Cork vs EVA grips

[Fishin Dad]

Hey all,

 

In my search for new rods, I seem to have a preference for EVA type grips over cork.  I own quite a few of each, but seem to lean away from cork.  Please let me know your likes/dislikes and why.  

 

Thanks!

[jbsoonerfan]

Winn for the win for me.

[ItsHardwick]

I like cork, some really nice cork feels really good in the hand. Especially a full cork grip mmmmmmmm. 

 

However, I don’t let cork/eva get in the way of making the right rod decision when it comes to buying rods. 

 

I like cork more, but my last 6 rod purchases have had Eva grips. Go figure. 

[tbone1993]

Eva just seems too cheap for me. Spending $200+ on a rod it better come with some cool looking smooth cork. The foam handle rods I have just seen cheap, granted they are only $150.   I like how a weathered cork rod looks and the battle scars they get. Not a fan of cork handle reels either.

 

[The Maestro]

I prefer eva but cork's not a deal breaker.

[d-camarena]

I dont care, my rods are half cork and the other half eva. Although i think weathered cork looks great, battlescars are a plus for me

[rt dak]

The majority of my rods are cork but I really don't care either way. If they were the same exact rods in every other way but with eva instead of cork I would have still bought them.

[Hulkster]

cork only for me. when I started fishing hardcore 20+ years ago, good rods had cork, cheap rods had black foam. I just can't get passed the connotation lol

[MIbassyaker]

Cork. Looks right, feels right.

[MN Fisher]

I buy a rod based on two things: Is it the power and action I want and is it in my budget. The grip material is immaterial to me...both do the job. Right now I have 4 EVA and 1 Cork, and it really doesn't matter.

[Fishin Dad]

I bought a Dobyns Champion, with cork at the end of last season to throw Chatters.  It just seemed slippery to me.  Felt like I had to hang on tighter.  I assume that is average cork or a little better.  I agree with the aged cork and battle scars.  Seems to have better grip too.  Maybe I just need to fish more!   I do have summers off.........Mmmmm

thanks guys.  Just wanted to see if others had the same ideas with it.  

2 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Winn for the win for me.

Jbsoonerfan, I do like my Winn grips a lot!

[CrankFate]

I dont know? I like quality hard light EVA, cork is OK. Some days I feel like I like it, other days I don’t. I don’t like that it gets old and I don’t like that it looks so new when you get it. Have barely fished the Winn grips, but I am definitely liking it. I don’t know? I care more about weight and action.

[Deleted account]

Cork, cause it feels best and it doesn't compress like synthetic materials when you squeeze it. and no sealer. It's supposed to look like it gets used.

[CroakHunter]

Cork

Winn

Eva

[Fishin Dad]

I agree that I first choose the power, action, feel, etc. first.  Just wondering, all other things being equal???   I can’t tell if it affects feel or sensitivity to me.  It just seems that the rods I am looking at getting next, the strong majority come with cork.  Not sure it will be a deal breaker, just seem to prefer the feel in hand of non-cork rods.  Seems as though like the cork.  Will finally get back on the water for bass in about a month after a long, long winter to feel the difference again.  

[cadman]

Cork for me only. I just like the feel of cork. I don't want any spongy foam. Looks cheap to me.

[LCG]

3 hours ago, CroakHunter said:

Cork

Winn

Eva

X2. Although Winn is so comfortable, time will tell if it takes the number 1 spot. 

[Catt]

When EVA handles get wet they keep your hand wet which is why I will not own em.

 

I prefer full cork handles but Winn grips are quickly moving up!

[FishTank]

Cork handles for me.  I have a rod with EVA and I like the rod by itself but the EVA has never felt right.

[GreenPig]

Own both and can't feel the difference through my fishing gloves. 

[Mobasser]

I like the feel and look of a nice cork handle.

[ike8120]

All my Dobyns rods have cork including my ultra lights. I clean my cork grips once a year with a magic eraser let dry the add a thin coat of cork sealer. 

Here are a couple of pros opinions :

David Fritts  Cork  "The cork also helps the rod float if it falls into the water"

Kevin Van Dam  Foam "Cork is good, but it gets slippery when wet"

Russ Lane  Winn"I also don’t have to squeeze the rod as hard to have a firm grip,”

[Fishin Dad]

All good points everyone.  Thanks

[MickD]

I have no EVA because many years ago I had "black foam" grips deteriorate due to UV exposure.  I have no confidence that the newer materials will be any better.  They must be somewhat better since no one is mentioning UV problems.

 

I have Winn and like them.  Winn grips have EVA inside, but the surface is not.  I trust Winn has done its homework relative to UV.

[NYWayfarer]

I like Winn Grips.

 

I know how to repair cork handles that I got a hook in. I guess I could re-wrap a Winn grip that gets damaged. Never could figure out how to repair EVA.