Rod building

[fishinkid2010]

The grip reallydepends on what you intend to use it for. Like stated prior, cork requires more tools. It however is lighter and is ideal for a rod you will be casting for lengthy periods. ie a Calico rod.

I have found hypalon to be easy to work with. (Just a hint that I found out the hard way, spray A LOT of lubricant like silicon spray down the inside of the hypalon before trying to slide it down the blank. you'll thank yourself)

Go to a tackle shop and look at the rods similar to yours. see what you like. For a kayak rod that's mostly for trolling bait, you may prefer the hypalon. EVA is nice to, but I prefer hypalon. And if the shop will let you, I like to take a china marker with to mark their spacing of guides. Less taping and guessing when it comes to the proper spacing.

Also, check out the rod building forum on Bloodydecks. The guys there really helped me out when I was starting to wrap rods.

Good luck and post some pics when its done.