I just got my first cork handled rod with a split-grip handle. As I did so, I noticed how the cork seemed pasty and left a peachy/corky rub on my hands. 

 

1) Do all cork rods allow you to take off the plastic or do some require the plastic to stay on?

 

2) What are the benefits of a cork rod over a foam rod?

 

3) Is it normal for the cork rods to leave that rub blush on your hands after removing the plastic?

Take the plastic off and clean the cork gently with Magic Eraser.

 

I always give em a wipe down with alcohol after I Remove the plastic.

18 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Take the plastic off and clean the cork gently with Magic Eraser.

 

Ah got it. Thank you!

7 minutes ago, Shimano_1 said:

I always give em a wipe down with alcohol after I Remove the plastic.

That makes sense. Thanks for the help!

1 hour ago, CoolestCornet99 said:

I just got my first cork handled rod with a split-grip handle. As I did so, I noticed how the cork seemed pasty and left a peachy/corky rub on my hands. 

 

1) Do all cork rods allow you to take off the plastic or do some require the plastic to stay on?

 

2) What are the benefits of a cork rod over a foam rod?

 

3) Is it normal for the cork rods to leave that rub blush on your hands after removing the plastic?

1. Remove the plastic

2. I think it is a personal choice more than anything else.  I choose cork because it is what I grew up with and synthetic grips are just not as comfortable to me. 

3. I wipe all my rods down with a magic eraser and seal them with a cork sealer so I get no rub blush as you call it.

Cork sealer will make it easier to clean them after use.  Don't love them to death, but also don't wait too long to use the magic eraser again.  As they start to look like they need some attention, give it to them.

 

Yes, remove the plastic.  It's only there to keep the cork looking good in the showroom.

 

Take the plastic off. Moisture can get underneath and trapped causing issues.

 

I use cork sealer on all my rods thanks to the advice I received on these forums. 

5 hours ago, Heartland said:

1. Remove the plastic

2. I think it is a personal choice more than anything else.  I choose cork because it is what I grew up with and synthetic grips are just not as comfortable to me. 

3. I wipe all my rods down with a magic eraser and seal them with a cork sealer so I get no rub blush as you call it.

Okay thanks. That explains a lot. What's the Magic Eraser? A brand I'm guessing.

5 hours ago, MickD said:

Cork sealer will make it easier to clean them after use.  Don't love them to death, but also don't wait too long to use the magic eraser again.  As they start to look like they need some attention, give it to them.

 

Yes, remove the plastic.  It's only there to keep the cork looking good in the showroom.

 

Ah got it. Thank you!

5 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

Take the plastic off. Moisture can get underneath and trapped causing issues.

 

I use cork sealer on all my rods thanks to the advice I received on these forums. 

Oh I see. Yeah these forums of anglers helping anglers is a beautiful thing to behold!

2 minutes ago, CoolestCornet99 said:

What's the Magic Eraser? A brand I'm guessing.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

3 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Ohhh. Okay thank you

U-40 cork sealer is a must!!!

1 hour ago, pauldconyers said:

U-40 cork sealer is a must!!!

Gotcha thank you!

2 hours ago, pauldconyers said:

U-40 cork sealer is a must!!!

Would this work, too or should I go for the U-40?

I remove the plastic and condition the cork with hand sweat & oil. If I clean them I won't know where to hold them.?

6 hours ago, CoolestCornet99 said:

Would this work, too or should I go for the U-40?

I expect it will work fine, but have no experience with it.  U-40 is very well known and highly used by custom builders.

Never knew you were supposed to condition cork. I have a couple rods that I still use that are 30 years old and still look good. 
Only problem I’ve ever had is the cork shrank and the rod blank could twist inside the handle

43 minutes ago, GTN said:

Never knew you were supposed to condition cork. I have a couple rods that I still use that are 30 years old and still look good. 
Only problem I’ve ever had is the cork shrank and the rod blank could twist inside the handle

Ya, cleaning the basement a month back saw me finding my old Diawa 1312 (6'6" ML/F) rod that I hadn't used in 30+ years. Cleaned up nice, even the cork which I then sealed. Now I have another backup ML/F rod...might put the old Cardinal 562 spinner on that.

41 minutes ago, GTN said:

Never knew you were supposed to condition cork. I have a couple rods that I still use that are 30 years old and still look good. 
Only problem I’ve ever had is the cork shrank and the rod blank could twist inside the handle

That’s not shrinkage it’s over reamed and improperly installed. It can be fixed relatively easily by drilling two small holes into the void but not blank and injecting liquid adhesive epoxy. Wood filler in the holes when done. 

28 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

That’s not shrinkage it’s over reamed and improperly installed. It can be fixed relatively easily by drilling two small holes into the void but not blank and injecting liquid adhesive epoxy. Wood filler in the holes when done. 

Thanks but not quite following you when you say drill 2 small holes into the void?

7 hours ago, MickD said:

I expect it will work fine, but have no experience with it.  U-40 is very well known and highly used by custom builders.

Okay thank you

4 hours ago, GTN said:

Thanks but not quite following you when you say drill 2 small holes into the void?

The void between the OD of the rod blank and the ID of the cork.

There’s a void (empty space) between the cork and blank. Drill 3/32 into cork being careful not to go into the blank. Two holes is so air can escape allowing the adhesive to flow in. 

1 hour ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

There’s a void (empty space) between the cork and blank. Drill 3/32 into cork being careful not to go into the blank. Two holes is so air can escape allowing the adhesive to flow in. 

Ok now I’ve got it. Thanks. 
Any brand of adhesive you would recommend? 

Any liquid epoxy adhesive. I keep CRB from mud hole in the shop. Doesn’t have to be rod building specific though. 

I remember old ladies who would leave the plastic covers on their living room furniture.