What do you guys prefer cork grips or EVA grips?

Didn't we just have this discussion?

 

Oh right...we did.

9 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Didn't we just have this discussion?

 

Oh right...we did.

 

No need for these types of replies? Everyday or so,a question is asked that has been asked in one form or another? There are other ways to raise your post count ?

My opinion is, if the rod is high end enough for them to put real cork on it and not junk, then I like cork. Otherwise, put EVA or something else on it.

I've been thinking about this recently and I don't think I care whether they are foam or cork, outside of aesthetics.

 

Why? Because I never use the things outside of casting. Most of the time I have the reel in my hand and there is no grip there. Comfort is not a thing whatsoever. I can cast with either.

On 4/17/2021 at 8:42 AM, KDW96 said:

 

No need for these types of replies? Everyday or so,a question is asked that has been asked in one form or another? There are other ways to raise your post count ?

 

Agreed here. If people weren't allowed to post something that's already been discussed, then the forums wouldn't exist. Plus, new eyes and new responses lead to learning and innovation.

 

That being said, I would always see if there's a thread that has been active in the last month or so before I post a question. 

 

As far as the question goes, it depends. Aesthetically, I prefer EVA on rods with a modern or JDM look. I prefer cork on my fly rods and rods with a more classic look. Luckily, as a rod builder, I get to choose that.

 

The only catch is on the really affordable rods, the cork can be quite cheap and ugly. I prefer EVA in that instance. For example, I use a cheap Berkley Lightning rod as my drop shot rod as it has a wonderfully fast action for $30. But the "cork composite" grips are a very thin top layer over an abysmally crap quality grip. 

44 minutes ago, schplurg said:

I've been thinking about this recently and I don't think I care whether they are foam or cork, outside of aesthetics.

 

Why? Because I never use the things outside of casting. Most of the time I have the reel in my hand and there is no grip there. Comfort is not a thing whatsoever. I can cast with either.

 

How you hold your rod definitely plays a big part in the functionality of the grip material. The way I hold my rods, my pinky and a slight bit of my palm is all that's really on the grip, so material doesn't matter too much. 

EVA for me. Don't know if anyone else has the issue but cork pulls the moisture out of my hands and is very uncomfortable to fish with. It gets to the point my hands will become chapped and start cracking and bleeding. 

5 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

EVA for me. Don't know if anyone else has the issue but cork pulls the moisture out of my hands and is very uncomfortable to fish with. It gets to the point my hands will become chapped and start cracking and bleeding. 

 

Yikes, that doesn't sound fun! Have you seen if cork sealer stops it?

Both for me #Expride.... LOL I did a hashtag ?

I prefer cork but have never decided on a rod because of the handle composition. 

1 hour ago, cdlittle said:

 

Yikes, that doesn't sound fun! Have you seen if cork sealer stops it?

It does not.

34 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

It does not.

 

Ah, my bad then. 

I have rods with both, and don't prefer one over the other. Honestly, I don't notice the difference in grip materials when I'm rotating through my rods. What I do notice is the different shapes/lengths of the fighting butts on each rod because I often cast two handed.

 

I wonder sometimes if the EVA grips are going to wear out faster than the cork. But after 5 years the grip on my Falcon Christie is in great condition so I should probably stop worrying. ?

High quality.  Whether that comes in EVA or cork, I do not care.  But if the quality between the two is the same, then I'll lean towards EVA due to the easier maintenance.