12 years ago when I first got into fishing, EVA foam grips were everywhere.  Now the only rods I ever still see that have them are the Shakespeare Ugly Stik and a few other K-Mart $9.99 specials.  About everything else has cork.  Any reason why??  

Not that I'm complaining, I'm actually lovin' the cork handles on my rods.  All but one I own have cork and I'm likely to soon replace the one EVA foam handled rod I still have.  Just wondered is all.  

there are a few out there still

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCMCR.html

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCQUANTUM-QSCR.html

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCDAIWA-DSZC.html

those aint no $9.99 specials either!!

The only thing I can figure is "the powers that be" decided we needed to change ;D. Don't know if I think they are that much more comfortable, seem durable so far. Actually, still have a Lew's Speed Stick with the foam handle...

                                   As Ever,

                                    skillet

BTW you weren't kidding Red !!!

yeah i kinda like the handle on that cumara rod, i think if i ever get around to building another rod i would design my handle after that one.

IMO, cork doesnt absorb vibration like foam does. The foam seems to dampen the sensitivity of the rod

My local rod builder puts it on the back to give you comfort but thats it

I use EVA on almost all the rods I build.  I like the look, the weight, the durability, and the price.  Good cork is about $1.25/in.  Good hard EVA is a bit different than the bargain store specials.  My hands only touch the handle to cast anyway, not when working it.

Anthony

There is one thing foam does that cork can 't, foam grips with use take the shape of your hand making the extra comfortable to hold.

Maybe new EVA is better, but old EVA, like the old Ugly Sticks, used to deteriorate to the point of crumbling-I think due to reaction to time in the sunlight.  I stopped buying rods with it because of my experience with the crumbling, and when I started building rods, would not consider it.

Being a sort of traditionalist, I really like the look of cork on my rods, but have given in to technology by using the exotic burl in the natural and brown.

Most if not all offshore rods use eva foam grips. I don't think I have ever seen one use cork, though I'm sure there are some. The foam has to be a comfort thing.

All though a lot of the cheaper rods don't have EVA grips anymore, they don't have real cork either. I wanted to convert my flipping rod's handle to a split grip so before I did it on my good rod I decided to practice on a couple el cheapo rods that I had won in a raffle. All of the el cheapo rods had some kind of rubber inside and the cork on the outside was actually just cork tape.

Most saltwater/offshore rods actually use Hypalon, a rubber based material.  It is more durable than both cork and EVA but is not light.  

Anthony