Reel seat for Chimera 1

[Andrew Jackson]

The closing of Guides and Blanks ( part of Hopkins and Holloway) was a big loss for those of us that tinker around with rods. I have a Chimera 1 that I bought from Walkers of Trowell ( going cheap). The handle is far too long for my taste and has the standard short cork shoulder above the reel seat. Not the best for use with a centrepin reel imo. I plan to shorten the handle and I also fancy putting on a covered thread screw down fitting ( I think they may have been used on the Chimera 2's - the ones with the dulplon cover).
Does anyone know what the code is for this fitting? I've been trying to find one online but can't seem to locate what I want. I'll be glad of any advice for good options for the fitting.
Many thanks.

 

[Bob Gill]

By your description you are most probably looking for a IPS DU6 (16mm internal diameter).
There are a number of alternatives available from other manufacturers other than Fuji).
A number of Fuji parts are interchangeable.
Best of luck,
Cheers
Bob

 

[Andrew Jackson]

Th

By your description you are most probably looking for a IPS DU6 (16mm internal diameter).
There are a number of alternatives available from other manufacturers other than Fuji).
A number of Fuji parts are interchangeable.
Best of luck,
Cheers
Bob

Thanks Bob. Appreciate that.

 

[Ralph Harris]

I have done what you plan on a couple of rods using Fuji fittings from the now closed guides and blanks.
I have used a VSS reel fitting with a KDPS/ASH screw down fitting. I have used the FGK cork foregrip but they do an EVA version. On the rear I have used the FGV cork handle again they do an FGV EVA version.
I think the FGV handles are for use on an abbreviated design but I interfaced them onto a full cork handle. A bit fiddly and you need to plan well and do dry runs to be sure.

On this rod the version of rear handle I used had a rubberised cork element, as does the front of the fore grip.

On this rod I cut the rubberised cork section off of the rear handle before fitting it to the existing cork.
It made sanding the cork easier. Rubberised cork is far heavier and abrasion resistant than natural cork. Rubber amongst cork is hard to sand.
I think Fuji do a version of the rear cork handle without the rubberised end.
I don’t think the quality of the cork in the Fuji supplied components is of better quality than the rest of the cork handle, I think it comes filled and smoothed.

Next time I need to do this I’ll try to source components from rod rings and things otherwise it will have to be from Europe.

Try searching for “Anglers resource catalogue” for the Fuji catalogue. Loads of stuff in it, I don’t know if it can all be obtained in the UK.
Most importantly all the measurements of the fittings are in the catalogue.

 

[Christian Tyroll]

I have done what you plan on a couple of rods using Fuji fittings from the now closed guides and blanks.
I have used a VSS reel fitting with a KDPS/ASH screw down fitting. I have used the FGK cork foregrip but they do an EVA version. On the rear I have used the FGV cork handle again they do an FGV EVA version.
I think the FGV handles are for use on an abbreviated design but I interfaced them onto a full cork handle. A bit fiddly and you need to plan well and do dry runs to be sure.

On this rod the version of rear handle I used had a rubberised cork element, as does the front of the fore grip.
View attachment 34164


On this rod I cut the rubberised cork section off of the rear handle before fitting it to the existing cork.
It made sanding the cork easier. Rubberised cork is far heavier and abrasion resistant than natural cork. Rubber amongst cork is hard to sand.
I think Fuji do a version of the rear cork handle without the rubberised end.
I don’t think the quality of the cork in the Fuji supplied components is of better quality than the rest of the cork handle, I think it comes filled and smoothed.
View attachment 34165

Next time I need to do this I’ll try to source components from rod rings and things otherwise it will have to be from Europe.

Try searching for “Anglers resource catalogue” for the Fuji catalogue. Loads of stuff in it, I don’t know if it can all be obtained in the UK.
Most importantly all the measurements of the fittings are in the catalogue.

That looks very smart.

 

[Andrew Jackson]

I have done what you plan on a couple of rods using Fuji fittings from the now closed guides and blanks.
I have used a VSS reel fitting with a KDPS/ASH screw down fitting. I have used the FGK cork foregrip but they do an EVA version. On the rear I have used the FGV cork handle again they do an FGV EVA version.
I think the FGV handles are for use on an abbreviated design but I interfaced them onto a full cork handle. A bit fiddly and you need to plan well and do dry runs to be sure.

On this rod the version of rear handle I used had a rubberised cork element, as does the front of the fore grip.
View attachment 34164


On this rod I cut the rubberised cork section off of the rear handle before fitting it to the existing cork.
It made sanding the cork easier. Rubberised cork is far heavier and abrasion resistant than natural cork. Rubber amongst cork is hard to sand.
I think Fuji do a version of the rear cork handle without the rubberised end.
I don’t think the quality of the cork in the Fuji supplied components is of better quality than the rest of the cork handle, I think it comes filled and smoothed.
View attachment 34165

Next time I need to do this I’ll try to source components from rod rings and things otherwise it will have to be from Europe.

Try searching for “Anglers resource catalogue” for the Fuji catalogue. Loads of stuff in it, I don’t know if it can all be obtained in the UK.
Most importantly all the measurements of the fittings are in the catalogue.

Hi Ralph. I'm grateful for your detailed and informative post. You have given me lots to think about! It's nice to see there are still people about that like to do things their own way. This is an excellent group with many such people I dare say.
Love the cardinal 54!

 

[Ralph Harris]

Hi Ralph. I'm grateful for your detailed and informative post. You have given me lots to think about! It's nice to see there are still people about that like to do things their own way. This is an excellent group with many such people I dare say.
Love the cardinal 54!

Happy to help if I can. If you do have a go using a VSS reel seat you may decide to use graphite arbours . I used 3, one was glued into the butt end of the reel seat before assembly on the rod the others pushed into place when assembling. This probably won’t make much sense until you start planning how to put the components together. There are other ways of course, I just felt this way produced the strongest result, since the cork does not need to be heavily bored.
Had the 54 from new.

 

[Andrew Jackson]

Happy to help if I can. If you do have a go using a VSS reel seat you may decide to use graphite arbours . I used 3, one was glued into the butt end of the reel seat before assembly on the rod the others pushed into place when assembling. This probably won’t make much sense until you start planning how to put the components together. There are other ways of course, I just felt this way produced the strongest result, since the cork does not need to be heavily bored.
Had the 54 from new.

Makes sense. I wasn't aware of Rod rings and things. Seems pretty good though I did notice a great many products were sold out so difficulty in getting stock perhaps? I don't know. Because I will mainly be using a centrepin on the Chimera 1 I may just be better off going down the route I took with my S/U Harrison Avon. Short butt, standard fuji reel seat and 3 inches cork above the reel seat to get a good comfortable grip when playing a big Barbel! (I wish!).
Best regards. A.

 

[Ralph Harris]

Rod rings and things have only recently put up the approved uk dealer sign I expect they are still finding their feet.Agreed it’s not encouraging to see so much sold out. I’ve told them what I may need next hopefully others have done so as well, perhaps they will then stock the sort of products I need.

Try a few reel seats with your centrepin before you decide. The ubiquitous Fuji DPS is a great reel seat but do you want to hold it all day. The IPS and VSS have nice cork on the fitting. Although not all centrepin will fit the VSS, Lewtham Leeds won’t fit.

Fancy a Harrison SU Avon myself, the rod with the cardinal 54 is a Harrison Avon twin tip, it can seem a bit light. Don’t know if I should go for a 11ft 1.75 Torrix or a SU Avon.

 

[Andrew Jackson]

Rod rings and things have only recently put up the approved uk dealer sign I expect they are still finding their feet.Agreed it’s not encouraging to see so much sold out. I’ve told them what I may need next hopefully others have done so as well, perhaps they will then stock the sort of products I need.

Try a few reel seats with your centrepin before you decide. The ubiquitous Fuji DPS is a great reel seat but do you want to hold it all day. The IPS and VSS have nice cork on the fitting. Although not all centrepin will fit the VSS, Lewtham Leeds won’t fit.

Fancy a Harrison SU Avon myself, the rod with the cardinal 54 is a Harrison Avon twin tip, it can seem a bit light. Don’t know if I should go for a 11ft 1.75 Torrix or a SU Avon.

Good information there. As for the two rods you mention, the SU Avon has more of a traditional through action whereas the Torrix ( you may know) is much faster and more tippy though it will bend through under pressure. It has a very fine tip and appears quite a fragile rod whereas the SU Avon seems much hardier to me. I guess it depends on what you want out of a rod really. I think it's one of those 'depends on who you ask' sort of things!
The SU Avon I have is in an unground form so is ribbed, which some people do not like. Worth thinking about whether you want that or a ground version which I believe you can get. Either rod will land any Barbel that swims at close to medium range though they're obviously not suited to chucking big leads or feeders about. Thanks again and good luck with your choice.