Mike... hours and hours and hours of thread art and some guys say ya don't need it, but hey it looks good. If a good lookin rod makes you fish more or harder then its doing its job.
Thread art may not be needed but it doesn't hurt, The neoprene gets wet and slippery and slimy if you ask me. That's what I hate about it. Matter of taste though. I'm sure some love it.
whatever the dia of the blank is at the seat add just over 1/8" for the CT.
Like Toby said feels great , better ballance and easier on your wrist. I especially like it on conventionals