Have build over 50 "PANFISH" rods in last 10 years using cork for grips so I could design the "handle". Prefer cork to Eva but have to agree that a Eva rod is much lighter than cork (and I am using Portugese (not cheap) cork. So my self built rods stay home while I use the Eva rods with slight alterations (First guide is only 19" from reel which eliminated the line dance!)