Purpose of wraps??

[AK Troutbum]

Occasionally I see rods with small wraps spaced approx. 1" apart, all the way up, on all sections of the cane. I've often wondered, what is the purpose for these wraps? Is it just cosmetic, does it serve a purpose? It definitely seems like it would create additional weight to the rod but probably strengthen it also. Can someone help me out?

Thanks,

AKTB

[chestatee]

The key words are : 'intermediate wraps'

viewtopic.php?f=69&t=93232&p=724705&hil ... se#p724705


Plenty more info if you search. I too had this question a few years back.

Cheers

[bassman]

For some of us we go for the purely cosmetic look. They may not be needed with modern rods and glues but I still believe they look good. One of my favorite new build rods I had I found some good thread match and put full intermediates on butt and both tips. After doing this I realized why most modern builders won't mess with them without a good extra charge. One refinisher I know get $1.50 for each intermediate wrap. OUCH...though after doing them I can see why. When you count time of measuring, tying, treating, then varnishing those wraps you might come out of making 3-4 dollars an hour at that price.

[wb4tjh]

Very early rods used glues made from animal hides/hooves that were not really strong and could be water soluable, causing the bamboo splines to delaminate. All the extra wraps helped insure the rods' structural integrity. Any found on recently made rods are purely cosmetic, since modern glues are so much stronger and not water soluble once dry and fully cured.