09-19-2012, 02:17 PM
It isn't really that hard, but there are a few tricks/secrets that make it easier. There are books and videos about the process, and you can make most or all of the gear you need like the winding cradle.
The fun part is shopping for the parts. You can go basic or as fancy as you like. I would recommend using a very simple winding pattern at first, as the result is permanent. And you can do things you can't find on factory rods. For example, on my 7-wt, I reversed the cork handle, putting the narrow end to the rear instead of to the front. I reasoned that my hand curls that way (smaller at the pinkie finger) and the grip should match. It's VERY comfortable that way.
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The fun part is shopping for the parts. You can go basic or as fancy as you like. I would recommend using a very simple winding pattern at first, as the result is permanent. And you can do things you can't find on factory rods. For example, on my 7-wt, I reversed the cork handle, putting the narrow end to the rear instead of to the front. I reasoned that my hand curls that way (smaller at the pinkie finger) and the grip should match. It's VERY comfortable that way.
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