Must say I'd go with the hypalon grips too. Thanks to the info and advice gleaned from this site, I ordered a Calstar 800L and am building the rod myself. I went with a 13" hypalon rear grip, a Fuji trigger reelseat (size 22) and a 41/2" hypalon foregrip. Hypalon can be filed, shaved and sanded and is easy to work with. Probably quicker if you have access to a lathe, but I managed without one. I chose Fuji NSG guides, but have to wait before I proceed further as the wrapping thread I ordered over the Internet still has to arrive (I live in South Africa)! Our postal service can be a bit slow... Anyway, we are moving into winter now, so I'll be ready for the big Bass when spring comes - I'll bet South African Bass have never laid eyes on a Castaic Trout, an MS Slammer or an Osprey Talon! This rod will make a great tigerfish and saltwater lure rod as well.