Cork Or Eva Grips?

[LittleBob]

I'd have to say I prefer cork, full or split grip. There's just something I don't like about the feel of the EVA grips.

[Paul Roberts]

I...dunno. Used them all and what I care about most is the blank. Can't think of a handle that I disliked enough to etch a memory. OH! Except maybe pistol grips on casting rods -only have one left. I've even replaced a few with longer handles. And I've added fighting butts to a few fly rods too.

[Jrob78]

I much prefer a split grip, the butt grip suits my 2 handed casting style.  I think a nice cork with some burl mixed in looks the best and is how I build most of my rods.  That said, a good, hard eva is fine too.  I would much rather have hard eva than cork that is full of filler.  I've also used the shrink tubing like the Carbonlites have, I think it looks cheap but the grip is awesome.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Has anyone tried a hard grip like a Mad Swirl or Carbon Skinned grip with top coat finish? They look slippery, but actually feel tacky when wet. It works kind of like dampening sneaker soles for grip on a wooden court floor.

[S Hovanec]

I really want to try the carbon skinned, but haven't made the leap. I don't need another thing to occupy more time that I don't have!

I may get a set at the ICRBE this year. Had a set in my hand last year but didn't pull the trigger. Went to the booth too late and didn't like any of the colors he had left in the style I wanted.

[EvanT123]

I am very intrigued by the carbon as well. There is a few very good/detailed videos on YouTube but I haven't taken the time to view them. At this point I'm a cork fan and generally prefer natural cork over synthetic. Split or full doesn't matter much to me.

[kickerfish1]

Either is fine in my book. I am willing to accept split grip and cork/EVA differences among rod manufactures if the rod has the "It" factor. Cork filler can rot away over time and EVA can show signs of wear or may be prone to puncture marks. I have variations of cork/EVA and split/full grip for both tip up and tip down presentations and really can't say with strong conviction my loyalties lie one way or the other.

[Driftb]

I am OK with either, but I also really like the rubberized cork composit "TAC" handles  that Fenwick is using on some of it's  rods. Very light and it is even grippy when wet.

[Jeff H]

Have always preferred traditional full cork handles but do have one rod that is split EVA Winn wrapped and I really like the feel of the Winn.  I think Winn has a good future in the fishing industry.

[Oregon Native]

Have heard that the foam stuff is more of an insulation and dampens the feel...I have a couple rods (shimano) I really like that have it.. Also have several rods with the black carbon handles that are cool too.  Cork is traditional and has it's place for sure.  Keep my fingers on the line anyway so the rod is more important to me.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I really want to try the carbon skinned, but haven't made the leap. I don't need another thing to occupy more time that I don't have!

I may get a set at the ICRBE this year. Had a set in my hand last year but didn't pull the trigger. Went to the booth too late and didn't like any of the colors he had left in the style I wanted.

Exactly. I'll probably buy a couple from Riley or someone before I think about my own setup

[HoosierHawgs]

Cork only. I refuse to own any rod with EVA.

Same here. To me EVA just feels cheap. I think a good quality cork balances just as well. Plus, EVA holds onto fish slime and dirt a lot worse. I don't mind quality EVA reel grips though.

[bighed]

Cork for me.  I like them best when they are getting old and the cork gets dirty from the oils in our hands. 

[DogBone_384]

Split cork is my first choice, but if the rod feels really good in my hands, it really doesn't matter all that much.

[jignfule]

CORK

[fisherrw]

eva that's my take...

[IAY]

EVA, since its not that much worse than cork if you have top quality ones, and it doesn't look like crap after couple of trips.

[S Hovanec]

Exactly. I'll probably buy a couple from Riley or someone before I think about my own setup

Do you go to the ICRBE??

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Do you go to the ICRBE??

I've never been but would like to.

[TrippyJai]

Full handle cork for me. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will bring it back to life.

[S Hovanec]

I've never been but would like to.

You really should. I went to my first in 2007. Loved it, but wasn't able to go back til 2010. Been to all since, working for Karen at the Bingham Booth.

[HoosierHawgs]

Full handle cork for me. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will bring it back to life.

Or rubbing alcohol and a shop rag worls just as well. I clean the handle at the end of every season

[Bluebasser86]

If I could get all mine done with handles like St. Croix has on the Rage line up, that's what I'd get. I like EVA and cork, doesn't really make a difference to me. 

[roadwarrior]

I like EVA and cork, doesn't really make a difference to me. 

 

Me, too!

 

 

[aavery2]

I use to only purchase rods with cork handles, everything else just felt less comfortable to me.  I had an opportunity to purchase a Rage spinning rod at a great price so I did, I have grown to really like the handle on these rods, wish they would have cut some of the threads on the reel seat down but that is another story.