Before you commit to using a color preserver, do a practice wrap to take yourself through all the steps before you do your actual rod. I used a color preserver with the idea that it would be a WOW rod, but the wraps didn't blend well with the rod itself and when I cast it looked like I had about ten ribbons tied to the thing. I ended up accidently breaking the rod one of the first few times I used it when the boat drifted over my line while trying to disengage a snag and I was almost relieved when it happened. I used the same thread without the preserver and am much happier with the results. Each to his or her own, though, but this would give you a chance to see the "final" result before commmitting to your dream rod. JGW