Are there any considerations for cork vs. carbon fiber grip on a tropical saltwater 8wt. build?

I can't think of any angling environment where cork or CF cannot be used, but It would be unfair to compare cork with carbon fiber based on mechanical properties only.

I like the feel of the cork better than CF, but I like the durability of CF better than cork.

Both materials will suit your needs though I think cork will require more care and maintenance.

A lot depends on how the rod will be used, if the abuse factor is high I would lean to CF.

My personal rods have a CF fore grip and a cork rear grip.

Have fun

Either will work fine. Since you will be rinsing the rod with lots of fresh water after every day on the water be sure that you use plenty of epoxy at all points of the build to ensure that water does not penetrate into the "guts." Not that with quality components it would be a big problem, but just to be safe. Don't believe those who tell you to immerse the rod and reel. Not necessary and risky for the reel.

I have fly rods built with both, and both are comfortable and functional. The CF grip is basically bullet proof, and doesn’t get grungy looking like cork does after extended use. I like both. If you haven’t tried a CF grip give one a go. I have used both the CFX and NFC fly rod grips both and are very similar to each other. NFC has the full Wells CF grip on sale for half price ($14.50), a great deal.
Norm

Cork does give the advantage of allowing you to shape it. If you buy a CF grip already made you don't have that option. I found myself wishing the NFC full wells was just a tad larger in diameter. I haven't fished it yet so I may end up preferring the diameter though.

IIRC Tom had commented that a CF grip on a fly rod (in particular) is more efficient and reduces fatigue. I think it was due to not being as compressible but you'd have to search posts or ask him.

Chances are you know how cork feels and performs. Why not give the CF a try and decide for yourself. On a 4 pc fly rod it shouldn't be too much work to replace the grip if you don't like it and chances are it will be cheaper than a decent to good quality cork grip.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I installed CF grips on 3 of my personal fly rods. Before I installed them I wet with them TAP water to check if they became slippery when wet. They did not - they actually became more "grippy".
But - they were very slippery when I fished with them in SALT water. Also, were hard on the casting hand after hours of casting. So, I replaced them with cork and never looked back - until 2 months ago.
One of my customers decided he would make custom grips and leave the weave unfinished.
They were very "grippy" even in salt water. But the texture produced blisters in 20 minutes of casting. So, a casting glove is needed. I plan to use this rod for Stripers in RI this Spring thru the Fall to evaluate it thoroughly.
Even if I leave the CF grip on this rob - I will stick to cork for other rods
Herb

Thank you for the responses! Sounds like either will work, but cork may still have an edge over CF.

Cork is also lighter. Not sure if that is an advantage.

Just weighed a cork full wells grip ( decent cork but not the best) vs a CFX CF full well of approximately the same size and the CF grip was a few grams lighter. Also weighed an NFC CF full Wells grip and it was also lighter than the cork grip, but it was also a little shorter than the cork grip. Comparing CF grips from various manufacturers the CFX grips were the lightest, then the NFC grips, next, and the Batson grips the heaviest. It depends on the density of the foam used for the core.
Norm