U-40 Cork seal ?

[TMG]

I have some new rods coming in.
I've never sealed any of my handles.
Is there any downside to doing this ?

[Nick D]

I haven’t seen any downside in the last 3-4 years

[PerchHater]

just makes the cork a little darker. only "downside" I've noticed. seal away!

[JohnD.]

Do one with a small sponge brush , let it sit up over night and see how you like the feel of it. Imo it's worth it to keep the filler in the cork.
It does have kind of a slick feel to it. Shake it up well.

[bilgerat]

When the directions tell you to apply one thin coat only, they mean it. It works very well. I use a soft bristled women’s makeup brush to apply it.

[TMG]

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback.
I'll be placing an order shortly.

[DrewFlu33]

Agree with something JohnD mentioned: it does have a bit of a slick feel. I think it makes the cork a little more slippery when you first apply it. After it gets used for a day or so, it's back to acting like the cork did before anything was put on it.

[TMG]

I appreciate the feedback. I was concerned with changing the feel the the cork.

[Bronzefly]

I use U40 Cork Seal on every cork handled rod every time. It does ever so slightly darken the cork and at first, makes it feel a bit more slick, but as Drew said, with a little use, it doesn't significantly change the feel of the cork.

[TMG]

I use U40 Cork Seal on every cork handled rod every time. It does ever so slightly darken the cork and at first, makes it feel a bit more slick, but as Drew said, with a little use, it doesn't significantly change the feel of the cork.

Thank you. I ordered some from the Tackle Trap along with a legend glass spinning rod

[mizzoukispot]

I have some rods with cork seal and others without. All over 15 years old and fished hard in salt water. The cork sealed cork looks WAAAAAYYYYYY better. I don’t see a downside.

[Bassguy7]

I've never used it but am curious. I've read some negative reviews but I guess that is with everything. Isn't sealing cork defeating the purpose of it? I just feel weird brushing on a sealant to my $500 loomis rod lol.

[TMG]

I appreciate all the comments.
I've never used either, that's why I posted.

[bilgerat]

I usually treat my cork prior to the season and don't do anything until the following winter. A light scrub with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser gets the cork ready for another coat and another season on the water.

[cbburke74]

can I apply those if my cork is dirty :)

[krindgen]

Worth it just to keep the handles cleaner longer. Last new rod I did differently, I brillo padded it first to knock some of the filler out of the cork to see if I liked that better. Having a better grip. I haven't seen the need to reapply in successive years either. good stuff.

[TMG]

can I apply those if my cork is dirty :)

I just cleaned 2 old rods and sealed them. I plan on using them Sunday.

[Milehibird]

My 13 reels all have cork knobs. I just sealed all those over the winter.

[TMG]

can I apply those if my cork is dirty :)

I used the 2 older rods I cleaned and sealed today.
I just wiped them down with a baby wipe then sealed them.
Just like everyone said. It makes them a little darker.
Also a little slippery and shiny at first. After a few hours anywhere your holding the rod wears down and feels fine.
Going to do my new rods coming in.

[ss30378]

I use tru-oil to seal my cork, works on the same principle as u-40. Adds a shade of darkness to the cork (not a bad thing), but makes cleaning easier and it stays pretty longer. Well worth it.