I'm using burl cork almost exclusively now but have a build coming up where I'll need nice regular high grade cork rings.

I have 2 choices here... order some cork from several different sponsors and see what shows up (and wasting some money in the process) or depend on you guys with good experiences getting accurately graded cork.

So my question is if you know of a sponsor who sells nice accurately graded cork rings would you please email me privately with the source? The last thing I want to do here is cause any of the sponsors any grief for any reason, that's why I ask that you email me and not make your response public.

Thanks in advance,
David

Best cork I've gotten in some time is through Andy Dear, aka Lamar Fishing in the sponsor list. I got it through Bingham Enterprises, also in the sponsor list. Really good stuff.

I agree with Mick.

Rich Matranga
Folsom, California

I like Andy's exotic cork myself.

Keep in mind that the only cork grade scale with a standard behind it, is the Rodmaker Cork Scale. Anything else is a potshot (exactly what is "flor" grade supposed to look like? Have you ever seen a standard for what constitutes "flor" or "AAA" or any of those silly "grades?")

Ask your dealer before he ships the cork whether he's sending you CG1, CG2 or CG3. That way you won't be in for any surprises.

And keep in mind that perfect cork, with zero flaws, is like a unicorn - it only exists in our imaginations.

...........

For high grade natural cork, Angler's Workshop is my choice.

I've moved more and more toward wooden grips and find I actually like them better in most cases. I have used them on several rods now and get good response from my clients as to look and feel and weight. I know some clients want only cork, but I have to say I'm sold on wood.

I recently met a local intarsia artist (makes fancy and cool stuff by inlaying different woods) and we are collaborating on creating some nice wooden handles and reel seats. We being mostly him since I have the ideas about what I want and he has the shop and the ability to build them. I am getting new samples every other day and his stuff looks pretty good to me.

Joe Douglas

Any one try? [www.cdtradinginc.com]

Do NOT waste your time or money. I tried some of C&Ds 5-Star and it was some of the worst crap I've very seen. Pits holes and craters. Awful, awful, awful. Luckily they did allow me to return it.

Only other person I know who also tried them had the same experience.

I saw some GREAT cork at the rod builders show in Charlotte this past February. Best to buy it is to buy it in person. Make sure to stock up this coming February. Andy Dear had some really good standard cork there.

Andy has my vote.

rhr

Andy has my vote.

rhr

Andy!!!!!!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Got one bag each of CG-1 and CG-2 from Andy Dear. As good as I've seen from any source, and properly, honestly graded. Expect top notch goods and fast service here. Skilled knowledge with enthusiasm in a wonderful thing.