SOS Cork Problem on GLX

[TH-Outdoors]

I got my first GLX the other day but when I peeled off the sticker a piece of the cork came with it!! It is a full cork 843 and having a chunk of the cork missing is really getting to me considering it's a $450 rod. The tackleshop I got it from won't take it back so I'm stuck.

Whats my best option to fill in the cork? I'm hoping for it to be barely noticeable afterwards

[iabass8]

That's really nothing and you will likely have more of them in a couple years anyway. In the meantime, get some cork filler, match the handle, fill it in and then seal the cork handle /w u-40 cork sealant. 

[MickD]

http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/Rod-Building-Supplies/Rod-Builders-Cork-Filler

 

I would contact Loomis directly, show them the photo.  For the price you paid it is not expected that the buyer should have to fill the cork.  But if you do fix it yourself, be very particular with the sanding,, using a block so you'll sand it evenly and not sand unintended contour into it.  Finish the sanding with whatever grit paper will give you the same finish as the new cork.  Then, use U-40 cork sealer to keep it looking good.  

 

http://www.mudhole.com/U-40-Cork-Seal-2-oz-

Just now, MickD said:

http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/Rod-Building-Supplies/Rod-Builders-Cork-Filler

 

I would contact Loomis directly, show them the photo.  For the price you paid it is not expected that the buyer should have to fill the cork.  But if you do fix it yourself, be very particular with the sanding,, using a block so you'll sand it evenly and not sand unintended contour into it.  Finish the sanding with whatever grit paper will give you the same finish as the new cork.  Then, use U-40 cork sealer to keep it looking good.  

 

http://www.mudhole.com/U-40-Cork-Seal-2-oz-

Having looked at that photo a second time, I conclude that one doesn't get very good quality cork on a $450 Loomis rod these days.  

[TH-Outdoors]

4 minutes ago, iabass8 said:

That's really nothing and you will likely have more of them in a couple years anyway. In the meantime, get some cork filler, match the handle, fill it in and then seal the cork handle /w u-40 cork sealant. 

I agree completely I am just always psycho about new rods lol. Thanks 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Good cork is hard to come by nowadays. It's a natural material and will always have some pits. Elmers golden oak wood filler is what you want. It sands easily 250-400 grit. 

[kschultz76]

That's a shame on a brand new rod, especially that expensive. 

 

Contact Loomis, they may take care of you. If you don't want to go that route or they won't follow DVTs advice and follow it up with a coat of U40. 

 

Nothing comes with truly high quality cork these days from what I can see. 

[MickD]

14 hours ago, TH-Outdoors said:

I agree completely I am just always psycho about new rods lol. Thanks 

With good quality cork you will not, in my opinion,  have chunks coming out in a few years.  But, in this case, maybe you will because that cork is certainly suspect.  It could be that not many rod buyers have recently seen good quality cork.  No doubt it is getting hard to get.  Some cork grips, but not this one I believe, are already filled when you get them.  Look closely and you can see it.  And the filling is solid and does not come out.  As I mentioned, the use of cork sealer will keep the cork looking good, cleanable, for a long time, too.  If you do fill it with the Elmer's (I didn't notice I was recommending the same product as DVT-better to just buy locally and avoid shipping costs)  (fill the whole area of the cork surface while you're at it)  and properly sand it, it will look much better than it does now.  If you seal with U-40 the color will not change.  You can use gunstock oil, like TruOil, for a different, darker, look.  If you choose to do that, try it on another cheaper rod to make sure you like it.  It will change the feel a little, too.

 

I believe that the problems with cork quality are causing manufacturers to increasingly offer new materials like the Winn Grips and carbon fiber.  Custom builders also have the option of using exotic burl cork which is pit-free, totally solid, lasts much better than regular cork, but is heavier.  Grips/handles/reel seat structure are the areas where custom rods usually excel relative to even the best factory rods.  

[onetime]

I would definitely contact Loomis, that wouldn't be acceptable to me.

[MickD]

To offer a little more info on the cork situation these days, there is no true accepted scale of quality for cork.  When you see "fluer," or is it "fleur." grade, it can vary a lot and you have no way of knowing whether source A's fleur is even close to source B's fleur grade.  Here are two pics of what is called by its source, "super" grade cork.  It costs about $25.  Look at the first photo and it looks pretty good, but many filled spots are visible.  The second photo is the same cork with the photo cropped to allow a closer look.  Easy to see the filled spots.  Based on my experience with this source and this grip, the filler will not come out and with the coat of U40 I put on it, it will look good for a long time.  And be cleanable to refresh it to almost new looking.

[J Francho]

Any production rod can have spots like that.  Do what they do, fill it with Elmer's Golden Oak, as mentioned.  If you seal your cork with U-40, it will protect the cork for a long time.

[NHBull]

Birkenstock sandals make a GREAT cork conditioner!

[Hulkster]

I would go back to the tackle shop and demand an exchange for another one before I shipped it off to Loomis.

 

what kind of customer service is that? you bought a $450 rod and they won't look after you after the purchase, esp. so soon after? ***. 

 

I bought a Loomis E6X rod at a spring fishing show and when I went to use it 2 months later I realized that the first big guide made a loud click sound with each cast. I called up the shop, told them what was going on and asked if I could simply exchange it for another one. they did so no problem. They would send the rod back to loomis. Thats customer service.

 

and that was only an e6x which costs half as much. your shop should do the same. 

[smalljaw67]

I agree that for the price I'd want that replaced. The first thing to do is contact Loomis and then report the tackle shop that wouldn't exchange it, if they are an authorized dealer Loomis may tell them to exchange it or lose their status. A small pit in the cork is something that won't bother me much on a rod under $200, but once you go over that it becomes a little bigger deal, at $400+ the cork better have some integrity and if a piece comes out with the sticker, especially a chunk that large, well it is going back.