Korker Modifications

[ChiefLinesider]

Originally Posted by spinncognito

My question to all of you seasoned Korker-Wearers: Are Korkers worth the $90, do they in your experience fall apart quickly and has anyone ever modified them or like my cheap-o self, attempted to make their own?

K 1000 Plus- Just push in some new spikes when they wear out. $65.00 & more spikes than the regular 1000's. The threaded spikes in the 5000's dont hold up & are difficult to replace once the rust gets to them.

I leave them strapped on my waders unless im going to be walking on pavement for a while. Your Korkers & spikes will last alot longer if you rinse them really well in fresh water after.

[SirWinston]

I just would not go on the rocks without my korkers. Like someone mentioned above, it doesn't mean that you won't slip, but it definitely means that the likelihood of it happening is seriously reduced, and that, if you do go down, the studs are going to help you to get purchase during that all-important period of trying to stop the inexorable slide toward the water and get back out of the wave's reach !! (Been there, done that, and VERY glad to have the korkers).

I use the 1100's, which are the lace-up ones. These are a lot cheaper than the 5500's (buckle), are much lighter, and feel more secure with a double knot, IMHO. I have been told me that there have been times when waves/rocks etc have resulted in buckles self-releasing, which is not a good feeling at any point on the rocks....

The studs appear to wear down reeeeally fast, but the replacement tool and spare studs has been a great investment - I check them before each foray on the rocks, and it takes a minute or so to replace with new ones, once you have the hang of it. Last season I went through a bag of 15 or so studs. Just knowing that all of them were working well is a good feeling at dark-thirty perched on a rock!

I know it comes down to a personal choice, but my choice is that I will not go on the rocks without them!!

[Diggin Jiggin]

I did the screw thing last year. And for a while it was ok, but as soon
as the tips of the screws get rounded they are not sharp enough to dig in and on a tilted rock you start sliding around. Not good.

Last fall I bought a pair of boots that had felt soles and for bare rock they were better than my korkers with the screws, but not as good as the original korkers.

[decksweeper]

the Korkers wetlands are on clearance right now that he Sierratradingpost.com under $50....

[alb31]

I always liked a workmans rubber with a dozen golf spikes in each one to be better than the korker. You use a workmans rubber one size smaller than your wader boot foot so it will fit tight. Because they have a flat wide bottom "sole"they travel well walking in the sand. They are easy to make. An outfit called walts walkers use to make them but I think they are gone now. Just my 2 cents.

[Back Beach]

I used to use corkers all the time until I got felt sole waders. They provide plenty of traction, unless you are on bubble weed. Most of the rocks I fish are just moss covered or dry, and I don't feel the corkers provide much added protection. I do keep a good set of gladiator korkers in the vehicle at all times just in case, but they seem to get less and less use as I become more comfortable with the felts. Biggest reason behind my declining corker use is that I used to trip and fall/stumble in them too often for my liking. Had many more hazardous situations with them than without. Don't take my word as gospel, though. Use your common sense and most importantly,do what works best for your situation.

[stiff tip]

ok boys heres my 2 cents.......ive been using felts first then found out about korkes, about 30yrs ago... been through about 4or5 pairs so far...... best ones are the custon fit to your boot size model k-5000 w/screw in replaceable carbine studs.... buy them new and take and remove studds and reinstall studds w a dab of good glue on the threads....most times studs will stay for life.... as for price,,, how much is a pair of ripped boots worth, or a gash on the head, in the middle or the night... there also good for ice cleats......

[ChiefLinesider]

TIP


If you are changing out the push in type spikes. I use a large flathead screwdriver to pry them out. And instead of buying a korker spike replacement tool which is really awkward to use in your hand & extra money. I find that a little water & an interchangeable screwdriver without the bit in it is PERFECT for pushing in a new spike. And most everyone has one layer around (& most of the time without the bits )

[tattoobob]

I started using screws a few years back, I found that I would loose a couple of screws (like studs) every time out. So I got some fender washers and I have not had a screw come out sense, I do need to replace the screws 2 to 3 times a year. I don't feel like I even have them on anymore. If I have to walk I carry them and put them on at the spot.

I need to do something with the straps this winter they are starting to tear thru from rock rubbing and climbing, I added D-rings to them and I can really get them tight I never have to retighten anymore.

[jim sylvester]

Originally Posted by tattoobob

I started using screws a few years back, I found that I would loose a couple of screws (like studs) every time out. So I got some fender washers and I have not had a screw come out sense, I do need to replace the screws 2 to 3 times a year. I don't feel like I even have them on anymore. If I have to walk I carry them and put them on at the spot.

I need to do something with the straps this winter they are starting to tear thru from rock rubbing and climbing, I added D-rings to them and I can really get them tight I never have to retighten anymore.

\

bob,
talk to dz about modifying them with garden hoses

[piemma]

Originally Posted by SAXATILUS

Duct tape dude, I had the same problem a couple of times in some of the worst places. Duct tape takes care of the problem. Five tight wraps every time out and they never come off.

AMEN!!! I've done the duct tape for years and you can't beat it. Korkers stay on and a BIG roll of duct tape at Ocean Stae Job Lot is 3 bucks. I replace the tape maybe every 3 trips. As for studs falling out. I wear em out before they fall out. A bag of 60 from Korkers is $18.00 and will last you a couple of seasons

[JFigliuolo]

Not sure id this link will get edited... If it does PM me for it. It's on SOL...

It's for making the Korker Mod...
http://www.stripersonline.com/Pages/...fication.shtml

[Rockport24]

I've seen that on SOL, isn't that the same as DZ's method though? Or very very close to it?

[JFigliuolo]

Yup. same I think.

[The Dad Fisherman]

I thought DZ's had the screw heads on the Bottom? Where those have the heads on top

[Rockport24]

screw heads on the bottom?

[JFigliuolo]

I would think screw heads on the bottom would suck more than nothing at all.

[tattoobob]

Originally Posted by jim sylvester

\

bob,
talk to dz about modifying them with garden hoses

I saw Dennis's last fall on BI and I am going to try something like that just a little different

[Pete F.]

Originally Posted by tattoobob

I saw Dennis's last fall on BI and I am going to try something like that just a little different

You could read that two ways

[tattoobob]

Dirty Boy

[Pete F.]

Originally Posted by tattoobob

Dirty Boy

Make that three ways

[BobT]

I love my 1100's. Just replace the laces with good parachute cord. Only had to replace 1 stud last year and added a few more studs last week for good measure. I've heard of problems with the 5000's.

[surfer247]

I don't want anybody getting hurt on my advice,but have you tried just felt soles,I'm like a mountain goat on wet rocks with them.el-cheapo might just buy the replacement felt soles and glue them onto your sneakers.

[BobT]

Tatoobob.............where did you get the D rings??????

[tattoobob]

Originally Posted by BobT

Tatoobob.............where did you get the D rings??????

Wal-Mart in the sewing crafts section, they were a little big, I just squeezed them together

[BobT]

[Joe]

If you think you'll be fine in felt soles fishing the Rhody shore - your fishing is probably confined to a small area....north of Narraganset Pier - my guess. There are a lot good spots in that area that are high enough so they are not submerged long enough to grow slime....If you start fishing the rocks south of the pier without Korkers, you're asking for it. Korkers saved my life on two occasions.

Yes - I sell them, but I could care less if you bought them off me - they are one of my lowest margin items. Korkers are a necessity - on your way down the face of a slimy rock, you're gonna remember this.

I know Steve M does not use them - he's forgotten more than I know, so I'm not going to diss him. It's a huge mistake for the vast majority of people to assume they can do something just because someone else can. If you look close at his collar you'll see a faint outline of what I think is a gill plate.

[Rockport24]

Originally Posted by Joe

I know Steve M does not use them - he's forgotten more than I know, so I'm not going to diss him. It's a huge mistake for the vast majority of people to assume they can do something just because someone else can. If you look close at his collar you'll see a faint outline of what I think is a gill plate.

LOL...
yeah I totally agree with Joe here, I have found that I have no problems at all with just felts on wet rocks WITH NO SLIME OR WEED, but if either of them are present, korkers are an absolute must. On the North shore at least, every rocky area is unfishable at low tide without korkers in my opinion.

[BassNuts]

Replace the studs with #10-24 x 3/4 long machine screws with Nylok nuts and flat washers...works for me out at Montauk. Also, to keep them from slipping off, put a 2" long s/s or galvanized screw thru the plate in the rear into the heel of your boot...I've never lost a Korker. (I'm talking about the old ones...with laces. (replace them with 3/16" parachute cord)