U40 Substitute

[*Hootie]

FedEx delivered a new G Loomis rod Tuesday. I went to apply U40 cork seal on the cork grips. Low and behold, the last time I used it I didn't tighten the cap all the way and it solidified. What to do. You can't just walk into a store and buy this stuff. You have to order it online. I did a little research to see if I could find a substitute. Found out about this stuff called "tru-oil." Available at DSG or just about anywhere that deal in guns. I bought some, put it on my rod handle. Seems pretty much the same as the U40. Handle has the same look and feel. It is a preservative and sealer. I think I'm gonna like this stuff.

Hootie

[masterbass]

Thanks for the tip Hootie.

[A-Jay]

Interesting alternative ~ never used it.

 

Looks like they also offer an aerosol as well.

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

[Mike L]

Thanks Hootie!

I'm gonna remember that.

Mike

[kschultz76]

You got a new rod, and the thing your posting about is the cork sealer? Don't keep us in suspense what did you add to the arsenal?

[S Hovanec]

I use Tru oil on my burl grips to darken them a bit. I apply it with a paper towel while the grip is turning on the lathe. Wipe it on and go back over with a dry paper towel to remove it.

It differs from cork seal in that it is a product the can be built up in multiple layers to a deep, gloss finish. I also use it on my stabilized reel seat inserts. It will polish to a very high gloss.

Once the bottle is opened, its shelf life is only about a year. It will first skin over in the bottle, while still being useable. Then after some time, it becomes too thick and it no longer will dry when applied. It just stays tacky.

[*Hootie]

You got a new rod, and the thing your posting about is the cork sealer? Don't keep us in suspense what did you add to the arsenal?

Oops, sorry. It's a MBR784 GL3. I have NRX's, GlX's, IMX's, their spinnerbait rod. But I just have a fondness for these GL3's. It's my fourth one. I don't believe that there's that big of a loss in sensitivity from the IMX. Granted, it's not a GLX, or an NRX. But it more than gets the job done. In my opinion, they are unmatched for durability in the whole Loomis lineup. They can take a lickin'.

P.S. this is not the GL2.

Hootie

[kschultz76]

My Dad still fishes two 6' GL3 CRR casting rods that he's had for probably 15-20 years. I'm still impressed at how well they cast for 6' rods anytime I pick them up.

You know what you like and enjoy fishing, if its what works for you it doesn't have to be the best of the best. Congrats and enjoy!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Tru-Oil is better described as an alternative to U40 rather than a substitute as they are different materials as Scott pointed out. I've heard of candle wax dbeing used too but I'm not up on the application process. 

[nascar2428]

Just applied some of this on my new rod(St.Croix MH Avid spinning) looks great. The company says to poke a small hole in the foil instead of removing it. Then store the bottle upside down. This should add shelf life to the product.

[Silas]

Just yesterday I put Tru Oil on 4 rods after cleaning them with Mr Cleans Magic Eraser. That stuff IS magic !

All the rods were over one or two years old and corks were dirty. They cleaned up to just about brand new.

I put one coat on 3 rods and 2 coats on one. Just to experiment.

I ordered the U40 and when it arrives I'll put it on another few so I can compare them.

As of now I'm really pleased with the Tru Oil. I had used it years ago on my gunstocks so was familiar with the product.