than anything else I've ever used. Last winter I was so sick of it that I cut the handle off, long New York winters can drive you to do drastic things. That's when I found the cause of the spongy feeling handle. There was very little epoxy and instead of regular arbors there was just dry paper between the blank and handle.

Anyway one of our prostaff guys build rods for himself and offered to help me with a new handle. He suggested a Mudhole handle but this is a specific rod for dock skipping that is 6'2" and had a very short handle. I think shortening the off-the-shelf handle was a bit of work but it turned out great. He did all of the prep work to the handle and sent me a kit to put on the rod. I used (at his suggestion) fiber drywall tape to make arbors and hold the epoxy that he sent.









I took it over to a little lake to try it from shore this afternoon between the rain storms and everything seemed great so far, no fish though. My main worry was that the epoxy would hold tight and I mixed it right. There was a terrible coincidence though since I took another rod to throw a few crankbaits and the reel seat broke loose on it! I've never had that happen before and this is a Rogue made at the factory. Looks like I might have another candidate for a handle transplant...

[carolina-rig-01]

Looks great man. Glad it turned out good for you.

[Bassboss]

Wow! Looks really nice bender!

[BigBassin144]

That looks great Chris! I'm going to have to check out those handles whenever I get to building another rod.

BB

[BassFeverJohn]

Nice mod. That is a sweet looking grip dude.

[MallenManson]

Looks sweet, Chris!

[WaffleJaw]

That does look great!..Nice job!..Yea the fiberglass tape is suppose to be a great way to do the arbors....I use those same CRB butt caps and trim rings on my rods as well.
Thats the beauty of doing the work yourself..You saw first hand of the ****ty job that manu rods can have under the components..
Addicting though, isnt it?

[Bender]

Thanks guys. It is addicting. Now I have to get another crankbait rod to replace my damaged Rogue and then I will cut the handle off it. I'll probably try to do that one by myself so we'll see what happens.