Disappointed

[Jonny15678]

So I’ve had my Dobyns fury series rod for a little over a month and have only used it maybe 6 times and the top of the cork handle is already chipped away a bit. I expected more out of this brand. My $50 lews cork handle is still in perfect condition.

[Junger]

Clean it up with a mild soap, let it dry, then seal it with U40.

 

But personally, if I bought a Fury, I wouldn't expect much out of the cork. Gotta be somewhat realistic.

[islandbass]

I wouldn’t put this one on dobyns. It is hopefully a sign of your usage and if it is, consider those battle scars and added character. 

 

As already suggested, get it cleaned and sealed. Even I, who love certain battle scars, have a threshold I won’t go passed, lol. 

[Jonny15678]

Thanks for the advice got some sealer on it’s way.

[jimmyjoe]

   I wrap my handles with racquet tape. Seems to work. Better grip, too.      jj

[Glaucus]

My fleet of Fury rods is also seeing some chipping away of the cork after about a month of use since open water and somewhat decent weather has come our way.

 

I found out that U40 was a thing last night, and my Fury rods were exactly what I had in mind after finding out that this existed. I haven't had much of an issue with cork handles before these rods. I really don't even know how I had never heard about U40.

 

On another note, I was going to make a thread on the power rating of Dobyns rods. Before purchasing I had asked if it was true that the power ratings are laughably exaggerated, and I was told no. What I have found is that the casting rods are weaker than their power rating says that they are compared to what is typical. I know that there is no industry standard. However I went into it know that a MH is more of a M and a H is more of a MH and I have been pleased. No as far as the spinning rods are concerned, I wish I had never bought them. The Fury line doesn't offer a MH spinning rod. The M is really weak. Casting a 5" Senko on it feels like I've got a bowling ball attached to my rod. It's been a grind for me so far this crappy spring, and the handful of fish I have had on the end of the M Fury have either come unpinned and/or it felt like my rod wasn't up for the job and that I couldn't get a good hookset. I bought the ML as well, but that is solely for Need Rigs for river smallmouth and I have no doubt that that whippy rod will be perfect for them. I've casted Ned Rigs on it and it feels great. I did try a wacky rig on the ML but I put an end to that real fast as I once again felt like I was over powering the rod.

 

I was going to make a thread about the above, but I've done nothing but complain about one thing or another regarding them since I've had them, and I didn't want to bog down the forums with yet another complaint thread. So you get it in this thread LOL. Long story short I like the casting rods but honestly if I got to buy a new fleet all over again it would not be Dobyns.

[cadman]

Fill the chipped gaps first with Elmers wood filler, lightly sand smooth and then seal the whole handle with sealer.

[Ppennin986]

That’s why I don’t buy rods with cork 

[NYWayfarer]

2 hours ago, Ppennin986 said:

That’s why I don’t buy rods with cork 

I am loving my rods with Winn Grip handles. 

 

They sell Winn Grip wraps I might get them for some of my older cork rods.

 

For those that are using cork sealer for the first time. Go easy. One light coat is all you need. Another coat is not necessary and does nothing to help.

[.ghoti.]

That is not cork that has been chipped. That is filler coming out of the voids in the cork.

[LionHeart]

Everyone is different but that wouldn't bother or surprise me in the least on $100 rod.

 

If the cork handle ever gets beat up to the point you can't stand it, it is pretty easy to replace with Winn split grips.  Had a shop do it on one of my rods for $30 plus cost of the grips.

[MickD]

7 hours ago, .ghoti. said:

That is not cork that has been chipped. That is filler coming out of the voids in the cork.

That's what I see, too.  While not everyone wants to or can afford a custom rod, this is one area that custom rods with cork grips that started as individual cork rings will be far superior.  Cork rings are not filled; almost all pre-formed griips are.  Because really good cork is getting pretty hard to find, and when one finds it, it is very expensive.

 

If I had this rod and it bothered me I would buy a $10 Winns grip wrap (available in many colors and designs) and wrap the grip.  Will be better than new.  Better grip, looks sharp.

[Columbia Craw]

The handles on the Savvys are over 5 years old.  I bought them from a buddy who got a sponsorship.  He fished them OFTEN. Dawson sealed them in U-40, cleaned them and resealed them. This is what pushed me to try U-40 myself. The other grips on the three Furys were also sealed after a good Magic Eraser cleaning. The fill material in cork grips is not water proof and with time in wet weather and sweaty hands it will soften, and erode with the movement of your hands.  Seal it.  A container of U-40 will treat over 200 10 inch cork grips.  Fast and so easy. It's worth it. 

[fin]

Why don't rod makers seal cork to begin with? There must be some downside?

[islandbass]

2 hours ago, fin said:

Why don't rod makers seal cork to begin with? There must be some downside?

Cost I suppose. On the other side of the coin there might be a market for buying rods with presealed cork. The market forces will likely dictate this 

[Jcj90]

My Dobyns furys are the same way. It’s normal wear and tear imo