A couple of new weapons

I thought I'd post a couple of my new weapons that I had the chance to build for myself this year.


The first rod is my newest addition to my saltwater arsenal.  This is a Rainshadow SWS696 composite blank cut back to 7'6".  It's rated 20-40# but feels more like 15-40#. 

I made the grips with a new technique I've been experimenting with.  The core is 8 lb. density polyrethane expanded foam with carbon fiber sleeve applied over the top, wetted with marine grade epoxy and topcoated with urethane.  I left the texture bumpy rather than making it perfectly smooth and I think it'll provide really good grip and it is extremely light weight... lighter than EVA foam and probably lighter than natural cork.  I've yet to float test it to see how it performs in that regard.  This is definitely a good way to make an extended foregrip rod while adding as little weight possible.  I believe it will prove to be very very durable as well.



Full size image here:  http://www.rodbuilding.org/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/7188/size/big/cat/500/page/1



The second rod is a 9-weight spin/fly combo rod that I built with the intention of using it on some lake mendo stripers.  The grip is fitted with a female ferrule at each end so you can just flip the grip around to convert from spin to fly and vise versa. 

The grips are made with burl cork and birch bark that I harvested in Wisconsin a couple years ago.  Birch bark grips are good looking but take FOREVER to build. 

I used REC Recoil Nitinol guides on this rod to provide for best dampening and fastest recovery... very light and crisp tip.  The blank is a Rainshadow IF909 RX-7 graphite fly blank.

Now... if I can only make some time to actually go fishing, I'll have more to talk about. 



Full Size image here: http://www.rodbuilding.org/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/7055/size/big/cat/500/page/1

All i can say is WOW!

If you ever have the time again, I would like you to make me a perch rod ala Alien....About 11' ultra light (noodle?) just for surfcasting.

It would be my treasure....

Allen

Your an artist. Very nice!

Eric -

As always unbelievable workmanship. I had a chance to take a good look at the Calstar BTG 270-7 and 196-7. Should be good for yak fishing.

Scott

KZ, truly beautiful work.

Damn.  I am speechless. 

Awesome Erik I love the wraps on the Citrus Tiger and that BB Grip is just insane .

Erik, very impressive on the innovation side of things! as others have noted, the craftsmanship is beyond reproach, but it's great to see you push the envelope otherwise.

J

Like the BradyGirls said....that's so DREAMY!  You're GOOD Erik
at the least, it's a SWEET ART-PIECE to hang in the garage  

Those carbon grips are awesome looking. Really looking forward to see how that performs. Don't forget the report when you get to try it our. Craftsmanship and innovation.. KZ.. AWESOME!! 

Z