The two main materials used in fishing rod handles are cork and EVA foam. When choosing a fishing rod handle, should you choose a cork handle or an EVA foam handle? Which material is better for the fishing rod handle? In fact, there is no best fishing rod handle material and no best fishing rod handle type, and each material has its advantages and disadvantages.
Cork Fishing Rod Handle
Cork refers to the phellem layer of bark tissue and is a natural material. The cork fishing rod handles are a favorite type of fishing rod handle for many seasoned anglers.
It has the following advantages:
1. Lightweight. The cork fishing rod handle weighs almost nothing, which means it adds minimal weight to your rod, allowing you to fish for long periods of time without getting tired.
2. Hydrophobicity. The cork fishing rod handle is hydrophobic, which means it's waterproof and stays dry without absorbing any liquids, plus it floats in the water in case you happen to drop your rod.
3. Good grip. The cork fishing rod handle can be a bit rough, but whether wet or dry, the cork fishing rod handles always give you a firm, non-slip grip.
4. Grip feeling. The grip of cork is unmatched by almost any other material, and the cork fishing rod handle holds heat very well. The cork fishing rod handle does not get cold when fishing in low temperatures.
5. Environmental protection. Cork is completely natural, so cork fishing rod handles are reusable and recyclable.
But cork fishing rod handle also has their downsides.
1. Poor durability. The cork fishing rod handles are prone to chipping and cracking, especially when used heavily in harsh conditions.
2. Difficult to maintain. One of the downsides of a cork fishing rod handle is that it can get dirty and even moldy easily. The cork fishing rod handles are not easy to clean, and you need to keep the cork dry after each use and cleaning so that it doesn't develop mildew.
3. High cost. The cork fishing rod handles don't come cheap, and cork trees are also prone to disease, which can create shortages and push up prices further.
EVA Foam Fishing Rod Handles
EVA (or Ethylene-vinyl acetate) is a polymer with high crack and abrasion resistance. EVA foam fishing rod handles are common in fishing rods today.
It has the following advantages:
1. Durability. EVA foam is a man-made material that is more durable than natural materials. It does not rip or crack easily, has strong aging resistance, and can withstand extreme temperatures.
2. Grip feeling. EVA foam fishing rod handles are much more comfortable than cork ones when fishing for large target fish. Because it's softer, it can absorb more force and won't break like a cork.
3. Strong plasticity. EVA foam fishing rod handles can be customized in a wide range of colors, and can also be engraved with any type of logo and text on the EVA.
4. Cheap. Compared to cork handles, EVA foam fishing rod handles are more affordable.
5. Easy to clean. EVA foam is non-absorbent, so dirt and mold won't stick to it easily, just wipe them with a damp cloth.
But EVA foam fishing rod handles also have drawbacks.
1. Not environmentally friendly. EVA foam is a plastic that goes through a chemical filling production process that is not sustainable and does not break down.
2. Poor grip. EVA foam fishing rod handles are soft and smooth and do not provide the best grip. Especially when wet, there is a risk of dropping the rod.
3. Suppress vibration. EVA foam dampens vibrations, which is actually very bad for fishing. If your fishing rod handle doesn't allow energy and vibrations to be transferred to your hands, you won't be able to feel the fish gnawing on your hook.
Post time: Oct-27-2022