View Full Version : Wood or Cork Handle?
Spinner
07-13-2001, 09:03 AM
I see a company (Red Barn Rods) marketing their rods with a wood handle. They state it is more sensative than a cork handle. Anyone have an experience with this type of handle?
AquaMan
07-13-2001, 09:16 AM
LAST EDITED ON Jul-13-01 AT 11:46AM (CST)[p]I saw them the other night on Ron Silly's MN Bound. Nice looking rods, but I wondered the same thing. The guy that makes them guarantees that you will catch more fish with his rods.
Don't know about that, but technically, the more solid the device, the better it will transfer vibrations...to a point. Density and mass can also dampen vibration.
Since I have not held one, I cannot comment, but they sure are purrrdy rods! Hand turned exotic wood handles, nice graphite blanks and truely artistic wrapping. More like furniture.
Where have you seen the ads?
AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.·´¯° --- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"
Eric@crowncomputerinc.com
SetTheHook
07-13-2001, 11:09 AM
They have a website:
redbarnrods.com/
They are pretty, kind of look like furniture. I'd like to hear from anyone who has used them.
cisco
07-13-2001, 11:50 AM
I was given one as a gift. I use it sparingly, and then only when casting spinner baits or plugs. For one to sense those fine vibrations and gentle pickups, one must possess some sensitivity in one's hands -- mine are about as sensitive as bear paws inside Arctic mittens.
Shakespeare's downrigger rods were all wood handled a few years back. Mine are still going strong. Obviously, the purpose for those is the durability you get for constantly placing in, and removing from, the rod holders (assuming you catch fish).
Perhaps,
As like anything else, there are tradeoffs.
In this particular case, you are trading one thing - in theory (sensitivity) for weight ( i.e. cork is a very very light substance.
The other thing to consider is the feel of the handle -- cork has a warm, semisoft feel, that makes holding a rod all day, pleasurable.
On the other hand, a solid wood handle, is hard, very tough, resistent to nicks and dings etc.
If I was to choose a handle that was going to be hand held, I have to admit, it would go to cork every time. It is tough to beat a well made first rate cork handle.
On the other hand, for long term toughness, beauty, and if I wanted a tough handled trolling rod, I would go with the wood.
Take care
REW