I'm about to start rebuilding my first two rods. My question is, which grip do you like better and why? Is either one of them lighter? Benefits of either? Is one easyer to work with then the other? Your thoughts please.
I'm about to start rebuilding my first two rods. My question is, which grip do you like better and why? Is either one of them lighter? Benefits of either? Is one easyer to work with then the other? Your thoughts please.
Personally, I love the look and feel of cork, but the prices are insane for the good stuff.
EVA takes a little longer to work, but is more forgiving, lasts longer without maintence and depending on the batch lighter than cork.
I like EVA. If you're doing it for intangible looks, mother nature and cork are awesome. I chose EVA for my first rod project because I analyzed everything I liked about my various rods and well I just concluded I liked the EVA for how long it holds up, and comfort. Now had I sealed the cork on the new rods when I first purchased them, well some of my failing cork might be good still, but I certainly didn't think about that when I bought them.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."
I really like cork and IMO it is the best handle material. With that said, the quality of the cork lately SUCKS and the super good stuff is high dollar. Lately I have been building my spinning rods with one ring on each side of the reel seat and using burl cork. I have been using 3 burl rings and one rubberized ring for the rod butt. I know the burl is heaver but the the use of only 2 rings at the reel seat and a total of 4 rings at the butt helps the rod balance for a great feel in your hand.
The same handle can be made lighter using regular cork.
Good Luck
Here are two identically shaped split grips I bought last week from Swampland Tackle. I wanted to buy them together to compare them.
The EVA on the 6'6" worm rod was $4.95 and the cork on the 6' spinnerbait rod was $13.95!!!!!!
Both were pretty easy to ream. If anything the EVA was a bit easier because it didn't want to chip or chunk. Aesthetically, the cork is a little more pleasing to my eye. Functionally, however, I don't see enough difference to justify the extra $9 for the cork. Just my 2¢ worth.
Modified by ReelDoc at 7:35 PM 2/1/2010
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It is really a matter of opinion. I have found that when eva gets wet it becomes slippery. Cork is a little harder to work with unless you buy premade. I like to mix it up a bit as you can see in the pics. I like to install eva as the fighting butt b/c it is a little heavier and helps balance the rod. It's all about trial and error. I have been doing this for years and still couldn't tell you the best way b/c in the end it is what the customer wants.
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Wow you guys do some nice work. I hope mine turn out half as nice as yours. I see alot of guys using the pac bay minima seats. I was thinking of going with those also. I'm leaning more towards the eva right now because I want to do the first one cheap. I don't want to spend a ton of money and then be pissed off if it comes out like looking like crap. Thanks, I really appreciate all of the help. Keep it coming. I will keep ya updated on the progress.
If this is your very first build then don't go spending a bunch of money, my thoughts anyway. When I first started I bought a couple of the kits that mudhole sells that are pretty reasonable just to get some experience. Another way to work on your wrapping and finishing is to take the guides off of a broken rod or one that you don't use anymore that's just collecting dust. Be happy with your work before you turn yourself loose. Once you feel comfortable with your skill level the go out and buy a nice blank, guides etc.. I was told this by a very reputable builder and it was some fantastic advice.
My thoughts exactly. For my first ones, I'm rebuilding two that I haven't used very much lately. I'm reusing guides, but changing out grips and seats. The part I'm most worried about is the wrapping. I'm laid off right now, so all I have is time. As long as I don't rush myself, I think I can do it.
Don't sweat it, it's not rocket science. Everythign will be easy as long as you take your time. Well, everything but the finish. Expect to screw up at least three or four times before you get it looking good. There's a learning curve there.
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