I don't keep up with all the latest trends in bass fishing like I use to but I couldn't help but notice a lot of the new rods I am seeing have foam handles on them now.

When I got my first bait cast rod probably 30+ years ago it was a Shimano Speedmaster combo with a foam pistol grip handle. Loved the reel but hated the foam handle. Was so glad when cork handles became mainstream and I never looked back. I thought the foam handle rod was all but dead but now I am seeing more and more of them.

WHY??? Is there something different this time around that I am not aware of, or is this just another one of those trends that comes and goes kind of like the red hooks?

Maybe the foam pistol grip rod is set for a comeback as well??

I like cork handles.. I have a couple foam but they don�t get used near a much. Just like the feel I guess..

I think a lot of it is that Foam today is not what foam was 30 years ago, it is much sturdier now. And this is just speculation, but cork will continue to get more expensive, it is being used in more things these days then it was 30 years ago and supply will continue to get lower. Cork is a sustainable resource but I believe I read somewhere that it is not growing quick enough for the current supply which is why more and more wine bottles are coming with other material and twist tops.

I can't stand cork. Give me EVA any day. I am probably in the minority, but I get that nails on chalkboard effect with dry cork And dry hands.

Love cork and the feel, don't live EVA to slick IMO. But with my rods that have EVA I have covered them all with the new Wynn's wrap and love the feel.

Probably due to cost mostly. Maybe some modernization as well.

there is a shortage of cork from the wine industry.

Come to think of it, my wife probably goes through a couple of potential cork handles a week. Maybe they should start a recycle program at Bass Pro?

mine drinks from a box with a spigot. Lol

Lol we bought a nice bottle of wine for New Year�s Eve .. I pulled the cork and thought .. man that would make a beautiful rod handle if a guy had enough of it. I didn�t say a word .. I just thought it. You guys make me feel better about this obsession !

I have rods with both. Much prefer the feel of cork.

I like cork. That foam don't hold up and starts looking like [censored].

No way I'm using foam, over cork. Never have in 40 yrs., not startin' now. If cork becomes to hard to get supply, then I'll just have to make do with the hundreds of cork handled rods that I already own.

What, you don't want all your rods to feel like you bought them for $12.99 at Walmart?

Manufacturers/vendors the world over will peddle the least desirable [censored] they can find to us as long as people keep buying.

I have both types in my boat. I honestly dont ever feel the difference. The foam may get a little slicker when its rainy out