My fishing partner has most of his spinning rods with cork, as I do. However, he leaves the plastic sheathing on the cork instead of taking it off, as I do. He says it keeps the cork looking better for a longer time. I have My doubts about it being such a good practice, although I'm not sure why I feel that way. Opinions, please!

It may make them last a bit longer. But I buy my rods to use them and I like the feel of cork better than plastic. I can always clean the cork handle and keep it looking good.

Seems like the plastic would make it hard to keep a good grip on the rod. Your friend might be interested in the U-40 cork sealer. I haven't used it yet, but I see a lot of guys say they really like it, keeps their cork clean.

you might wanna take it off, i heard if any moisture get in-between the plastic and cork, the cork can't dry out so it basically rots and becomes very brittle. never experienced it but I've heard of it happening a few times

Plastic on cork rods is like plastic slip covers for furniture & car seats. That practice went out about fifty plus years ago.

Seems like the plastic would make it hard to keep a good grip on the rod. Your friend might be interested in the U-40 cork sealer. I haven't used it yet, but I see a lot of guys say they really like it, keeps their cork clean.

 

I am a faithful U-40 cork sealer disciple.  Not on reel handle knobs but every rod handle I own. 

 

Make a difference in cork durability and longevity.

 

See no reason why it would not work for your application.

 

A-Jay

I have a friend that is clean crazy, so much that it is to the point of OCD and he does the same thing. The thing that cured him of it was a trip out during a damp fall day, he almost threw the rod out of the boat so he took off the plastic from the rear grip leaving the fore grip on, guess what? A month later the moisture in the plastic started causing the filler to come out of the cork and it looked a mess so he took the plastic off and cleaned it up and he no longer keeps it on.

I Did this for many years...because I'm pretty particular about stuff. I stopped about a year ago because I realized that life is too short And The Plastic Only Lasts A Year Or So And It's A Pretty Nominal Effect over The Life Of The rod. I have been super happy because I just learned that a magic eraser brings the cork back to brand new.

My sons would leave the plastic on until they caught a fish "worth of the rod". Very seldom did the plastic last the first day. The U-40 sealer is a great way to go IMO. I use it on all my rods.

call me crazy but I actually like a little wear on my cork handles, gives em that nice broken in look and feel.

I'm Absolutely a cork handle guy... Sincerely no offense but leaving the plastic on the handle is insanely idiotic to me...

The reason why I'm a cork handle guy is cause I like the FEEL of it....not plastic..

Especially on a higher end rod with better quality cork... That would be like buying a really nice chef knife but only cut butter with it cause you don't want to do any damage to the blade........or maybe not..hahaha!

And I'm extremely anal about keeping Everything I own in really nice condition.

I don't care if mine get dirty.  I like them a little darker anyway.   

It's an everyday sight down here, why I don't know, many keep the plastic straps on the combos.  I keep the plastic on the cork until I've decided I'm keeping the rod, I want to return a rod as clean as can.

you might wanna take it off, i heard if any moisture get in-between the plastic and cork, the cork can't dry out so it basically rots and becomes very brittle. never experienced it but I've heard of it happening a few times

My first thought was moisture possibilities and my second was I'm more concerned with how my rod feels in my hand then I am with how my cork looks.

Brian

I keep the plastic on the cork until I've decided I'm keeping the rod, I want to return a rod as clean as can.Snookalot said it....

After 30 days off comes the plastic...

Funny thing the higher end rods do not come with plastic sealed cork handles. I wonder why? 

My fishing partner has most of his spinning rods with cork, as I do. However, he leaves the plastic sheathing on the cork instead of taking it off, as I do. He says it keeps the cork looking better for a longer time. I have My doubts about it being such a good practice, although I'm not sure why I feel that way. Opinions, please!

Your partner is nuts!

^^^ no sugar coating there... its a tool, use it to catch fish, if it gets scratched or dirty, just make sure you have some good stories and pictures to explain them...

 

Mitch

Either the U-40 cork sealer, or if he actually doesn't like cork, then put some of the shrink-fit X-wrap flocked tubing on it. I have that on some of my salmon rods that spend their lives in rod holders. It's also great for color-coding your rods.

 

http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Cord-Grip-Tape-Shrink-Tubing/Flocked-Rubber-Shrink-Tube

 

http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Cord-Grip-Tape-Shrink-Tubing/Colored-Heat-Shrink-Grip-Material

My fishing partner has most of his spinning rods with cork, as I do. However, he leaves the plastic sheathing on the cork instead of taking it off, as I do. He says it keeps the cork looking better for a longer time. I have My doubts about it being such a good practice, although I'm not sure why I feel that way. Opinions, please!

 

Reminds me of my Italian in-laws. They kept the plastic on lamp shades!

 

Ridiculous.

I don't get keeping the plastic on, the rods are tools to catch fish. I pay good money for rods, I want them to perform at their best, having the plastic will make them slippery and not feel right. That is a no no, and especially not for something which is an easy clean up.

I keep it on till I decide if I like the rod or not. I usually try to make this decision in the yard before I hit water though.

Funny thing the higher end rods do not come with plastic sealed cork handles. I wonder why?

Not as much cork filler to hold in?

I keep it on till I decide if I like the rod or not. I usually try to make this decision in the yard before I hit water though.

It may feel fine casting in the yard, but no telling how the rod is going to react with a fish on.  I'd prefer catching a few fish before I made the decision. 

Thanks guys! You've re-inforced my exact perception. Now I just have to convince him to remove it from his rods! (Not an easy task!) LOL!