Cork handles

[Clay7757]

I've seen recently that Kistler is running their spring sale.  I've always been interested in getting one, but my problem is all the rods I've fished before with cork handles have been cheaper cork and I've never been a fan of it.  I'm wondering what the quality of the cork is like on their rods.  In general, what's the advantages of cork or what do people like about it?  Is it worth springing for the custom rods from Kistler or ALX without cork?  Appreciate any feedback, thanks.

[Jig Man]

I get shrink tubing from the mud hole and cover my cork.

[MIbassyaker]

I don't have anything sophisticated to say about this, but the classic look and feel of cork seems just right to me. Even when it's not high-quality, I prefer it over other materials. 

[Corey T]

1 hour ago, Clay7757 said:

I've seen recently that Kistler is running their spring sale.  I've always been interested in getting one, but my problem is all the rods I've fished before with cork handles have been cheaper cork and I've never been a fan of it.  I'm wondering what the quality of the cork is like on their rods.  In general, what's the advantages of cork or what do people like about it?  Is it worth springing for the custom rods from Kistler or ALX without cork?  Appreciate any feedback, thanks.

I picked up 2 Helium’s and a Feel N Reel this year but do not really care for cork. My plan was to fish them for a while and then switch out for Winn grips. I’ve been good with the cork so far! With that said, I still wish they had Winn grips. I’ll change eventually but don’t feel a rush. 

[swhit140]

I prefer cork myself, I've never had cork issues. I've always used U40 cork seal on my cork rods. Some probably don't care or don't use it. Everyone has their own opinion on it.

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

So little of my hand ever contacts the grip, material is mostly cosmetic. Cork had gone the way of dimensional lumber, cut from young trees and of mediocre quality at best. 

[J.Bass]

I always liked cork handles and I’ve haven’t had any issues. I’ve used non cork handles and cork handles. I Don’t prefer one over other. Most of my rods have cork handles.

[MN Fisher]

I've got a couple partial-cork handles, a couple full-cork handles and several full EVA handles. Doesn't really matter to me which is which. Treat with U-40 and you're done.

 

Aside: 'Rescued' an old Diawa 1312 rod from my basement. Probably been sitting in the rafters for a decade or more. Cork looked like 'dog poop', but some sanding and it was good as new again. Checked it over, and it's very usable...backup ML rod now.

[Angry John]

With the skyrocketing cost and lowering quality of cork you may want to find something you like instead of cork. If you're having a rod custom-built I highly recommend the new carbon handles their amazing

[GReb]

I have a couple of Kistler rods and their cork is decent. About par for $200 rods. It’s certainly not as nice as the cork on my higher end St Croix. But the handle material is the least important aspect of a rod to me

[WRB]

I prefer high quality cork but the reality is it isn't available. So what you get today is cork that has been filled with ground cork and fillers that may look good but is functionally inferior to today's rod handle material options.

Cork excels gripping when wet, don't cover it with sealers or coverings that make it slippery you defeat it purpose. If you wear gloves cork looses it's advantages.

Tom

[fishwizzard]

I love cork but even when coated the filler will chip out eventually, I have some higher end rods that are going to need refilling after 2-3 years of use.  

[OnthePotomac]

Although I am up to 9 Carbonlites I still have and like a lot four cork handle rods: one is a very old 7' KVD spinner bait, one is a very old 7' KVD frog rod, one is a pretty old 6'6" Galyans (for my jig and pig) and one is a very old 6'6" Gander Titanium medium I use for crank baits.  Each of them is so special in their purpose I will always have them.

[CrankFate]

I have a KLX with cork. I see no basis for anyone to claim there is any reason to say it’s not good. I have yet to see a rod with anything better. I don’t even know what anyone even means by better. If anything, it is thicker than the cork found on other rods, which brings me back to I don’t understand the negativity???

[MickD]

3 hours ago, WRB said:

I prefer high quality cork but the reality is it isn't available. So what you get today is cork that has been filled with ground cork and fillers that may look good but is functionally inferior to today's rod handle material options.

Cork excels gripping when wet, don't cover it with sealers or coverings that make it slippery you defeat it purpose. If you wear gloves cork looses it's advantages.

Tom

U40 does not make the cork slippery.  In fact it makes cleaning easier so the fish slime comes off leaving the cork in a very nice condition.  And not slippery.

 

I submit while you cannot get really nice quality cork on factory rods, you can get cork rings of fine quality if you make your own grips.

[WRB]

I haven't used U40 sealer and have use warm water with soap and let dry then clean with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser pads and my 30 year old cork handle rods still look new!

Some anglers leave the clear shrink wrap on the cork to protect it and others use lacquer or urethane as a sealer. U40 sounds like a good product. 

Agree a good custom rod builder can get high quality cork rings to make rod handles. The problem, as you well know, is it only takes 1 bad ring when shaping the handle to spoil the build.

Winn Wrap is both comfortable and non slip.

Tom

[GReb]

1 hour ago, CrankFate said:

I have a KLX with cork. I see no basis for anyone to claim there is any reason to say it’s not good. I have yet to see a rod with anything better. I don’t even know what anyone even means by better. If anything, it is thicker than the cork found on other rods, which brings me back to I don’t understand the negativity???

Higher quality cork has smaller pores and cracks. You can see the difference in quality below. They def need a little cleaning
 

1 - Kistler KLX

2 - Dobyns Champ 

3 - St Croix LTB

[FishTank]

I have two rods with EVA grips and they are OK but I prefer a good quality cork handle.   Also, I do have a rod from Fenwick that has the cork/eva mix and it's not bad but I can tell in time it's going to fall apart. 

[CrankFate]

17 hours ago, GReb said:

Higher quality cork has smaller pores and cracks. You can see the difference in quality below. They def need a little cleaning
 

1 - Kistler KLX

2 - Dobyns Champ 

3 - St Croix LTB

Interesting, my KLX appears a bit different. I personally prefer the cork with some natural texture because it is more grippy than smooth cork.