Real cork vs Cork Tape handles

[SeaWolf]

there are advantages of using cork tape vs using real cork for grips. one major disadvantage to using real cork is cost. it's much more expensive. real cork can get a more slippery feeling when compared to cork tape. cork tape is easy to replace once worn, but real cork is labor intensive and again, expensive to replace. using the 3m type grip material similar to loomis rods is not much better. it can be slippery when wet and is abrasive on your hands. but, real cork can be more attractive on/to a rod. i use real cork on most of my boat rods for fore grips and sometimes on all grips. surf rods get cork tape.

the final say is what the customer wants and likes. if you like real cork, go for it. if you think cork tape will fit the job, go for it.