Cork sealer yay or nay? (2025)

8

80302

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Dec 9, 2020

  • #1

I have a few new rods purchased this year. I'm thinking I may cork seal these bad boys as a experiment to see how if any difference will be made in the long run.
I have mint condition Far and Fines that won't be any part of this experiment.... : ]

So I'm just looking to what others have experienced cork sealing a handle. Thanks!

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Ard

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Dec 9, 2020

  • #2

Never did it LOC, my oldest fly rod is a 1964 Orvis Light Salmon bamboo that has seen plenty of use. I also have a Far & Fine I have used every year since 1979 and the corks on both appear to be fine sans any unusual wear. Newer rods include some Sage and Guideline Spey that were quite expensive and I never thought of doing it to them either.

You ask Cork sealer yay or nay? (2)

silver creek

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #3

No sealer for me.

Daz

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #4

Absolutely yes. Every rod that I buy, new or used get U-40'd. If new I do a quick wipe and then let dry and U-40. If used it gets a mild S&W/Magic Eraser session followed by a rinse/dry and then U-40. The clean up makes it look and feel like new and the U-40 keeps it that way. I use it on every cork handled rod I have.

U

Unknownflyman

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #5

It's a no way for me.

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sgp

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #6

I purchased a rod from a company that no longer exists and it came with the cork sealed. Aesthetically I didn't like the look and when wet it became a little slippery. This could have had something to do with the product used, but it's a definite no for me.

T

trev

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #7

No, no, no..... not no how. I believe cork like leather needs to breathe and exchange moisture with the air. If I wanted a plastic finish I would use plastic instead of cork.

trout trekker

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #8

Nej, Nein, N'yet.

hollisd

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #9

Fly rods use AAA grade cork for the visceral connection while fishing. Even low grade cork with huge chunks missing feels better in hand than sealer.

Daz

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #10

Interesting (to me) responses.

I'm going to guess that it all depends on how and with what they're sealed. As I said above, I use U-40 on every cork handled rod. It doesn't change the color or appearance, and I don't think it really changes the feel when wet - It definitely doesn't make it slippery. It does however keep the cork clean and any gunk wipes right off.

Here's the stuff I use: U-40 Cork Seal (2 oz.) | mudhole.com

S

skunkedalot

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #11

swfl daz said:

Interesting (to me) responses.

I'm going to guess that it all depends on how and with what they're sealed. As I said above, I use U-40 on every cork handled rod. It doesn't change the color or appearance, and I don't think it really changes the feel when wet - It definitely doesn't make it slippery. It does however keep the cork clean and any gunk wipes right off.

Here's the stuff I use: U-40 Cork Seal (2 oz.) | mudhole.com

YES YES YES, I use u 40 on all of my rods. the stuff is terrific
if you buy a rod, make sure the cork is clean and dry.
once dry- follow the directions and apply u- 40.
u- 40 is especially important as today's cork handles are full of filler which will chip or fall out . the u 40 keeps it intact.
i also have used u-40 on my vintage rods after a cleaning. the rods look brand new after application. it is worth every penny.

ratchet

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #12

I too use U-40 Cork Sealer on most of my cork flyrod handles (all of my flyrods used in the salt are sealed). On a new handle, I apply a rather thick coat to get good penetration into the porous cork, wait a couple minutes, then wipe off all of the excess off with a clean rag. It doesn't really change the color of the cork (maybe darken it slightly) but does help retain the filler that is present of every rod I own, even my Sage ONE. The mistake is to not wipe off all of the excess and to let the thick coating dry on the handle.

I'm sure it is all personal preference. I dislike the spongy feel of cork that has huge chunks of filler missing under my thumb while casting.

sweetandsalt

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #13

I'm another NAY. While I do periodically clean my grips of sunscreen, fish mucus and other grime I like my cork tactility au natural. I'll spare you the vinyl couch cover analogy. Good quality cork ages gracefully.

hollisd

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #14

Cork sealer is like covering your vehicle seats in vinyl.

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slinginbugs

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #15

Never.

J

joe_strummer

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #16

Nope.

Annual cleaning, all rods.

jayr

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #17

Nope as well.

R

rockriver

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #18

Never used it and don't plan on ever using it.

duker

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #19

No sealer for me. The only thing covering my cork grips is flop sweat after I lose a fish. And I clean that off after every fishing trip.

S

slinginbugs

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Dec 10, 2020

  • #20

Cork should show its wear in my opinion. It should remind you of all the places you fished the rod and all the fish you've caught with it Cork sealer yay or nay? (13)

Good quality cork lasts a very long time with normal use and you make sure the rod is completely dry before you place it in the tube etc.

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