What ever happened to EVA foam grips??

[The Rooster]

12 years ago when I first got into fishing, EVA foam grips were everywhere.  Now the only rods I ever still see that have them are the Shakespeare Ugly Stik and a few other K-Mart $9.99 specials.  About everything else has cork.  Any reason why??  

Not that I'm complaining, I'm actually lovin' the cork handles on my rods.  All but one I own have cork and I'm likely to soon replace the one EVA foam handled rod I still have.  Just wondered is all.  

[Red]

there are a few out there still

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCMCR.html

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCQUANTUM-QSCR.html

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCDAIWA-DSZC.html

those aint no $9.99 specials either!!

[skillet]

The only thing I can figure is "the powers that be" decided we needed to change ;D. Don't know if I think they are that much more comfortable, seem durable so far. Actually, still have a Lew's Speed Stick with the foam handle...

                                   As Ever,

                                    skillet

BTW you weren't kidding Red !!!

[Red]

yeah i kinda like the handle on that cumara rod, i think if i ever get around to building another rod i would design my handle after that one.

[dumb_dog11]

IMO, cork doesnt absorb vibration like foam does. The foam seems to dampen the sensitivity of the rod

[basspro96]

My local rod builder puts it on the back to give you comfort but thats it

[AnthonyRSS]

I use EVA on almost all the rods I build.  I like the look, the weight, the durability, and the price.  Good cork is about $1.25/in.  Good hard EVA is a bit different than the bargain store specials.  My hands only touch the handle to cast anyway, not when working it.

Anthony

[Raul]

There is one thing foam does that cork can 't, foam grips with use take the shape of your hand making the extra comfortable to hold.

[MickD]

Maybe new EVA is better, but old EVA, like the old Ugly Sticks, used to deteriorate to the point of crumbling-I think due to reaction to time in the sunlight.  I stopped buying rods with it because of my experience with the crumbling, and when I started building rods, would not consider it.

Being a sort of traditionalist, I really like the look of cork on my rods, but have given in to technology by using the exotic burl in the natural and brown.

[CFFF 1.5]

Most if not all offshore rods use eva foam grips. I don't think I have ever seen one use cork, though I'm sure there are some. The foam has to be a comfort thing.

[bass wrangler569]

All though a lot of the cheaper rods don't have EVA grips anymore, they don't have real cork either. I wanted to convert my flipping rod's handle to a split grip so before I did it on my good rod I decided to practice on a couple el cheapo rods that I had won in a raffle. All of the el cheapo rods had some kind of rubber inside and the cork on the outside was actually just cork tape.

[AnthonyRSS]

Most saltwater/offshore rods actually use Hypalon, a rubber based material.  It is more durable than both cork and EVA but is not light.  

Anthony