i had the problem once and had to cut up the rubber mat in my truck. now i carry two or three sets of rubber pads in all my fish bags, boat bags, vests etc.
nice looking rods for sure. my 8642 granger has been my go to rod for most of my fishing but i did pick up an 8040 special that i plan to try out this year. i have a couple of other 4 wts that i don't use that often because of wind or bigger water but want to give this one a try.
i have to say my favorite length in bamboo is 8 1/2 ft. granger 8642 and phillipson premium although i prefer the granger. had a 9050 granger that i passed on to my son because i wasn't that fussy on it. have two heddon 9 foot 2 1/2 ferrule rods ( one is a trade rod) that i use for bigger water...
i have just over a dozen between 7 feet and 9.5 feet mostly refinished blue collar rods from the 1940 's. a couple finshed from dennis stone blanks. try to fish them all but do prefer 8.5 feet.