Thread: Reel Seat Arbors

I'm a rookie rod builder just getting started (literally) and am looking to put together a pier/cobia/jig rod for this upcoming season.

The question is about which reel seat arbor is best to use. I suspect like with anything else there are pros, cons and trade-offs, but I'm currently considering graphite arbor/s and an aluminum reel seat hoping to achieve the best sensitivity.

What do most of you use? Masking tape arbors, polyurethane, graphite or possibly even the method linked below which involves the use of mesh drywall tape?



Any feedback and info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

I use masking tape. Be sure the reel foot will fit into the seat.

FIber mesh drywall tape.

If water gets under your reel seat(can you build it water proof?), tape will fail unless you seriously encapsulate with epoxy and that adds weight so whats the point?( i am looking at you factory made St Croix). Dry wall tape ok if you create water break free surface first.Again too much weight though due to amounts of epoxy needed.You are essentially creating an arbor using epoxy in a dry wall tape matrix which is heavy.
the grey pac bay and fuji style foam turned to size are strong and lighter than the white/cream colored ones.
I personally use 3 about 1 inch maybe less good cedar rings turned to size on my heavier duty rods. Almost same weight as cork and much stronger.

I wish I had a dollar for every arbor built with masking tape. If you use the epoxy correctly it should out last you as far as longevity.

Originally Posted by coach

I wish I had a dollar for every arbor built with masking tape. If you use the epoxy correctly it should out last you as far as longevity.

That is the way John at J&M showed me how to do it. He knows just a little bit about building rods.

Thank you to all who replied and for sharing info.

Now to decide on a blank...