I just read something about Grade A cork grips and that got me thinking...What's the difference in the grades of cork used for grips and how does that translate to the angler?  are better grades more sensitive?  etc.  

Higher gradings mean better quality ( more density, less grain ) and in the long run it means more durability and less wear prone, the cork won 't fall appart with time.

better cork = less filler.  most cork is full of pits and trenches.  Anything close to "solid" is very expensive.  Most factory rods have grips full of cork filler.  After a while and a few washings, the filler generally comes out.

 After a while and a few washings, the filler generally comes out.

Flechero, would the cork sealers like U-40 have any effect on this?

Thanks

lubina,

Yes it does.

Yes, the sealers will hold it in longer, much longer.  I don't like sealer on my own rods so I used to re-fill them as needed.  (it only takes a few minutes per rod.)

With the exotic burl, there isn't any filler to come out so wash when needed and keep on fishing.

One thing I have found though with the sealer on a new rod grip is that it can show the fillers (causes a color shift in the filler areas) in some new grips. Would be wise to test on a small section of the grip to see if you like it. But then as flechero and myself have stated that's why we build with burl's, no fillers and more density to help with balance (by positioning).

Tight Lines!!!!  

One thing I have found though with the sealer on a new rod grip is that it can show the fillers (causes a color shift in the filler areas)

Yup, it does just like stain will do on a piece of wood, highligting the grain, or in this case, filer too.