an alternative to tape

[clyde-rod]

Does anyone have a better alternative to taping the rod joints. I have read in the trout & salmon a while a go that some people put a small amount of wax on the male ferrule. Others said that a good push is enough. I have spoke to a few people that are reluctant to tape the joints of a brand new rod (especially expensive ones) because the tape can peel off some of the varnish. Any ideas?

Ryan

[macd]

tape

a vertical strip at each joint, with a a wrapping over.

no view on wax- tried once, but no buzz.

[Willow Man]

In 35 years I have never used tape due to the damage it can do.
I always use candle wax and never have any problems, and that includes using some very heavy old rods.

Cheers WM

[sagecaster]

Never had a problem with tape on modern rods which use an epoxy finish rather than varnish. I would never go without using tape. Apart from anything else if you are spey casting all day, the continuous torsion eventually twists the top section around, which is a real hassle. Taping almost cuts this out completely.

[dunbar]

I will never use tape - ruined a Hardy Sirrus, which stripped it right down to the grey carbon - through a layer of both epoxy and the paint on the blank.....A little candle wax does a perfect job. It does no harm to check the joints 3-4 times during a days fishing anyway, tape or no tape.

[kercock]

I never use tape on my fly rods, I check the rod joints every now and again during the day,no problems. Do any of you check the joints after taping ? Becha don't. I f you think your joints are secure ,dream on ! A very high percentage of rods that break have been taped and I'm told that amalgamating tape is the worst offender,almost useless.
Information supplied many years ago by Ken Walker of B/W. He should know,in my book. !

[clyde-rod]

thanks for all the reply's.

Ryan