Do you seal the cork on your rods with a cork sealer?

[Bass Junke]

I did the cork grips on one rod, didn't like the feel. Now I am waiting for it to wear off. After 2 seasons, it's still there. 😧

[padlin]

Prefer naked, like Catt I hit em with the magic eraser when needed.

[slowworm]

^^^

 

Same, naked cork.  Don't like the feel of sealed cork.

[T-Billy]

Yep. U-40.

[crypt]

yep...U-40

[Gera]

To me it made sense to apply it, I do not take great care of my gear so applying it right before first use allows me to care of them even less. 

The feel, yes its different.. but then either the weird feeling disappears after first use or you get use to it really quick.

 

[Bankbeater]

I don't seal the cork, but I'll wipe it down after a trip.

[Big Hands]

On 4/7/2024 at 11:33 AM, MN Fisher said:

Every cork-handled rod I get is immediately treated with U-40 before it even gets a reel put on it.

 

I do to, and I wish I could say it makes a significant difference. But if I am being honest (not much point in conversing otherwise), I don't think they look much different than they would if left untreated.

[Peacedivision]

I like the worn look, if my cork is too clean it means that rod needs to spend more time on the water 

[RB 77]

Nah, I love the way cork looks when it gets "weathered". 

[J Francho]

Looks pretty weathered to me. Treated with U-40. 
 

 

[DaubsNU1]

Most of my rods are Cabela's brand purchased in the 1990's. Never once did I ever put anything on them besides my sweaty palms. No issues so far. 

[CrashVector]

I just use Lew's Speed Cast on mine with a microfiber towel.

 

Cleans it off nicely.  I don't like the feel of cork after putting u-40 on it, and the speed cast stuff works beautifully to clean off the grit and grime.

[Catt]

Don't know what rods y'all are buying but I have 2 Diawa Tatulas &  Powell Inferno. As far as I can tell neither has much filler.

 

Everything else is Lew's with Winn Grips, nuthin with EVA.

[BayouSlide]

On 4/7/2024 at 4:32 PM, Catt said:

Nah! Never have 😉

 

I'm with Catt on this one. I prefer the look and feel of bare cork, even if I have to clean it with a Magic Eraser pad or fill pits occasionally with Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler (Gold Oak).

[J._Bricker]

 I do now and I it’s U-40 to seal ‘em both old and new. I’m not a fan of magic erasers wavy effect on the cork rings on one of my rods and went back to using 400 grit emery paper.

 The photos are of three Powell Max and one Okuma rod that  I reworked the cork handles by light sanding with emery paper, then filled the cork and then U-40 application was applied to keep them serviceable. YMMV

[HawkeyeSmallie]

So what's the final verdict?

 

Some say it makes the grips slick when wet. Some say they don't.

 

What's been your experience?

 

Have a new rod sitting in my living room and another in a Fedex truck right now.

 

THANKS

 

[PhishLI]

5 minutes ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

So what's the final verdict?

 

Some say it makes the grips slick when wet. Some say they don't.

 

What's been your experience?

I don't find that it makes the cork slippery at all. I think if one hasn't ever felt cork that's been treated, they assume U40 is like putting clear coat poly or shellac on the cork, but it's not even close to what that might feel like. To me, the feel of cork is still there. The texture. U40 is so thin that it doesn't change much. What it does well is protect water-based fillers from easily falling out.

[HawkeyeSmallie]

5 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

I don't find that it makes the cork slippery at all. I think if one hasn't ever felt cork that's been treated, they assume U40 is like putting clear coat poly or shellac on the cork, but it's not even close to what that might feel like. To me, the feel of cork is still there. The texture. U40 is so thin that it doesn't change much. What it does well is protect water-based fillers from easily falling out.

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

If it makes the grips slick I'm not going to do it.

 

But if it can increase the life of my "investment" without changing too many characteristics I will.

 

Nice bass btw. 

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

If it makes the grips slick I'm not going to do it.

I've fished rods both with and without U-40 treatment...I haven't noticed much if any difference in the 'slickness' of the handle...so all mine get U-40, no excuses.

[THE_Vue's]

Cork seal it and then use ceramic coat after it has cured.  It will feel like natural cork and at the same time sealed.  

[Dan N]

I never have, haven’t had an issue. 

either way , just please, please do not leave the plastic on the cork on a new rod🤣🤣

[thunderblack]

I sealed all rods for years with U40 but lately I just prefer the feel and look of them getting used. Just not as concerned about them looking brand new. They catch fish either way

[Skeet6]

Never, not on the rods I build, nor on any of my bamboo fly rods. Cork is meant only to be treated with fish slime and handling dirt and whatever else.

Mike B

[flatcreek]

Never