I’m wondering if custom builders can buy the expride b monocoque grip/reel seat? Specifically the casting rod. I really like the expride b, but they don’t make a couple models that I would like. 
 

Heck, I’d also love the carbon wrap they use on the expride b. Is that possible? Basically I want an expride b clone in a power/action they don’t make. 😆

 

So, is it possible?

A few companies make similar handle assemblies... Though not exactly like the Shimano version.  

 

I don't know how the exprides are made but if it had to be exact, you could potentially buy/find a broken one and remove the handle assembly and rebuild with a new blank.  That's all easier said than done though, if it's even possible.  

20 hours ago, Logan S said:

A few companies make similar handle assemblies... Though not exactly like the Shimano version.  

 

I don't know how the exprides are made but if it had to be exact, you could potentially buy/find a broken one and remove the handle assembly and rebuild with a new blank.  That's all easier said than done though, if it's even possible.  

Yeah, I think I’m asking a bit much. It was just a thought I had so I decided to ask here. Thanks for the info!

When NFC introduced their version for pre-order for $99, I ordered one. They are not $99 anymore but I really like mine. This was an all-in build with Torzite guides. 

 

https://northforkcomposites.com/product/xoskeleton-casting-black/

The NFC is nothing like the Japanese assemblies that have been around for 15 years or so, the parts are available, I have seen them and built a few, essentially the whole system goes on the tube assembly and then it is attached to the blank. The NFC assembly is bulkier. The carbon tube assembly you put in the fancier reel seats is how the entire grip assembly fits in the reel seat of the assembly on the Shimano. I use the 4AXIS carbon tube grips which come close to 16 inches long.

On 3/24/2025 at 1:47 AM, spoonplugger1 said:

The NFC is nothing like the Japanese assemblies that have been around for 15 years or so, the parts are available, I have seen them and built a few, essentially the whole system goes on the tube assembly and then it is attached to the blank. The NFC assembly is bulkier. The carbon tube assembly you put in the fancier reel seats is how the entire grip assembly fits in the reel seat of the assembly on the Shimano. I use the 4AXIS carbon tube grips which come close to 16 inches long.

Where do you get the Japanese assemblies?

Did you try Google? They come in two sizes to fit a 13 or 15 mm reel seat. They are not full blown, everything in a package assembly, it's just the rear grip tube, you have to do your due diligence to get it done. That said you do know rod trim parts are pretty generic in sizes, you can take a Mudhole bling butt cap and put it on a NFC Soft Touch grip, same with a Batson butt cap I imagine. All will be 27 mm OD just like the opposite end that fits the standard reel seats to 18 mm, sometimes 20 mm.