Here's an interesting thought: how important is it to remove the plastic on newly bought cork rod handles?

I know that if moisture gets underneath it, it can rot the cork. But some of the rods I just bought have a super tight plastic wrapping and I don't see that being a problem. Does removing the plastic significantly affect rod sensitivity?

I also am not a huge fan of the texture of cork. I have some EVA foam rods but some of my rods are cork handles. I was thinking of coating my cork handles with some U-40 if I do decide to remove the plastic. Thoughts?

#1 You'll look like a fool.

#2 The wrap will be slippery when it gets wet.

#3 It tears and looks trashy in short order.

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#4. Roadwarrior response X2.

Be sure to take your time when removing it as it can be a pain in the fanny and you don't want to cut the cork. 

#1 You'll look like a fool.

#2 The wrap will be slippery when it gets wet.

#3 It tears and looks trashy in short order.

#4 Looks like hardcore redneck

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What Roadwarrior said!

Remove the plastic and treat the cork.

#1 You'll look like a fool.

#2 The wrap will be slippery when it gets wet.

#3 It tears and looks trashy in short order.

:

You had it nailed at #1...........LMAO ;D

What everyone else said, X10.

I don't think it could have been put any better than that....

I've saw rods wrapped w/ stuff like this.  Kind of makes your rod look like a golf club handle,  but would do the trick if you hate cork that much.

This might be a silly question, but why buy a rod if you don't like the grip material?

Probably 50% or more leave the plastic wrap on at the piers. These men and women are not sport fisherman, they fish for dinner. I don't much care for the look myself, but if they like it it's fine with me.

This might be a silly question, but why buy a rod if you don't like the grip material?

No, that's a fair question. I have some cork handles because those deals were too good to not get. For example, I got a Daiwa Cielo rod for $120 from TW when they had them on sale. I got a Shimano Compre for $70 during a sale as well.

That's why

Have you tried U40 Cork Sealer?  It changes the feel a bit, if you use a couple of thin coats.  Untreated cork feels weird to me now.  Too "dry" is all I could say to describe it. 

thanks for all the replies, everyone. I'm going to get myself some U-40 and try it out!

I like that rod wrap stuff.   I use it on most of my rods, no matter what the handle is made of.  I like it cause it makes the handle a little bit thicker and easier to grip.  The different colors help too.  Soft plastic baits - grey wrap, spinnerbaits - red wrap, crank rods - green wrap, etc.  It makes a difference when you've got 20 rods sprinkled all around  the boat.

This should take care of your problem:

http://www.***.com/Owner_Super_Cut_Braided_Line_Scissors/descpage-OSCS.html

ive been leaving the plastic on my rods for years now, it really adds so much sensitivity.  The first day that i left the plastic on, i won an elite series event on SML.  I do it and you should to.

ive been leaving the plastic on my rods for years now, it really adds so much sensitivity. The first day that i left the plastic on, i won an elite series event on SML. I do it and you should to.

How?

ive been leaving the plastic on my rods for years now, it really adds so much sensitivity. The first day that i left the plastic on, i won an elite series event on SML. I do it and you should to.

How?

Re-read everything he typed.  Think about it for a moment, then re-post your reply.

ive been leaving the plastic on my rods for years now, it really adds so much sensitivity. The first day that i left the plastic on, i won an elite series event on SML. I do it and you should to.

How?

haha ya reread what i posted and hopefully you will understand.

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

Still don't get it. Am I missing something?

Still don't get it. Am I missing something?

Annnnd he hit's it deep!  It's going out into left field where it drops in!

Notice the part where he said the first day he tried it he won an Elite Series event on SML?  Call me crazy, but Carrington aint fishing the Elites, Bassclary.

Still don't get it. Am I missing something?

You are getting to about that age...

you will understand in a few years man..  haha