Thanks to all that replied. Looks like 38% said don't do it and 62% said they use it on all their rods. I think I'm going to remain in the middle for now and have it on almost all of my setups but still haven't applied any to the more expensive rods that I ended up getting towards the end of last year. I might change my mind at some point but for now I'm happy to remain somewhere in the middle on this one. On another note as Tom pointed out you can also use a magic eraser to clean up your cork every once in a while and can confirm that works too.

Seal it. It penetrates. Lightly sand it and it feels like it did before you sealed it but it maintains all the benefits of sealed cork.

On 12/2/2025 at 5:15 PM, redmeansdistortion said:

You haven't lived until you've dyed your cork grips pink with spawn goo 🤭

Does it come in different colors

I never did till last year when I cleaned all my handles and then sealed them. I'm not sure it really does anything other than a slight cosmetic change, but since I already bought the bottle, I'll use it yearly until at least I finish what I currently have.

1 hour ago, wvhunt said:

I never did till last year when I cleaned all my handles and then sealed them. I'm not sure it really does anything other than a slight cosmetic change, but since I already bought the bottle, I'll use it yearly until at least I finish what I currently have.

While I can’t provide more than anecdotal information my St. Croix panfish elite rod which I never sealed looks absolutely rough compared to my rods that were sealed. Filler falling out and the handle looks it’s 8 years of age. Sun burnt and gnarly.

My SC legend elite medium which floats around and gets down right abused river fishing looks almost brand new still.

The jury may be out for some but I’ll continue to use sealer until there is proof it’s negatively impacting my gear.

On 12/2/2025 at 2:56 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

“Good” cork nowadays still has filler in it.

That's it right there. While I prefer cork, I've long since switched to other materials on any rods I build for myself because I like full handles and the price for what you get with cork just isn't there.