So while doing salthearts class, I started my own build of a 10'6" rainshadow su1267F

Fuji deluxe reel seat, fuji k frames in the concept layout.

So far only the handle is done and snakeskin wrap instead of a cross wrap.

On the butt section of the rod, I did 6 o rings where my hand is going to go, then o rings the whole way up the foregrip, spaced out about 3/4", then covered it in baby blue shrink x flock grip.

Then instead of a cross wrap I used diamond back watersnake skin, which will get trimmed in metallic blue.

Belly scales face me while fishing and seam faces the bottom.

Guides will be wrapped in black and metallic blue thread

Butt section

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/chefchris2/76276072.jpg

Foregrip with o rings

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/chefchris2/7d3a3d9c.jpg

Foregrip covered with x flock, I like a 12" foregrip.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/chefchris2/447747dc.jpg

Snakeskin belly side up
http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/chefchris2/f8f17c7f.jpg

Close up of the skin, has 3 colors of color preserver on it now.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/chefchris2/161ca1da.jpg

Seam side of the skin

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/chefchris2/396f5104.jpg

Rod and reel, gives some idea of the build and how it will look.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/chefchris2/e053cfed.jpg

Once the guides are wrapped and trim rings are done, I'll post some more pics.

Thanks Mike for the class and help with the guide suggestions

Looks awesome Chris! Great work.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Chris you been bit for sure. Nothing like a u-bilt rod

I LIKEE. GREAT IDEA WITH O-RINGS. THATS A LOOOONG FORGRIP. YOU MUST BE EXPECTING LAYING INTO A "LARGE".

Great job Chris!!! Great idea on the o-rings, must have a great feel to it.... Can't wait to see the finished product!!!

I LIKEE. GREAT IDEA WITH O-RINGS. THATS A LOOOONG FORGRIP. YOU MUST BE EXPECTING LAYING INTO A "LARGE".

I always had my customs built with long foregrips, I like being able to fish one rod instead of having a rod for every situation

I fish the surf mostly, nice being able to fish pencils with the long foregrip. Nice for jigging in the canal when I do fish there.

Gives you a lot of leverage while
fighting fish.

Plus it helps protect the blank from rocks and nicks, I'm pretty hard on my gear, and I fish in a wetsuit so it sees a lot of rocks, the long
foregrip helps protect the blank then the extended crosswrap covers the upper section.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

swish, I was wondering what section of the rod was guna have the snake skin. I couldnt tell from the photo u sent, looks wicked blown up tho bruh good work!

now the important question: what are you guna name it?

jake the snake?

cobra commander?

Scalie McScales?

surf serpent?

Trouser snake?

blue handled trouser snake?

I really like the handle/O ring thing. Nice job.

As for the snake skin , all I can say is "Kinky". :)