Switching Handles for SR842-2

[Rayman]

After having the G. Loomis SR842-2 IMX for a little while now, I'm looking at options to swap the grip from cork to some sort of high density EVA, but I haven't got any clue as to where to source v. good quality EVA, or how to go about swapping out the grip.

I initially thought about carefully stripping the cork off the handle, making a cut in the new EVA grip, and epoxying/glueing things together. But I think it'll look botched and I'll live to regret it.

I've also thought about removing the butt cap and sliding in the EVA grip - I'm just not sure how difficult that will be (to do it neatly).

So does anyone have any idea how to go about this and where to get nice EVA?
Otherwise, can anyone recommend someone who can do this professionally and economically, haha?

I should've went custom from the start . Don't even mention the warranty haha.

Cheers

[Mark M]

Ian Millar's, Rod Crafter article in the Feb08 edition of Modern Fishing, shows exactly how to remove an old grip & reel seat.

I have just done one and it wasn't too bad a job Rayman, but I think you will have to remove the whole lot, not just the cork??

Remember that the blank is tapered and it is a slightly more tricky job fitting a new grip/seat from the fat end of the blank

Good luck
MM

[Shortlite]

Hi Ray. Welcome to the addiction......refits, rebuilds and repairs are our gateway drugs into rodbuilding.

The cleanest way would be to strip down the butt section and refit a completely new handle. New grips, reel seat, then rewrap whatever guides are on that section. Ian Miller's article in Modern Fishing shows what to do.

Trying to keep the reel seat or trying to get around a full strip of that section only takes longer and is more of a headache. As for the hard EVA, I have to say that the stuff readily available isn't even close. Maybe you'll have to order from Matagi, or have a chat with Ross at The Rodworks about getting some in.

It's actually not that hard dude, and worth it when you have a handle setup that suits you better. Does it have a regular Fuji seat or the Super Sticker Weibe-style seat? As far as saving the seat and fitting just a new grip, well, if you really wanna know, feel free to get in touch. Also not that hard at all, just painfully tedious if you don't have a lathe....

MATAGI!

i just recieved my order of foam and other tid bits. its sooooooo hard. cant wait to work with it

[Rayman]

Okay guys,

Thanks for the suggestions and info .
I think, for now though, I'll put this project off.
I'm eager to do it during my uni break, but voiding warranty so early seems unwise. I might just resort to putting some tennis racquet grips I have on the cork for now.

In the meantime, I'll head over to the local library to find that issue of Modern Fishing. And Ted, when the time comes, I'll be definitely drawing on your expertise.

[Mark M]

Originally Posted by Rayman

.... I might just resort to putting some tennis racquet grips I have on the cork for now.....

Don't use racquet tape, get some of the rodwrap, no sticky residue left and reusable.

http://www.betterwaysproducts.com/

Compleat Angler in Melbourne were clearing stock out for $2, if you can't find any I have quit a few packs and can post you one.

Mark

[Rayman]

Good point Mark.

But I have tennis overgrips without the sticky stuff (I didn't make it clear before), so everything's sorted .
In white as well, the colour of tennis champions, haha.
It's not a perfect solution using tennis grips/rod wraps because I take my reels off the rods after each trip, but it'll make do for now.

Thanks for the offer Mark, very generous of you.
But I've got what I need at the moment.
I'll shoot you a PM if I need more.

[Shortlite]

No probs Ray. Had a look and see that the 842-2 IMX has the Super Sticker seat. If and when you do decide to mod the handle, I'm sure we could come up with something to suit you.