I'm loving the rod and not planning on taking it back. I'd heard something about the grips on tfo rods not lasting all too well and that some sort of a sealant could be used to improve their condition. I'm just leaving the wrap on for now until I validate this claim and see if I really do need to do anything or if all is well.

I have no pits in any of my grips and don't want them. Sand the new grip with 400 grit and then wet the entire grip with Tru-oil or any varnish. Wet sand lightly with 400 then 600 grit. This fills in all the pits with cork "mud". Let dry overnight and sand again with 600 grit, wipe off the dust, and seal again with the Tru-oil and varnish. Repeat the varnish until you get the sheen you want. The grip will be slightly darker than new cork, but absolutely smooth and will never become dirty. I seal cork reel seats the same way. Don

Thanks for the info! I have a little 8 ft jon boat, but it's in storage right now and so I bank fish this place. I have a lot of difficulty fly fishing it as is because of all the brush and cover. The last morning I was there a couple of guys showed up with a little bass buster, then someone showed up with a kayak. That's definately the way to go.