Mentally compare a Leonard made 60-70 years ago to an Elkhorn built yesterday. So many things would be different - Cane vs. Graphite, Nickel Silver Ferrules vs. Self-ferrules, Small guides vs. Large guides, silk thread vs. nylon thread, varnish vs. epoxy, polished metal reel seat vs. anodized alloy metal... Only one thing would not be different, the grip-still made of 1/2" cork rings glued and turned to one of 4-5 classic shapes. Why hasn't that changed?

There are rods with Eva Foam grips, but those disappear when the price reaches a certain level. I can get Eva Foam wraps to cover cork grips. But cork is still there on all premium rods. That is about the same with all freshwater fishing rods.

Is there something coming to change that, just around the bend or just over the horizon? I am just curious...