I think you'll only see cork on the upper end models above Cumara.

Cumara was released last year wasn't it?  Can't see an update already. 

 

As long as it's not full cork, I'm ok with it.  I really don't care if it's cork or foam, as long as it is a split grip. 

I think this is the 4th year of the Cumara and it is on the 2nd edition.

I prefer cork, but I think it's because I'm old...lol.

Hootie

Cork, as long as it is top shelf, I like Eva on some rods... In the right density. Personally Iam sick of split grips... Loomis does it pretty good...

I just want them to bring the Cumulus and 1st gen Cumara back... 

I just want them to bring the Cumulus and 1st gen Cumara back... 

 

x2

I wish they'd do a full EVA. Maybe it'd help balance out the rods. Tired of all these crappy split grips and tip heavy rods.

I just want them to bring the Cumulus and 1st gen Cumara back... 

I used to be a cork only guy but now I don't care as much? Something about a worn out EVA grip I'm starting to like?

I used to be a cork only guy but now I don't care as much? Something about a worn out EVA grip I'm starting to like?

I'd be curious to see a "worn out" EVA grip. I have several old cork rods that have had the filler fall out and what not, but I've never had an EVA that looked much worse than it did brand new.

Look at any Veritas, Vendetta  or other recent Abu rod after it was held for a season and you'll see worn.

Look at any Veritas, Vendetta  or other recent Abu rod after it was held for a season and you'll see worn.

I reckon that's the difference between good EVA and cheap EVA.

I wish they'd do a full EVA. Maybe it'd help balance out the rods. Tired of all these crappy split grips and tip heavy rods.

Ain't that the truth? Sick of the splits too!

I really hope they bring the PG series from Japan ^^

I'd be curious to see a "worn out" EVA grip. I have several old cork rods that have had the filler fall out and what not, but I've never had an EVA that looked much worse than it did brand new.

I'll get u a pic but I'm home now and my boats at my shop

Not sure how this got into a cork or Eva deal, but I would suspect the new Crucial to have split Eva....but would like to see full Eva.

I prefer cork, but I think it's because I'm old...lol.

Hootie

I prefer cork too but I'm in my mid 20's. Am I an old soul, or are you young at heart? Maybe cork just feels better, haha.

I was talking with my local Shimano rep, the new Crucials will not have EVA grip, they are going back to cork.

I was talking with my local Shimano rep, the new Crucials will not have EVA grip, they are going back to cork.

 

Wow, really? That surprises me.  I'm probably minority here, but I do like the feel of EVA over cork, except for the balance thou.

It is not possible to buy AAAA cork anymore. The cost has skyrocketed for cork with both the fishing industry and the wine industry. I prefer a split handle because it gives me better leverage when casting, though it does cause tip heavy rods. I like the new EVA foam that companies are using now, it no longer falls off or tears up like the old EVA foam. I have yet to try the other materials out there, I just don't have the budget to buy that many rods currently. I am in the process of testing different reels to see what I like best now. Next year will be the year of the rods.

I was talking with my local Shimano rep, the new Crucials will not have EVA grip, they are going back to cork.

Sweeeet!! I've got two of the cork split grip Crucial dropshot rods that are the BOMB, but on their last legs - broken hook keeper, chipped blanks, damaged cork, etc. - from all the wear and tear landing many nice smallies. If this is true, I'll buy 5 of these new Crucials. Cannot wait!

Sweet, more filler.

If they are upgrading to cork as the “rep“ said, then I bet they upgrade the price too. It's their m.o. to upgrade the blank too whenever they change. I hope the blank will have a conservative color, the Cumara deep red was modest compared to some companies.

Moving back to cork is a step in the right direction since almost every rod company is making rods with split grip EVA handles. I can't wait to see what they have to offer. Please have some full handle cork models, but I don't see that happening if they decide to keep their proprietary reel seat.